Types of Tow Truck Accessories

Safety and Warning Accessories

Safety equipment protects tow truck operators and keeps other motorists aware of roadside operations.

Lights

Warning lights and light bars are among the most visible safety accessories, with LED spot lights providing high visibility in all conditions. There are also wireless options that offer a range of up to 1,000 feet. Operators must ensure their lighting meets Department of Transportation (DOT) and state compliance requirements.

Traffic Control Equipment

During roadside recoveries, this equipment can help manage the scene. Traffic cones, warning triangles, flares, and LED road flares create a safety buffer around the work area. Arrow boards and directional signs guide traffic away from the recovery scene. Reflective vests ensure operators remain visible when working outside the truck.

Personal Protective Equipment

Protective equipment keeps operators safe during recovery operations. High-visibility safety vests, safety glasses, work gloves in leather or cut-resistant materials, and steel-toe boots are standard gear for professional tow truck operators. First aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency blankets, flashlights, and spill containment supplies round out the essential safety accessories every tow truck should carry.

Rigging and Recovery Accessories

Rigging and recovery accessories are the tools that make vehicle recovery possible.

Straps

Tow straps and recovery straps come in nylon and polyester options with various rated capacities and working load limits. Length options vary for different recovery situations, and proper storage extends strap life significantly.

Chains

Transport chains help handle standard towing applications and difficult recoveries. Tow chain accessories, including grab hooks, slip hooks, J-hooks, and chain shorteners, complete the rigging kit.

Ropes

Wire rope and synthetic rope serve different winching needs. Steel wire rope offers durability for heavy use, while synthetic winch rope provides a lighter, safer alternative that does not store as much energy under tension. 

Rope extensions, thimbles, shackles, and end fittings connect these lines to vehicles and anchor points. Shackles and connectors, including screw pin anchor shackles, D-ring shackles, and quick links, provide secure connection points with clearly marked load ratings.

Winch Accessories

Snatch blocks and pulleys multiply winching power by redirecting the winch line. These accessories increase pulling capacity through mechanical advantage, making difficult recoveries possible with standard winch equipment.

Wheel Lift and Underlift Accessories

Wheel lift accessories secure vehicles to the tow truck's underlift system.

Straps and Harnesses

Wheel lift straps and harnesses come in universal, basket, and cradle configurations with adjustable sizing to fit different tire widths. Heavy-duty and standard options accommodate different vehicle weights.

Wheel Grids and Grabs

Steel grids, self-loading grabs, and rubber-coated options provide secure tire grip, which prevents damage to wheels and tires.

Dollies and Go-Jacks

Tow dollies lift the rear wheels while go-jacks allow operators to reposition vehicles in tight spaces. These accessories come in hydraulic and manual options with capacity ratings for different vehicle weights.

Arms

L-arms and crossbars, including replacement arms, extended reach options, and wear pads, keep the wheel lift system functioning properly.

Flatbed and Carrier Accessories

Flatbed tow truck accessories focus on securing vehicles to the deck for transport. 

Flatbed Wheel Accessories

Wheel chocks and stops in rubber or aluminum keep vehicles positioned correctly on the deck. Wheel nets, tire bonnets, over-the-tire straps, and axle straps each serve specific tie-down purposes, with working load limits determining appropriate applications.

Tie-Down Accessories

Tie-down points built into the flatbed deck include recessed D-rings, swivel D-rings, and E-track or L-track systems that provide flexible anchor points. Tie-down straps and ratchet straps with various end fittings form the foundation of flatbed operations.

Deck Accessories

Deck accessories, such as extensions for longer vehicles, ramp extensions, protective deck mats, and deck-mounted toolboxes, expand flatbed capabilities.

Winch Accessories

Winch accessories keep the flatbed winch operating effectively. Winch cables and synthetic lines, various hook options, fairleads and rollers, remote controls, and protective covers maintain winch performance and extend equipment life.

Lighting and Electrical Accessories

Work lights illuminate recovery scenes during nighttime operations. LED work lights in flood and spot configurations come in magnetic mount and permanent mount options. Rechargeable portable lights and under-deck lighting provide flexibility for different situations. 

