The Vapid Tow Truck is a staple across the Grand Theft Auto series. It initially appeared as a multiplayer-exclusive vehicle in Grand Theft Auto 2 before officially make its single-player debut in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. It has since been featured in games like Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned and Grand Theft Auto V. It will return in Grand Theft Auto VI.
Overview
The Vapid Tow Truck is a staple utility vehicle in the Grand Theft Auto series. It first appeared as a multiplayer-exclusive vehicle before making its single-player debut in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Since then, it has returned in titles such as The Lost and Damned and Grand Theft Auto V. Within the game world, the Tow Truck primarily serves as a service vehicle, commonly found on highways or near garages. Its appearance in Grand Theft Auto VI continues the vehicle's presence in the series.
Design and Appearance
The Vapid Tow Truck's design has evolved throughout the series. In Grand Theft Auto 2, it was based on the chassis of a Chevrolet COE1.
In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, its cabin and front end resemble a third-generation Chevy C/K2, sharing design elements with the Bobcat. It features a functional crane arm and commonly appears in a grayish-white paint scheme with side stripes.
For its HD Universe debut in The Lost and Damned, the Tow Truck was redesigned to resemble a blend of a Chevrolet C31003 and a 1940–1950s Ford F-1004, with a grille reminiscent of a 1975–1979 Ford Econoline van5. This version appears rusty, often with faded "Native Engines" logos on the doors, and its towing rig is non-functional.
The design carried over into Grand Theft Auto V with updates including a functional towing hitch and roof lights. It spawns in slightly worn condition, typically in two-tone colors, and includes a CB radio that broadcasts trucker chatter when driven by Trevor in Blaine County.
Performance
The Vapid Tow Truck's performance varies across its appearances. In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, it is surprisingly fast for its size, equipped with a powerful V8 engine, good grip, and soft suspension, making it durable and effective off-road.
In The Lost and Damned, performance is reduced. Acceleration and top speed are average, steering is poor, and sharp corners require braking. It is powered by a single-cam V8 paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
In Grand Theft Auto V, performance declines slightly further. Traction is limited, resulting in slow acceleration and a lower top speed. Its short turning radius offers some maneuverability, but the low speed prevents significant oversteer. This version is powered by a single-cam V8 with a four-speed gearbox. In GTA V and GTA Online, the tow truck can reach a maximum speed of 140.01 km/h (87.00 mph), when it is fully upgraded6.
Modifications / Customization
In Grand Theft Auto V, the Towtruck can be taken to Los Santos Customs. A notable customization is the Clown Horn; if installed, the horn will repeat itself until the button is released, and it is the only horn available for preview in the mod shop.
Details on modifications available in Grand Theft Auto VI are currently unknown.
Acquisition / Locations
In Grand Theft Auto VI, the Vapid Tow Truck appears in the first trailer, seen driving along a highway toward Vice Beach.
In Grand Theft Auto Online, it commonly spawns near Beeker's Garage in Paleto Bay and on highways, often towing other vehicles. A unique black-and-green variant sometimes appears at Beeker's Garage. It may also spawn on the beach near the Sandy Shores Tattoo Parlor.
In previous titles:
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas::: Angel Pine Junkyard, Ocean Docks, and LVA Freight Depot.
- The Lost and Damned: Frequently seen driving around Bohan and Alderney.
Usage
The Vapid Tow Truck's main utility lies in its towing capabilities. In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, its functional hook allows players to steal locked vehicles or transport rare vehicles, including aircraft, to garages. Players can also link multiple Tow Trucks together in a "daisy-chain" setup7.
In Grand Theft Auto V, the towing function remains. Players can reverse the truck up to a vehicle to attach the hook. Due to its limited performance, towing larger vehicles can be challenging and may benefit from engine upgrades. The game also supports linking multiple Tow Trucks without them de-spawning, enabling extended chains.
Notable Users / Special Variants
In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, a damaged Tow Truck appears in the mission "Wear Flowers in Your Hair," where Jethro is seen working on it.
In Grand Theft Auto V, a unique, non-modifiable black and green variant can be found parked outside Beeker's Garage in Paleto Bay.
Grand Theft Auto Online
In Grand Theft Auto Online, the Tow Truck is a commonly seen traffic vehicle, especially on highways and in Paleto Bay. While not ownable as a personal vehicle, its presence adds to the world's immersion. Also, several grille options for the Slamvan Custom and its variants are designed to give those vehicles a front end similar to the Towtruck.
Gallery
Trivia
- In both Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto V, players can daisy-chain multiple Tow Trucks together, creating long, millipede-like trains of connected vehicles8.
- In Episodes from Liberty City, the Tow Truck's hood remains intact even if the vehicle is destroyed.
- In Grand Theft Auto V, the Tow Truck is equipped with a CB radio, which occasionally plays trucker chatter when driving as Trevor in Blaine County.
