Whatever you drive, we’ve got the gear and expertise to assist — from everyday cars to heavy machinery. We provide fast, professional towing services in Tacoma, WA and surrounding areas, available 24/7 to handle any roadside emergency. Our team is equipped to help get you and your vehicle to safety, whether it's a short local tow or a long-distance haul.
Towing service refers to the professional transport of vehicles that are inoperable, illegally parked, or otherwise need relocation. Tow trucks safely move vehicles from where they're stranded to a repair shop, impound lot, or other destination. These services are essential for a wide range of situations and vehicle types, including:
In all these cases, a professional towing service ensures the vehicle is moved without causing further damage.
Depending on your vehicle and situation, different towing methods are used to safely transport the vehicle. Choosing the right method can make a big difference in safety and cost. Here are the most common types of towing services:
Flatbed towing is widely considered the safest and most versatile towing method. A flatbed tow truck has a large flat platform that can tilt and slide to ground level. The disabled vehicle is loaded completely onto the truck bed (either by driving it on or using a winch), so all four wheels are off the ground during transport. This approach prevents wear on tires and avoids stress on the vehicle's suspension or transmission. Flatbed towing is especially suited for long-distance towing and for vehicles that are all-wheel drive, have low ground clearance, or are heavily damaged. By keeping the towed vehicle fully off the road, flatbeds provide a secure ride and minimize risk from road debris.
Hook and chain towing is a traditional method that uses chains to secure and lift one end of the towed vehicle by its axle or frame. The other end of the vehicle remains on the ground and rolls on its own wheels. This method was common in the past but is now used sparingly, because the chains can scratch the vehicle's body or damage the undercarriage. Hook and chain towing puts a lot of stress on the towed vehicle and can potentially bend axles or frames. Today, it's generally reserved for wrecked or junk vehicles where additional damage isn't a concern. For most modern vehicles, more gentle towing methods like flatbeds or wheel-lifts are preferred to avoid damage.
Wheel-lift towing involves a tow truck with a hydraulic metal yoke that slides under the front or rear wheels of the disabled vehicle, lifting those wheels off the ground. The other two wheels remain on the road and roll during the tow. This method is an evolution of the old hook-and-chain technique, but it's much safer for the car being towed – the metal yoke supports the tires (often with rubber pads) instead of touching the vehicle's frame, reducing the chance of damage. Wheel-lift towing is quicker to set up than a flatbed and is great for short-distance tows or in congested urban areas where a flatbed might not maneuver easily. It's a cost-effective option for towing cars and light trucks. However, wheel-lift is generally used for two-wheel-drive vehicles; if a vehicle is all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, the tow operator will attach a dolly to lift the remaining wheels off the ground, preventing driveline damage during the tow.
Dolly towing uses a small two-wheel trailer (called a tow dolly) that lifts the front wheels of the vehicle off the ground, while the rear wheels stay on the road. The disabled car's front tires rest on the dolly, and its back tires roll as the tow truck pulls it. This method is commonly used for front-wheel-drive cars, and it can be a practical solution for medium to long distances when you don't want to add mileage or wear to the vehicle's drivetrain. Tow dollies are also used in combination with wheel-lift trucks for vehicles that require all four wheels off the ground (for example, towing an AWD vehicle – the front wheels might be lifted by the truck's yoke and the rear wheels on the dolly). Dolly towing is a bit more involved to set up than a straight wheel-lift, but it's very useful for certain scenarios, like towing a car behind a moving truck or RV, or getting a vehicle out of a tight space without a flatbed. It's a safe and effective method as long as the proper precautions are taken (such as securing the towed vehicle and obeying speed limits while towing).
For large or heavy vehicles, standard tow trucks aren't enough — that's where heavy duty towing comes in. We specialize in heavy duty towing for commercial and oversized vehicles that exceed the weight or size limits of regular tow trucks. Heavy duty towing involves the transport of big vehicles such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, RVs, or construction equipment. Handling these massive loads requires specialized tow trucks (often called wreckers) equipped with high-capacity hydraulics, boom lifts, sturdy wheel-lifts, and powerful winches.