Lighting Upgrades

Vehicle lighting upgrades improve visibility and safety on the road. LED headlight conversions, auxiliary driving lights, enhanced backup lights, and proper clearance and marker lights keep the tow truck visible to other motorists.

Electrical Accessories

Auxiliary battery systems, power inverters, jump start equipment, and battery chargers support both the tow truck and disabled vehicles. Backup cameras and monitors with multiple camera setups and night vision capabilities make maneuvering safer, especially in tight spaces.

Storage and Organization Accessories

Proper storage keeps equipment organized and accessible.

Toolboxes

Underbody, side-mount, crossover, and drawer toolboxes provide secure storage for tools and equipment.

Chain and Strap Storage

Hangers, hooks, storage bags, and organized racks keep rigging equipment ready for use and extend its service life.

Equipment Holders and Racks

Equipment holders keep safety gear accessible. Cone holders, broom and shovel brackets, fire extinguisher mounts, and traffic triangle storage ensure equipment is always where operators need it.

Cab Storage Solutions

Seat organizers, console storage, overhead shelves, and document holders keep the cab organized and comfortable.

Specialty Recovery Accessories

Specialty recovery accessories handle situations beyond standard towing.

Skates and Slides 

Skates and slide systems allow operators to move vehicles with damaged wheels or locked brakes. Recovery skates in aluminum and steel options, combined with go-jacks, enable recovery of vehicles that cannot roll normally.

Air Bags and Lifting Equipment

This equipment helps right overturned vehicles or lift stuck vehicles. Pneumatic lifting bags and exhaust-inflated air bags provide controlled lifting force, while hi-lift jacks, bottle jacks, and jack stands offer mechanical lifting and stabilization options.

Safety & Extraction Equipment

Items such as line dampers, recovery blankets, and rope guards protect operators during winching operations. Extraction equipment such as come-alongs, portable winches, ground anchors, and tree savers round out the specialty recovery toolkit.

Communication and Technology Accessories

Communication equipment keeps operators connected with dispatch and other drivers.

Radios, GPS, and Tracking

Two-way radios, including CB radios, business band radios, and handheld portable units, ensure reliable communication. GPS and navigation systems designed for commercial use help operators find locations efficiently, while fleet tracking systems allow dispatchers to monitor vehicle locations.

Cameras & Mounting

Dash cameras document recoveries and protect operators from liability disputes. Front-facing, dual-camera, and interior cab camera systems create a record of operations. Tablet mounts for dispatch software, mobile device holders, and digital invoicing systems bring modern technology to towing operations.

Choosing the Right Accessories

Selecting the right accessories starts with assessing your needs. 

• Consider the types of towing jobs you handle most frequently, whether light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty. 

• Think about whether your work focuses on local towing, highway recovery, or a mix of both.

• Budget considerations matter, but investing in quality equipment pays off through better safety, longer service life, and more professional operations.

• Working load limits and ratings must match the vehicles you tow.

• Reputable manufacturers provide equipment you can trust in demanding situations. 

Build your accessory kit by starting with essential operator safety equipment, adding rigging and recovery basics, then expanding based on job requirements. Replace worn equipment promptly and maintain everything regularly.

Equip Your Tow Truck for Success with Big Deal Parts

Tow truck accessories span multiple categories, including safety and warning equipment, rigging and recovery gear, wheel lift and flatbed accessories, lighting, storage solutions, specialty recovery equipment, and communication technology. The right accessories improve safety, efficiency, and professionalism while helping operators handle a wider range of towing and recovery situations.

Investing in quality equipment and maintaining it properly protects both the operator and the vehicles being towed. Evaluate your current tow truck setup, identify gaps in your equipment, and invest in the accessories that will make your operations safer and more efficient.

Big Deal Parts delivers a variety of vehicle components, including tow truck parts, throughout the United States. Our products are made with high-quality materials, giving you the confidence you need on the road. Explore our products or request a part to get started today.