Frequently Asked Questions

Heavy-duty towing handles semi-trucks, buses, commercial vehicles, and large equipment using specialized equipment for decking, undecking, and load shifts. Light-duty towing serves passenger vehicles, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks with standard flatbed or wheel-lift equipment. The distinction comes down to vehicle weight, recovery complexity, and equipment requirements.

Electric vehicle towing requires flatbed transport to avoid drivetrain engagement, which can generate voltage and damage the battery system in most EVs. Dragging driven wheels—even in neutral—creates electrical current in the motor that the unpowered battery can't absorb. AE Towing uses flatbed equipment specifically to protect EV drivetrains during transport.

Lowboy trailers transport oversized or extremely heavy equipment that exceeds standard tow truck capacity, like excavators, bulldozers, or industrial machinery. The low deck height accommodates tall loads while maintaining legal highway clearance. Construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment typically require lowboy transport due to weight distribution and dimensions.

Decking loads a disabled vehicle onto the towing platform, while undecking safely unloads it at the destination. For heavy commercial vehicles, this involves hydraulic systems, winches, and precise positioning to prevent load shifts. The process requires trained operators because improper decking can damage the towed vehicle or create unsafe transport conditions.

Winch-out uses a cable system anchored to the tow truck to pull vehicles from mud, snow, sand, or ditches without dragging them. The recovery operator assesses the angle, ground conditions, and vehicle position before applying controlled tension. This method minimizes undercarriage damage compared to pulling with chains or straps.

Heavy recovery involves stabilizing overturned or damaged commercial vehicles, securing loads, clearing debris, and safely extracting the truck from the accident scene. Operators assess structural damage and use specialized rigging to prevent further harm during uprighting or extraction. Planning the recovery sequence reduces scene time and secondary hazards on highways.

Motorhomes and RVs require specialized equipment due to size, weight distribution, and undercarriage design that differs from passenger vehicles. Standard wheel-lift towing can damage RV frames and suspension systems. Flatbed towing or heavy-duty rigs designed for oversized vehicles protect the chassis and prevent costly structural damage during transport.

Move to a safe location away from traffic, turn on hazard lights, and stay inside the vehicle if roadside conditions are unsafe. If you exit, stay behind guardrails or well off the shoulder. Providing your exact location and vehicle description when calling dispatch speeds response time from Eugene, Salem, or La Pine.

Oregon's persistent rain and humidity accelerate battery corrosion on terminals and cable connections, increasing electrical resistance. Cold, damp conditions also reduce battery cranking power, especially in older batteries. Vehicles left unused during wet winter months experience faster self-discharge, leading to more jump-start calls across Eugene, Salem, and surrounding areas.

Vehicle lockout service includes safe entry using professional tools that don't damage locks, seals, or window mechanisms. Technicians assess the vehicle make and entry points before proceeding. The goal is key retrieval or door unlocking without breaking glass or triggering alarm systems, restoring access quickly.

Private property impound removes unauthorized vehicles from commercial lots, apartment complexes, or restricted areas after proper signage and notification requirements are met. The property owner initiates the request, and the towing company documents the vehicle condition and location before transport. Oregon law requires specific posting and notification procedures before impound.

Commercial vehicle towing costs more due to specialized equipment requirements, operator expertise, recovery complexity, and vehicle weight. Heavy-duty trucks require rotator units or heavy wreckers rather than standard flatbeds. Load shifts, decking procedures, and longer transport distances for commercial vehicles also increase service time and labor compared to passenger car towing.