Medium Duty Towing
Des Moines

Click to Call
515-290-4188

When you’re navigating the roads of Des Moines—whether it’s on I-235 through the East Village or southbound on US-69 toward Norwalk—unexpected vehicle trouble can strike without warning. At Central Iowa Towing & Recovery, we specialize in medium duty towing services for commercial vans, utility trucks, RVs, and delivery vehicles throughout the Des Moines metro area. Our reputation for speed, safety, and strength makes us a go-to for both local businesses and individual drivers.

Des Moines drivers face a variety of conditions that make medium duty towing essential: icy overpasses in January, flooded low points along Fleur Drive in spring, and summer construction detours through Ingersoll Avenue. Whether you’ve broken down near the Des Moines River or need recovery near the Iowa State Fairgrounds, we respond fast—with 24/7 dispatch and industry-grade equipment designed for safe, damage-free transport.

Why Des Moines Drivers Rely on Central Iowa Towing & Recovery

Des Moines offers diverse driving environments—from downtown congestion to rural outskirts—but that diversity creates equally diverse towing challenges. Our medium duty towing services fill a vital gap between light-duty cars and heavy tractor-trailers. Vehicles we tow include:

  • Box trucks and delivery vans
  • Service utility vehicles
  • Class C motorhomes
  • Airport shuttles and small buses
  • Light construction equipment

What sets us apart is our deep local knowledge. We know the trickiest turns around Drake University, which ramps back up near Altoona, and where delays often happen on I-80 at the Mixmaster. This makes us incredibly efficient—our team factors in GPS dead zones, traffic choke points, and common accident areas to dispatch accurately.

We’re also part of Des Moines’ business ecosystem, helping local delivery fleets, HVAC contractors, and event teams stay on schedule when things go wrong.

Our Medium Duty Towing Services in Des Moines

Our towing services are tailored specifically for vehicles too large for standard tow trucks but too small for rotators. Services include:

  • Flatbed and wheel-lift towing
  • Winch-outs from snowbanks or muddy roads (especially near Easter Lake)
  • Lockouts and jump-starts for fleet vehicles
  • Off-hour roadside assistance for utility and telecom vans

Whether you’re stuck behind a stalled bus on MLK Parkway or a delivery van broke down near Jordan Creek Town Center, we’ll arrive prepared.

We also offer fleet contract options for Des Moines-area businesses that need repeat support, as well as customized solutions for oversized or non-standard vehicles.

What Happens When You Call Central Iowa Towing & Recovery

From the moment you call us at 515-290-4188, our process is designed to bring fast relief and complete transparency. Here’s what happens:

  • Quick Assessment: We ask for your exact vehicle type, location, and issue.
  • Location Optimization: Based on road conditions and GPS, we assign the nearest unit.
  • Real-Time Updates: You’ll receive ETAs based on live traffic and weather.
  • Safety Guidance: We offer tips for roadside safety based on location—especially crucial during Des Moines’ unpredictable winter storms.

Calls from areas like Merle Hay Road or the Gray’s Lake trail loop often require special routing due to pedestrian traffic or bridge weight restrictions—our operators know this and plan accordingly.

Equipment and Safety Measures We Use

We maintain a modern fleet of medium duty wreckers, outfitted with:

  • Hydraulic wheel-lifts for balanced, secure lifts
  • Low-clearance ramps for tight garage recoveries
  • Axle protectors and frame straps to prevent vehicle damage
  • Winter-rated chains and salt boxes during freeze events

Our crews are trained in Iowa’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law and always operate under strict roadside safety procedures. Safety triangles, flares, and traffic cones are deployed at every scene.

All operators wear high-vis PPE and carry advanced communication devices for live coordination with dispatch and local law enforcement, especially during storm events or high-traffic incidents.

Our Estimated Arrival Times in Des Moines

Our average response times in Des Moines vary by location and weather, but you can expect:

  • Downtown & East Village: 20–30 minutes via I-235
  • Beaverdale, Merle Hay & Drake: 25–35 minutes using Douglas Ave or University Ave
  • South Side & Airport Area: 15–25 minutes via Fleur Drive or Army Post Rd
  • West Des Moines & Jordan Creek: 30–40 minutes depending on I-80/I-35 traffic

In snowy or icy weather, especially on bridges like the MLK Jr Parkway viaduct, delays may increase. However, we prioritize stranded drivers in unsafe zones—our goal is always under 35 minutes unless weather or emergency blocks intervene.

