Tow cars are something that come up often in talking to new driveaway drivers. Some of the questions that you hear a lot are as follows.
- Are they necessary?
- Are they expensive?
- What is needed to set them up?
- Will they make you more money?
Lets take a couple of minutes and try to address some of the pros and cons of a tow car. Lets start by saying they are NOT necessary to make money in driveway but they can certainly save you both time and money having one. As an example you may pick up a unit in Goshen Indiana that is going to Charlotte North Carolina. If you do not have a tow car how do you get to Goshen, and Get out of Charlotte? Most likely you are using the Driveaway Guide Map and look for a way in and out of your location. With a tow car you are just going to unhook and go. This obviously saves you both time and money.
Well what about the cost of a tow car? Well thats a loaded question and that is really going to depend on what you want/need out of it. I paid $1800 for a 2011 ford fiesta with 180k miles on it. It runs well, gets 38mpg, and gets me where I need to go. Depending on who you contract with will also dictate what you decide to get. Some companies only allow cars that are up to 3500lbs, while others that lets say move just semi trucks may be a little more lenient. Also keep in mind that not every car can be towed. Its always best to refer to the vehicles owner manual or even the good Sam Dinghy Guide to see what can be towed.
Setups are going to depend on what is it you are wanting to move. At min you are going to need a Base Plate and a Tow Bar . You can spend upwards of $1000 for just those two parts. You are also going to need the vehicle wired for lights, or use a wireless light kit. Then if your plan is to move something like Semi trucks you will also need a pinch hitch . Those start at around $550. In addition you are going to need a a bunch of miscellaneous items like Chains, tools, hitch ball, and that list could grow.
So does this all equal more money in your pocket? Well it is possible but that really depends on you. You are still going to want to deliver/pick up as close as possible to limit “Dead Head” you are also going to want to pick the best loads that you can find from the best companies you can work with. We suggest you have a look at our Company Ratings page to see what other drivewaway drivers are saying some the companies you may be interested in working with.