Light-duty wreckers (wheel-lift trucks) handle most passenger cars, small SUVs, and light trucks under approximately 10,000 lbs. Cheapest tow type. Not appropriate for AWD/4WD, low-clearance, or damaged-suspension vehicles.
Light-duty flatbeds handle the same weight class but on a tilt-bed. Slightly higher cost than wreckers but safer for AWD, low-clearance, and damaged vehicles. The default for most modern light-duty tows.
Medium-duty tow trucks handle vehicles from 10,000 to 26,000 lbs — large pickups, RVs up to a certain size, work trucks. Higher rate per hour than light-duty.
Heavy-duty wreckers handle commercial trucks, semis, large RVs, and other vehicles over 26,000 lbs. Specialty operation with much higher rates. Most light-duty roadside services don't operate heavy-duty trucks.
Specialty tow equipment: motorcycle trailers, low-loader trailers for sports cars and exotics, hi-rail tow trucks for railroad vehicles. Niche services for specific vehicles.