Des Moines Traffic Patterns: When Towing Calls Spike (and Why It Matters)

One of the often-overlooked aspects of medium duty towing is understanding when breakdowns and roadside issues are most likely to occur. At Central Iowa Towing & Recovery, we track call volumes by time of day and location, which allows us to anticipate peak windows for rapid deployment.

Peak Tow Times for Medium Duty Vehicles in Des Moines:

  • Morning Rush (6:30 AM – 8:30 AM): Delivery vans and contractor vehicles heading through the I-235 corridor often experience mechanical stress, especially in cold months.

  • Lunch Window (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Food trucks and mobile service fleets see increased calls from downtown and university zones.

  • Afternoon Heat (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Summer temperatures contribute to overheating and tire blowouts, especially for aged medium duty fleet vehicles.

  • Event Evenings (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Increased demand during Iowa State Fair, downtown concerts, and events near Principal Park causes congested streets and higher accident rates.

Why This Matters to You:

  • Faster Response Planning: We dispatch additional trucks near event zones and high-volume traffic hubs during anticipated surge periods.

  • Predictive Fleet Support: For fleet clients, we offer predictive coverage plans based on your business routes and known hotspots.

  • GPS Routing Precision: We use heat maps of Des Moines traffic to re-route our drivers around construction near Grand Avenue or closures along Euclid.

This real-time data approach allows us to operate not just reactively, but proactively—giving you shorter wait times and more reliable service even during Des Moines’ busiest hours.

Emergency Tips to Stay Safe While You Wait

If you’re stuck roadside in Des Moines, here are steps to maximize your safety before we arrive:

  • Pull over safely: Avoid stopping near curves or underpasses—use shoulders or well-lit lots.
  • Activate hazards and stay visible: Turn on flashers, open your hood, and deploy hazard triangles if safe.
  • Stay inside unless unsafe: Unless smoke, fire, or external threat exists, your vehicle is the safest place.
  • Dress for the weather: In winter, keep gloves, blankets, and a hat in your emergency kit.
  • Communicate smartly: Share your live location with a trusted contact and keep your phone charged.

Bonus tip: If you’re using GPS for help, avoid routing through closed winter roads like parts of Vandalia Road or NE 56th Street. These are notorious for misleading directions.

Medium Duty Towing Des Moines: Frequently Asked Questions

Any vehicle between 10,001 and 26,000 lbs qualifies. Common examples include box trucks, Class C RVs, passenger vans, and smaller delivery trucks.

We average 20–35 minutes for dispatch, depending on traffic and weather. Icy or flooded conditions may add 10–15 minutes.

Yes. We offer medium duty long-distance towing across Iowa, including Ames, Ankeny, and Altoona. Ask about our mileage rates.

Yes, due to heavier equipment and special handling. However, our rates remain competitive, and we offer business-friendly pricing.

Contact Information – Call Now for Immediate Help

Call Central Iowa Towing & Recovery for fast, safe, and professional medium duty towing in Des Moines—any time, day or night.

We’re standing by 24/7. Whether you’re stuck on I-235, broken down near the Capitol, or stranded in a West Des Moines parking lot, we’ll be there. Save our number now—you’ll be glad you did when you need help the most.

Central Iowa Towing and Recovery – Des Moines Location
2560 NE Broadway Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
Dispatch: 515-290-4188
 Email: centraliatow@gmail.com
Open: 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week

FEATURED SERVICES

Mobile Mechanic Services available for Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown and all of Central Iowa
to help you with your Mobile Car Services, Semi BreakDowns and any other Mobile Mechanical Services you may
need for cars, trucks, semi trucks… etc call our main dispatch number 24/7 for emergency roadside assistance.

Vehicle Lockouts, Gas or Fuel Delivery if you have “Ran out of Gas“, Help With A Tire Change, Mobile Flat Tire Assistance. 

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“My partner slid off of an exit ramp near Story City. Patrick was out there in 20 minutes and got the car out quickly and expertly out of a drainage ditch. He even followed us up to the local gas station to make sure that the car still drove without any problems. I’m incredibly satisfied with the service — fair price, kind people, and expert service!”

Ames Location

Phone: 515-290-4188

Des Moines Location

Phone: 515-290-4188

Marshalltown Location

Phone: 515-290-4188