Heavy Wrecker Towing Ames
Heavy Wrecker Towing Ames
When heavy-duty vehicles break down or collide in Ames, Iowa, the consequences can be far more disruptive than a standard roadside incident. A stalled semi on Interstate 35 or an overturned dump truck near the U.S. 30 and Duff Avenue interchange doesn’t just delay freight – it can halt traffic, trigger environmental risks, and endanger lives. That’s where we come in.
At Central Iowa Towing & Recovery, we specialize in heavy wrecker towing Ames and the surrounding Story County region. Our operations go beyond standard flatbeds – we deploy purpose-built rotator wreckers, underlift equipment, and experienced operators trained to manage everything from jackknifed tractor-trailers to loaded construction vehicles. Whether you’re stuck on rural E63 or blocking a lane near Iowa State University during game day traffic, we’ll respond fast, operate safely, and get the job done right.

Expert Towing Services You Can Count On
With Iowa’s unpredictable weather – from black ice in February to June’s flash flooding – we’ve developed protocols to handle complex recoveries safely and swiftly.
Our fleet runs 24/7, with dispatchers monitoring local DOT alerts and GPS chokepoints like the Dayton Avenue curve and the busy S 16th Street corridor.
All operators are certified in traffic incident management and follow strict scene-safety protocols, including lane blocking and lighting visibility standards compliant with Iowa DOT regulations. Each call is logged through GPS and dashcam reporting for accountability, training, and insurance verification.
This system keeps response times short, reduces road closure durations, and ensures that even the most hazardous recoveries in Central Iowa are handled efficiently and safely.
Why Ames Drivers Rely on Central Iowa Towing & Recovery for Heavy Wrecker Towing
Heavy vehicles require highly specialized attention – not just in terms of strength, but also logistics, safety, and legal compliance. Ames drivers and fleet operators trust Central Iowa Towing & Recovery because:
- We maintain Class C CDL drivers with extensive rotator and air brake training.
- Our recovery units include 50-ton and 75-ton wreckers, ideal for agricultural equipment, fire trucks, or fully loaded box trailers.
- We understand the local traffic flow, allowing us to reroute and stage efficiently from key access points like Grand Avenue or Airport Road.
- We are on the city’s emergency rotation and have direct coordination protocols with Ames Police and Iowa State Patrol.
We’re frequently called by fleet managers whose drivers experience brake lock-ups, driveline failures, or hydroplaning incidents across the I‑35 corridor. Our team doesn’t just tow – we stabilize, contain, document, and transport per DOT standards.

Rapid Response
Times
24/7 Emergency Service
Safety-First
Handling
Equipment and Safety Measures We Use
Safety isn’t optional – it’s engineered into every recovery. Our tools include:
- Rotating booms up to 75 tons for rollover and confined-area recoveries
- Wireless remote winching to minimize personnel in danger zones
- Air cushion recovery kits for overturns without additional damage
- ABS brake lock-release tools to avoid unnecessary tire dragging
- Tire inflation systems and dolly wheels for axle-compromised vehicles
Every operator wears high-visibility ANSI Class 3 gear and receives monthly refresher training on the “Slow Down, Move Over” law enforcement updates and NFPA guidelines.


What Happens When You Call Central Iowa Towing & Recovery
When your driver contacts our dispatch 515-290-4188:
- We assess vehicle specs and incident type to deploy the appropriate wrecker 0 rotator, landoll, or recovery trailer.
- Live GPS tracking activates, and our ETA is adjusted dynamically for Ames road conditions.
- We call the driver within 3 minutes with an exact arrival time and request traffic control support if needed.
- We brief you on equipment type, legal requirements, and tow destination options including local repair yards or storage in Boone or Nevada, IA.
Typical calls include:
- A refrigerated trailer jackknifed near ISU’s Research Park.
- A tandem axle dump truck rolled into a drainage ditch on 190th Street.
- A bus breakdown near Ames Middle School with passengers requiring rerouting.
Our Heavy Wrecker Towing Services in Ames
Our heavy duty towing services span a wide range of vehicles and conditions:
- Tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers
- Fire and municipal vehicles
- Farm equipment (combines, planters)
- Concrete mixers and dump trucks
- Oversize loads and mobile cranes
- Utility fleet vehicles (bucket trucks, trenchers)
Each call includes:
- Incident scene lighting
- Hydraulic winching
- Load shift or cargo cleanup support
- Coordination with Hazmat if necessary
Our yard on E Lincoln Way allows quick turnaround and secure overnight storage.
Emergency Tips to Stay Safe While You Wait
PULL OVER SAFELY
Pull over as far as safely possible from traffic, especially along Highway 141.
USE HAZARD LIGHTS
Turn on your hazard lights and, if safe, place reflective triangles or flares behind your vehicle.
STAY SECURE
Stay inside your vehicle if stranded on a busy road; if on a quiet street, wait in a safe, well-lit area.
RUN THE ENGINE
If temperatures are freezing, run the engine periodically for heat — but ensure the tailpipe is clear of snow.
We Understand Every Minute Matters
For logistics firms, bus operators, and municipal fleets, a single heavy vehicle out of commission doesn’t just delay schedules – it directly impacts revenue.
At Central Iowa Towing & Recovery, we recognize that every hour a commercial rig sits idle costs far more than the tow itself. That’s why our heavy wrecker operations are designed around minimizing downtime and maximizing ROI for our clients.
That’s why we offer:
- Live ETA tracking so dispatchers can update clients and reroute loads faster.
- Load transfer partnerships with local warehousing in Story and Boone Counties.
- Onboard diagnostics to assist with onsite mechanical triage and minimize unnecessary tows.
- Free incident reports to expedite insurance documentation and claims processing.
Our rapid I-35/Iowa 30 access, 24/7 operator availability, and region-specific expertise translate into measurable savings – keeping your trucks moving, your drivers safe, and your clients satisfied.