Towing a full-size semi-truck (18-wheeler) is a job for experts. Semi trucks and tractor-trailers are among the heaviest vehicles on the road, often weighing tens of thousands of pounds, and they require robust equipment to tow safely. Our team provides professional semi-truck towing services for instances like highway breakdowns, jackknifed trailers, or accident recoveries. We have heavy-duty wreckers capable of handling the length and weight of loaded semis without causing further damage. Time is critical when a big rig is down – every minute of delay can cost money in deliveries. That's why we prioritize rapid dispatch for semi-truck incidents. Whether your semi has engine trouble on I-5 or needs a long-distance tow, we're prepared to get you back on the road quickly with minimal disruption.
Box trucks (also known as cube vans or straight trucks) are vital for local deliveries and moving services, but their size can pose a towing challenge. We offer dedicated box truck towing to handle these vehicles safely and efficiently. Box trucks are heavier and taller than regular pickups or vans, requiring specialized towing techniques and equipment. Our team is experienced in towing box trucks ranging from small 10-foot delivery vans up to 26-foot moving trucks. We know how to tow box trucks securely, even in tight city streets or busy traffic. From broken-down U-Haul trucks to stalled parcel delivery vans, we can lift and transport them without causing damage. We often use flatbeds or heavy wheel-lifts to accommodate the box truck's dimensions, and if needed, we can perform winch-outs if a box truck is stuck (for instance, on a loading ramp or in mud).
Recreational vehicles are your home on wheels – when they need towing, you want someone you can trust to handle them with care. Our team provides heavy-duty towing for motorhomes and RVs, including Class A motorhomes (bus-style RVs), Class C campers, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and more. Towing a motorhome or large RV requires extra caution and the right equipment because of their length and interior contents. We have the capacity to tow big RVs safely, whether you're stranded on a road trip or need to move an RV to a storage location. Our experts understand the unique hookups for RVs and trailer towing, ensuring a secure connection from hitch to tow truck. We'll make sure your RV is transported smoothly without damage protecting both the vehicle's mechanical systems and the living quarters inside.
When a bus breaks down, it can be a daunting situation due to its size and the number of passengers it carries. We provide reliable bus towing for all types of buses from school buses and public transit buses to charter coaches and shuttle buses. Our heavy-duty tow trucks and trained operators can handle the weight and length of buses, using specialized techniques to ensure a smooth, damage-free tow every time. We understand that getting a bus back on route quickly is important for safety and schedule commitments. Whether a bus has engine failure, a transmission issue, or was in an accident, we respond rapidly to get it off the road and to a safe location or repair facility. Our team coordinates carefully, especially if passengers are involved, to provide assistance as safely and efficiently as possible.
Not sure if you need to call for a tow? Anytime your vehicle is not safe to drive or cannot move on its own, you should consider a towing service. Here are some common scenarios when calling a tow truck is necessary:
In any of these cases, a professional towing service provides the equipment and know-how to resolve the situation. It's better to call for a tow rather than risk driving a compromised vehicle and endangering yourself or others on the road.
When you're stranded on the side of the road, you need a reliable towing service that you can count on in a hurry. Reliability is about more than just showing up – it's about professionalism, speed, and care. A dependable tow company prioritizes prompt response, so help arrives quickly to get you and your vehicle to safety. We understand that every minute counts, especially in high-traffic areas or unsafe conditions, which is why our dispatchers and drivers work efficiently to reach you as fast as possible.
At PROX Towing & Recovery, we pride ourselves on our professional and experienced team. Our operators are trained to handle all types of vehicles – from motorcycles to big rigs – with utmost care. This expertise ensures your car is hooked up correctly and transported without causing any additional damage. We also invest in modern tow trucks and equipment, because having the right tools is critical for a safe and smooth tow. From hydraulic flatbeds to heavy-duty wreckers, our fleet is well-maintained and ready for any challenge.
Safety and customer peace of mind are our top priorities. We are fully licensed and insured, and we maintain strict safety protocols on every job. Our team communicates clearly with you about the plan for your tow or recovery, so you know what to expect. With us, there are no surprises – just transparent, trustworthy service. Reliable towing means you can relax knowing help is on the way, and we'll get you back on the road as soon as possible.