Flatbed Wrecker
The vehicles you need to transport determine deck dimensions, loading angle and payload. Check axle reserve, winch duty and restraint points as well as access along the route.
Road Traffic Accident & Vehicle Recovery
A disabled vehicle may need loading, towing or lifting before it can leave the scene. Compare each recovery function at its required load, with route and ground conditions checked alongside restraints and demonstrations.
Discuss this missionThe main vehicle's job comes first. Supporting vehicles need a separate role in the response plan.
Integrated Wrecker
Start with the disabled vehicle and the recovery sequence. Assess towing, boom, underlift and winch loads separately, then check axle limits and route access for the integrated wrecker.
Pickup Tow Truck
For light urban recovery, compare the pickup tow truck with the vehicles it will recover. Check wheel-lift geometry and payload reserve, along with maneuverability and the space needed to operate.
Rotator Wrecker
For heavy vehicles, rollovers or difficult access, agree the recovery method before choosing a rotator. Check the boom chart, outriggers, ground loads, winches and rigging, then confirm the mass for road travel.
Flatbed Wrecker with Crane
A flatbed wrecker with crane needs separate checks for deck payload and crane loads. Review loading geometry, outrigger setup and axle loads, including how equipment will be handled and stowed.
On this page
Mission requirements
A useful recovery load case describes the disabled vehicle and the sequence needed to move it, including the setup space and route available. KEEYAK can then compare flatbed and integrated wreckers. Wheel-lift and winch options need assessment for that same load case, as do rotator and crane-assisted arrangements.
- Disabled passenger, commercial or municipal vehicles
- Heavy-vehicle towing and rollover recovery
- Traffic-incident clearance under limited road space
- Vehicle or equipment loading at workshops and constrained sites
| Decision | Why it matters | What to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Casualty profile | Mass, dimensions, immobilization and attachment points define the recovery method. | Describe the vehicles, axle loads, restraints and sequence.Retain: Representative load cases and equipment schedule. |
| Working position | Boom extension, loading angle and stabilizer placement change the capacity available. | State deck, underlift, winch, boom and traffic-clearance needs.Retain: Load basis, setup drawing, controls and functional test. |
| Completed vehicle | The body and equipment must remain within route and axle limits when ready for work. | Include crew, tools, restraints, braking and operating ground.Retain: Completed mass, axle, access and handover records. |
Loading, towing and recovery
The casualty and recovery sequence determine the vehicle choice; one capacity rating cannot describe the whole task. A flatbed supports controlled loading and transport, while an integrated wrecker combines towing with recovery functions. For heavy lifting or difficult geometry, consider a rotator. A pickup tow truck suits lighter work where access is tight.
Each function needs its own stated load case. The completed mass and axle reserve must suit the route and braking requirements. Review setup space with the rigging in use, including the operator's access to controls on the finished vehicle.
Operating constraints
- Casualty mass, axle position, dimensions and damage condition determine the safe recovery method.
- Deck, towing, boom, underlift, winch and crane ratings describe different load cases and cannot be added into one capacity figure.
- Shoulder width, traffic management, slope and stabilizer ground affect whether the vehicle can deploy at the scene.
- The recovery body, tools and rigging reduce chassis payload and alter axle loading after installation.
Equipment scope
Choose equipment for the agreed work, then specify its connections and the records needed to check it.
- Deck dimensions, tilt and loading transitions
- Boom, underlift, wheel-lift or crane equipment as required
- Winches, fairleads, cables and operator controls
- Rated rigging, wheel restraints and tie-down points
- Warning, scene lighting and traffic-control storage
- Hydraulic, safety and functional-test records
Procurement workflow
Use these steps to prepare the configuration and acceptance brief, not as a field operating procedure.
Target vehicles
List the target vehicles, their mass range and likely damage conditions.
Recovery sequence
Define the loading, towing, lifting and winching sequence for each case.
Load cases
Match every function to its own rating, geometry and operating condition.
Deployment
Check completed mass, axle loads, route, slope and deployment footprint.
Acceptance
Witness the agreed recovery functions, controls, lighting and restraint checks.
Configuration checks
- Request separate charts or values for deck, towing, underlift, boom, winch and crane functions.
- State the target vehicle wheelbase, overhang and clearance where loading geometry matters.
- Include rigging and restraints in the equipment schedule rather than assuming they are supplied.
- Record the demonstration load, setup and result against the finished vehicle.
Planning example
The casualty mix and road network determine the work to cover within the required response time. Operator skills and workshop support also affect vehicle quantities, alongside destination rules. The roles below illustrate a possible fleet; they are not a standard recommendation.
- Integrated or rotator wrecker for the controlling heavy-recovery case
- Flatbed or crane-assisted body for transport and equipment handling
- Pickup tow truck for light urban work where access and maneuverability control the choice
- Workshop or command support only where the response duration creates a separate need
Supporting roles
Add these vehicles only where the response plan identifies a separate duty.
Mobile Workshop TruckEmergency Command VehicleClass B Emergency Monitoring AmbulanceBuyer guides
Review the relevant selection and procurement guidance before finalizing the brief.
Choosing a road recovery vehicleChassis, GVW, axle loads and payloadRelated project records
These records document their own vehicles and scope; they do not establish performance for a new mission.
Before ordering
- Using the published records
- The project pages present the available first-party records for the vehicles shown. Those records do not replace the load charts and signed specification for a new recovery project, or the need to witness its agreed functions.
Discuss the vehicle for this mission
Tell our team about the operating duty and destination. Include the equipment required in your configuration brief.
Request configuration
Your selected mission will be included.