Our Estimated Arrival Times in Ames
Response Target
I-35 North or South
Response Target
U.S. 30 East or West
Response Target
ISU Campus / Downtown
Response Target
Rural Boone/Story County

FAQ: Heavy Wrecker Towing Ames
Any vehicle over 26,000 lbs or combinations requiring multi-axle lift equipment falls under heavy-duty. This includes semis, construction trucks, and loaded trailers.
Yes. We provide forklift-assisted or pallet-by-pallet transfers to ensure balance before completing your journey.
Yes. We have specialized training for handling EV battery isolation and suspension lockout towing.
Often yes—Central Iowa Towing & Recovery is on the Ames Police and Story County Sheriff’s rotation list. But you may still request your preferred provider.
We continuously monitor traffic, plow routes, and weather alerts. If there’s heavy snow, flood, or an accident surge, our system self-reroutes to minimize delays and provides real-time ETA updates.
We use frame-safe rigging, load-rated straps, and follow OEM lift points. Air cushions are used in rollovers to reduce body stress.
Yes. We frequently perform tows to Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Omaha, and across state lines with proper IFTA and ICC credentials.
L D2025-05-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rob was so helpful and supportive and patient on the phone. Tyrone was so positive and upbeat at 6am on a Saturday. He was quick and responsive to coming out and to my questions and getting me information. Highly recommend them if you need a tow. Nick Shengelia2025-05-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you !!! Trystan Lago2025-05-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very impressed with this company. They did what we asked of them in a timely manner and quoted us a fair price. We recommend. Kenne Cleghorn2025-05-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Josh was quick and super nice, he came and picked up my vehicle and had it delivered in less than 45 minutes. Easy service and highly recommended. Thank you so much!! Savannah Honts2025-05-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Josh and the woman on the phone both fantastic!! Very accommodating and helpful, always recommend them!! Brandon Fredericksen2025-04-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Called these guys last minute to move 9 scissor lifts. Was a little nervous at first. The guys showed up knew exactly what they were doing got them all transported no issues. Couldn't have been happier with the work. Will definitely continue using them. Great job guys! Bob Peterson2025-03-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service! I have used them multiple times. I decided to use another local company for some foolish reason. I scheduled a week out. The other company canceled the morning of pickup. I then called Central Iowa Towing. They came to the rescue once again… in less than an hour! Never again will I Go elsewhere. You folks are very clutch when people need you. Thank you!! Adrianna Saric2025-03-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always on top of it and made sure my scheduled tows were there on timeVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Mobile Mechanic Services available for Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown, Webster City 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.
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Ames Location:
Phone: 515-290-4188Des Moines Location:
Phone: 515-290-4188Marshalltown Location:
Phone: 515-290-4188Call Central Iowa Towing & Recovery Now for 24/7 Heavy Wrecker Towing in Ames
When big rigs break down or crash, every minute counts – and every pound matters. Central Iowa Towing & Recovery is your 24/7 heavy wrecker partner in Ames, offering unmatched expertise, safety, and local response agility. Whether you’re facing winter ice on U.S. 69 or a summer blowout near the Iowa State Fairgrounds detour, we’ve got the heavy lifting covered.
Call now to dispatch a certified operator, receive live ETA updates, and keep your downtime to an absolute minimum.
Looking for full-scale solutions beyond Heavy Duty Towing Ames? Our team also provides expert Dump Truck Towing Ames and reliable Semi Towing Ames services to keep fleets moving safely.