What Decals Should a Towing Company Put on Its Tow Trucks?

Common Questions About Tow Truck Decals

What material holds up best on a tow truck that's outside all day?

Laminated calendered vinyl is the right material for most tow truck decals, and cast vinyl is the upgrade for wrap-style graphics. Our calendered vinyl is rated for 3 to 5 years of outdoor use and is ideal for door logos, USDOT numbers, and phone decals on flat panels. For full side panels, curved fenders, or trucks that sit in direct sun year-round, high-performance cast vinyl and 3M Controltac are rated for up to 8 years outdoors. Both are wrap-grade materials that conform to curves and rivets. 3M Controltac also has air-release channels and a repositionable adhesive that make large panels easier to install without bubbles or misalignment. 

What size decals should go on the doors, hood, and tailgate of a tow truck?

Door logos typically run 12 to 24 inches wide depending on cab size, while USDOT numbers are usually 2 to 3 inches tall so they stay legible without overwhelming the design. Tailgate contact information generally needs taller characters, around 4 to 6 inches, so following drivers can read it. Some local ordinances also set minimum letter heights for your company name. Decals.com prints tow truck decals from 2 x 2 inches up to 120 x 50 inches, and larger graphics can be produced in panels. If your project doesn't fit a standard size, request a custom quote. 

Can I get custom artwork made, or do I need to submit my own design files?

Either works. If you have a logo, upload it in vector format (EPS, AI, or PDF) for the sharpest print. Vector files are required for transfer-cut lettering. If you're starting from scratch, you can use our free online designer, or our in-house design team can recreate most logos starting at $15. Our guide to custom decal design best practices covers file formats, resolution, and color setup so your USDOT digits, phone number, and logo details print crisp instead of pixelated. 

Do prices drop if I'm ordering decals for multiple trucks?

Yes. Every decal is custom printed to order, so the per-unit cost drops as quantity rises. Towing companies ordering 50 or more decals qualify for tiered bulk pricing, whether they're covering both sides of several trucks, reordering for new units, or standardizing fleet decals across the whole operation. Orders start at one decal, so a single-wrecker operation pays only for what it needs. 

How fast can I get decals if a truck needs to go back into service?

Standard production is 3 business days, and priority production can finish your order in 1 business day. Express (2 business days) and saver (5 business days) options let you balance cost against turnaround. Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST start the next business day, and turnaround begins once your file is uploaded or your proof is approved. See our production times and shipping information pages for details. Most orders arrive within 2 to 4 business days after production. 

How do I apply a large decal to a curved truck door or panel?

Clean the surface thoroughly, start at one edge or at a center hinge of masking tape, and work outward with a squeegee to push air out as you go. Air-release technology in our truck decal materials lets trapped air escape through tiny channels instead of forming bubbles. For deeply curved or riveted surfaces, cast vinyl or 3M Controltac conforms better than calendered vinyl. Our step-by-step guide on how to apply a decal to your car uses the same technique, just scaled up for truck panels. You can also watch a vehicle decal installation walkthrough or see the squeegee technique in action before you start. 

Are removable decals an option if I lease trucks or repaint often?

Yes, with the right planning. Properly applied vehicle decals remove cleanly with gentle heat and won't damage factory paint, but they are single-use once installed and should not be repositioned. 3M Controltac can be repositioned during installation and is designed for clean removal, which makes it a good fit for leased trucks and future rebrands. For temporary messaging on glass, such as a seasonal promotion or hiring notice on the rear cab window, window clings made from low-tack vinyl peel off and reapply easily. 

How long do tow truck decals last?

Calendered vinyl decals last 3 to 5 years outdoors, and cast vinyl or 3M Controltac lasts up to 8 years when properly installed and maintained. Lifespan depends on sun exposure, pressure washing habits, and climate. Trucks parked in shade and hand-washed will reach the top of those ranges.