Light Duty Towing in Gilbert, AZ
Most tow calls in Gilbert aren’t for semi-trucks or heavy equipment. They’re for the sedan that won’t start in the Costco parking lot. The pickup that threw a belt on Higley Road. The minivan that overheated picking up the kids from school. That’s light duty towing — everyday vehicles that need to get from Point A to Point B without driving there under their own power.
Thompson’s Auto Repair & Towing handles more light duty tow calls than any other type. Our fleet includes both wheel-lift and flatbed trucks designed specifically for vehicles under 10,000 pounds — which covers just about every passenger car, SUV, crossover, and light truck on the road. We respond quickly, handle your vehicle with care, and here’s the part that matters most: we can fix whatever broke in the first place. Thompson’s isn’t just a tow company. We’re a full auto repair shop. Your car gets towed to our bay, our mechanics diagnose it, and you get one bill instead of two.
Why Choose Thompson’s for Light Duty Towing
Bryan Vivian has been running Thompson’s for over 30 years, and the majority of that work has been light duty towing and repair for Gilbert families. He built the business on the idea that towing and repair should be handled by the same people. When some other tow company drops your car at a random shop, you’re starting from scratch — new intake paperwork, new wait times, new trust to build. With Thompson’s, the tow driver radios ahead to the shop. By the time your car rolls into our bay, the mechanics already know what’s going on.
Our drivers treat your vehicle like it’s their own. We use proper tie-downs, soft straps on alloy wheels, and dollies when the situation calls for them. We’ve towed everything from brand-new Teslas to beloved 20-year-old Corollas, and every one gets the same level of care. No scrapes, no scratches, no additional damage — ever.
We’re also upfront about pricing. You get a quote before we move the truck. No mysterious mileage surcharges, no inflated rates because it’s a weekend. Straight pricing from a company that wants you to call again next time you need help.
How Light Duty Towing Works
You call us at 480-418-9206 and tell us what’s going on. We need to know what kind of vehicle it is, where it’s located, and where you’d like it taken (most people say “just bring it to your shop,” which makes things easy).
We dispatch the right truck. For standard front-wheel or rear-wheel drive cars and trucks, our wheel-lift trucks are fast and efficient. For all-wheel drive vehicles, lowered cars, or anything that needs extra protection, we’ll send a flatbed. We choose the method that’s safest for your specific vehicle.
Our driver arrives and inspects the situation. Before hooking up, the driver checks your vehicle and notes any existing damage. If something simple might get you moving (a jump start, a tire swap), the driver can handle that on the spot and save you the tow fee. If it genuinely needs a tow, we load it up properly.
Your vehicle gets delivered safely. Whether it’s coming to Thompson’s shop or another destination, we transport it with care and confirm delivery with you. If it’s coming to us, our mechanics begin diagnosis as soon as possible.
When You Need Light Duty Towing
Here’s when Gilbert drivers typically call us for a light duty tow:
- Mechanical breakdown: Engine won’t run, transmission is slipping, car died on Gilbert Road and won’t restart
- Won’t start: Battery is fine, fuel is fine, but the car simply won’t turn over — could be the starter, ignition switch, or something electrical
- Buying a vehicle: You purchased a car that isn’t running or isn’t registered, and you need it transported to your home or a shop
- Moving a vehicle: Relocating from one property to another, taking a project car to a different garage
- Scheduled maintenance: Some repairs require the car to be undriveable (brake work, suspension rebuilds), and you need it transported to the shop
- After an accident: The car is technically driveable but you don’t feel safe driving it — frame might be bent, alignment is off, airbags deployed
Service Areas
Thompson’s light duty towing covers Gilbert and the greater East Valley. We regularly pick up vehicles from:
- Gilbert: Power Ranch, Agritopia, Val Vista Lakes, Morrison Ranch, Seville, San Tan Village, Heritage District, Spectrum, and all neighborhoods in between
- Major Gilbert roads: Gilbert Road, Val Vista Drive, Higley Road, Power Road, Guadalupe Road, Baseline Road, Ray Road
- Highways: Loop 202 Santan Freeway, US 60 Superstition Freeway, Loop 101
- Nearby cities: Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Tempe, Scottsdale, and east Phoenix
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as “light duty” towing?
Light duty towing covers vehicles up to about 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. That includes virtually all passenger cars, sedans, coupes, small and mid-size SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and most pickup trucks (half-ton and under). If your vehicle is heavier than that — like a large commercial truck, RV, or loaded work truck — we have heavy duty towing for that.
Will the tow truck damage my car?
Not if it’s done right, and we do it right. Our drivers are trained on proper loading techniques for every type of vehicle. We use wheel straps, soft ties, and flatbed transport when needed. If your car has special requirements (lowered suspension, aftermarket body kits, AWD), let us know when you call and we’ll prep accordingly.
How much does a light duty tow cost in Gilbert?
It depends on the distance and situation, but for local tows within Gilbert, you’re typically looking at a very reasonable rate. We give you the price upfront before we start, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Can you tow my car from an apartment complex or parking garage?
Yes. We handle tight spaces, underground garages, and gated communities regularly. Let us know about any access restrictions when you call so we can send the right-sized truck.
Do you tow electric vehicles and hybrids?
Absolutely. EVs and hybrids typically need flatbed towing to protect the drivetrain. Our flatbed trucks handle Teslas, Priuses, Chevy Bolts, and every other electric or hybrid on the road. Our repair shop works on them too.
Get Your Vehicle Where It Needs to Be
Thompson’s Auto Repair & Towing has been handling light duty tows across Gilbert for over 30 years. We show up on time, treat your vehicle right, and if it needs repair, we handle that too. One call takes care of everything.
Call Thompson’s at 480-418-9206 for light duty towing in Gilbert and the East Valley. Available 24/7.