How to Install a Wrecker Body: The Simple Guide

Are you looking to put a wrecker body on your truck? This guide will help you do it right. We break down the steps to make it easy to follow.

What is a Wrecker Body?

A wrecker body is the special part that goes on a tow truck. It has the boom and winch that helps pick up cars.

There are two kinds of tow trucks:

• Wrecker trucks with booms and hooks
• Rollback trucks where the whole back tilts down

Things You Need Before You Start

Before you put on a wrecker body, get these things ready:

• A good truck chassis
• The right tools
• Some friends to help
• Time (more than you think!)

Wrecker Body Installation: Main Steps

Step 1: Check Your Truck

Make sure your truck is strong enough. Most people who put in wrecker bodies find that the job takes 4 times longer than they first thought.

Step 2: Get the Right Wrecker Body

Pick from these popular brands:

• Jerr-Dan
• Century
• Holmes

Step 3: Take Off the Old Bed

If your truck has a bed, you need to take it off first. This can be hard work!

“Here we put the bed back on the chassis, the Not so OHSA approved way.”

This means some people don’t follow all safety rules. Be careful!

Step 4: Get Ready to Install

You might need to make new front mount perches to make the wrecker body fit right.

Step 5: Put the Wrecker Body On

This step needs lots of people or big machines. The wrecker body is very heavy.

Watch this video from Elite Truck Repairs to see how they do it.

Common Problems When Installing Wrecker Bodies

Problem	Why It Happens	What to Do
Gap between cab and body	4-inch wheelbase difference	Make custom brackets
Body doesn’t line up	Different truck models	Fab up new mounts
Too heavy for your truck	Wrong size wrecker body	Pick the right size for your truck
Hard to install alone	Bodies weigh tons	Get help or hire pros

Real-World Examples

Ford F-Series Install

On Ford trucks forums, people talk about putting a Century 4-ton wrecker bed on F150 trucks. It’s not easy!

Dodge Body Swap

A YouTube channel shows how to take a wrecker body from a smashed up Dodge and move it to another truck. This is called transplanting.

Heavy Duty Installation

For big wreckers like a Century 1040B 40-ton, you need special ways to lift and place them. This is not for beginners!

Should You Do It Yourself or Get Help?

If you know about trucks and have tools, you can try to do it yourself. But think about these things:

• DIY Pros: Costs less money, you learn new skills
• DIY Cons: Takes more time, might not be safe
• Professional Pros: Done right, has warranty
• Professional Cons: Costs more money

Companies like Jerr-Dan Miami/Babco and TruckMax can install wrecker bodies for you.

What Makes Wrecker Bodies Different?

The main difference between a wrecker truck and a rollback tow truck is how they pick up cars.

• Wreckers: Lift one end of the car
• Rollbacks: The whole back tilts so cars can roll on

Most people like rollback trucks better for nice cars because they don’t damage bumpers.

Custom Frame Work

Sometimes you need to make a special frame for your wrecker body. Some people use:

• C-channel beams
• 5/16-inch steel plate
• Box sections that can hold air lines

Safety Tips

When putting on a wrecker body:

• DO have enough people to help
• DO use the right tools
• DO make sure your truck can hold the weight
• DON’T stand under the wrecker body
• DON’T rush the job

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Putting on a wrecker body is a big job. Take your time and get help if you need it. The right wrecker body can make your truck into a great towing vehicle that will work for many years.

For more help with truck bodies, check out these links:

• Mobile Service Vehicle Workshop Trucks
• Heavy Duty Towing Coach Trucks
• Material Handling Vehicle Options

Good luck with your wrecker body install!