Moving a Bus Isn’t Like Moving a Car
You don’t just hook it up and go.
The sheer size of a bus makes everything more complicated: from assessing damage to maneuvering tight corners. And yet, when a city bus stalls mid-route or a private charter breaks down before a big event, we don’t have the luxury of delay. That’s when our Eugene bus towing work kicks in.
Breakdowns That Bring Everything to a Halt
When a bus stops moving, everything stops with it.
These vehicles often carry dozens of passengers. If they’re stranded, it’s a race against time to clear the scene, restore service, and prevent traffic jams. In some cases, the bus is disabled in a high-traffic intersection or a narrow road where there’s no room to waste. Every minute counts, and it’s on us to work fast without cutting corners.
What Makes Bus Towing So Difficult?
Think of towing a bus like moving a building with wheels.
The weight distribution is different. The suspension system is more complex. The turning radius is tighter than you’d expect. Add in the risk of low-hanging signs, power lines, or narrow overpasses and it’s clear: this isn’t a job for just any tow truck.
Some common problems we deal with include:
- Low ground clearance that makes loading tricky
- Disabled air suspension that changes the towing dynamics
- Limited access points for safely attaching tow arms
- Steep driveways or awkward bus stops that require creative positioning
Moving Giants
We’ve learned that success starts with preparation.
Before we even get on-site, we ask questions. What kind of bus? Where’s it located? Is it fully loaded or empty? This helps us determine the right truck—usually a heavy-duty wrecker with an extended boom—and prep for any special tools we might need.
Once we arrive, our first step is a full assessment of the scene. We check the tires, frame height, and undercarriage access. If the bus is stuck in park or the brakes are locked, we have gear to lift and roll it without dragging. We may also use suspension-lifting gear to raise low-hanging bumpers off the ground safely.
Here’s how we keep things smooth and safe:
- Isolate the drive axle to prevent drivetrain damage
- Secure steering components to avoid alignment issues
- Use wheel lifts or cradle systems to ensure even weight distribution
- Maintain constant communication with our spotters to guide every move
Every tow is different, but the goal never changes: remove the vehicle cleanly and protect everything in the process.
Puddle Jumper’s Commitment to Excellent Eugene Bus Towing
There’s no such thing as a “routine” bus tow.
Our Eugene bus towing team can pull broken-down coaches from narrow alleys, winch school buses from muddy backroads, and maneuver buses through rush-hour traffic, all part of a day’s work in Eugene bus towing.
Our Eugene bus towing team doesn’t flinch at big recoveries. Instead, we bring a strategy, the right tools, and a Eugene bus towing team that’s trained for the heavy stuff. That’s how we’ve built a reputation for handling some of the most demanding Eugene bus towing jobs around.