I want to build a tow truck

Question:

I am a relatively new subscriber to your magazine. I would like to know what the difference is between a 1987 Dodge 3⁄4ton frame and a 1-ton frame of the same year. I would like to convert my 3⁄4-ton Dodge W250 truck into a tow truck.

Any idea on what I’d have to do for this conversion? Do you know of any books on the subject? I’d like to run the wrecker body electric-over-hydraulic.

I’m not looking to go into the towing business, only to use it for personal use, towing home project vehicles and pulling engines. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:

I could not find any specific information about differences between a 3⁄4-ton and 1-ton frame.

The easiest and safest way to convert your pickup to a tow truck is with a professionally manufactured kit.

There are numerous companies that manufacture, sell, and/or install such kits. For example, Detroit Wrecker Sales (http://www.detroitwrecker.com; 877869-0030) sells a “Stick Boom Sling Unit” kit that has a 7500 lb. towing capacity and retails for $3500. A company called LoComotions, Inc. (http://www.repotruck.com) sells a system that folds down into the pickup bed so when not in use the truck looks more or less like an ordinary pickup.

Before doing a conversion, however, consult your insurance company to see what, if any, ramifications it may have on your insurance. If you are not towing for hire then there may be no insurance concerns but that depends on the state you’re in and your insurance company’s mood. You don’t want to find out after the conversion that you need some sort of commercial insurance that costs a fortune.

Though you’ve likely considered them, I’ll mention the obvious alternatives, namely a car trailer or a car dolly. Either one can be very useful for towing vehicles, and both will cost less than a tow truck conversion. Also, both can stay in storage when not in use, preserving the pickup function of your truck.