Up Righting West Des Moines
Need fast up righting in West Des Moines? Roy’s Towing & Recovery offers 24/7 vehicle recovery, rotator service, and expert rollover response.
When an overturned vehicle halts traffic on I-235 or a jackknifed semi blocks a rural road in Dallas County, seconds matter. At Roy’s Towing & Recovery, we provide expert up righting services in West Des Moines, ensuring vehicles are safely returned to an upright position without causing further damage or delays. Our team is trained, equipped, and ready 24/7 to handle even the most complex recovery scenarios, from storm-related incidents to multi-vehicle collisions—and when sheer size demands it, our Heavy Wrecker Towing West Des Moines division brings the muscle for safe, controlled upright recoveries. Based right here on S 13th St, we know these roads better than anyone—and our rapid response means we’re never far when disaster strikes.
Up righting is more than just brute strength; it’s about technique, safety, and precision. Whether it’s a delivery truck tipped during a windy day on Jordan Creek Parkway or a trailer flipped on the icy shoulder of Grand Avenue, we approach each scene with advanced equipment and a calm, experienced hand.
Why West Des Moines Drivers Rely on Us for Up Righting
West Des Moines drivers know that when a vehicle tips over—whether it’s a box truck on Highway 5 or a loaded trailer on Grand Avenue—it takes more than a tow to restore order. The region’s rapid weather shifts, strong crosswinds, and seasonal black ice make up-righting incidents a regular risk across Polk and Dallas Counties. Roy’s Towing & Recovery has built a reputation for precision, speed, and community coordination when it matters most.
We’re not just a towing company—we’re an emergency recovery partner embedded in West Des Moines infrastructure. Here’s why drivers, commercial fleets, and public safety agencies call us first when up-righting is needed:
Local Hazard Expertise
- Our team understands how wind tunnels form near Jordan Creek Town Center, making it a hotspot for top-heavy vehicle incidents.
- We’ve mapped incline risks on Ashworth Road, Mills Civic Parkway, and the I-35 southbound exit near Veterans Parkway.
- We monitor seasonal accident trends to anticipate deployment needs based on precipitation forecasts and temperature drops.
Immediate 24/7 Mobilization
- Our dispatch team is live around the clock with GPS-tracked units ready to respond in under 30 minutes from our base off EP True Parkway.
- Each rig is pre-loaded with cribbing, lift bags, stabilizer legs, and hydraulic winches to begin recovery within minutes of arrival.
Specialized Equipment and Personnel
- Our fleet includes 50-ton rotators capable of precision up-righting for semi-trailers and fire apparatus.
- Every operator is WreckMaster certified and trained in tension vector calculation, multi-point anchoring, and advanced recovery geometry.
- We routinely conduct joint exercises with the West Des Moines Fire Department and Iowa State Patrol for seamless multi-agency scene management.
Safe and Compliant Scene Clearance
- We set up full perimeter safety zones per OSHA and FHWA traffic incident management protocols.
- Our team handles post-incident debris removal, spill containment, and traffic restoration documentation.
- We also liaise with insurance adjusters and DOT officials to expedite claim and inspection procedures.
At Roy’s Towing & Recovery, we don’t just respond—we anticipate, coordinate, and recover with zero shortcuts. Our goal is to minimize downtime for motorists and restore safe driving conditions across West Des Moines faster than any competitor in the region.
What Happens When You Call Roy's Towing & Recovery
When a vehicle tips and time is critical, one call to Roy’s Towing & Recovery at (515) 225-6088 triggers a streamlined, expert-led response process built for safety, speed, and precision. Whether the rollover occurs near the I-235/63rd Street interchange or along the gravel shoulders of Booneville Road, we move quickly from intake to impact mitigation.
Step 1: Structured Intake and Real-Time Assessment
Our trained dispatchers collect vital incident data using a proven decision matrix:
- Vehicle Type & Load: Is it 10,000 lb. delivery box truck or a loaded tandem axle trailer? This dictates rotator size and rigging plan.
- Exact Location Details: We ask for GPS pins, landmarks (e.g., near Raccoon River Dog Park), or mile markers on I-80, I-35, or Highway 5.
- Cargo Sensitivity: Are there perishable goods, live animals, or hazardous materials requiring containment?
- On-Scene Conditions: We factor wind gusts, road slickness, shoulder stability, and approaching traffic density.
Step 2: Precision Dispatch with Redundant Coverage
Based on this assessment, we assign the optimal recovery unit:
- Light-duty rollovers often warrant a twin-line wrecker with self-leveling outriggers.
- Heavy-duty incidents trigger deployment of a 50-ton rotator, supplemented by air cushion systems for soft lift when needed.
- Multiple units may be dispatched for scenes with limited access, multi-vehicle involvement, or lane closures requiring traffic control support.
Step 3: On-Scene Execution
Once on site, our team initiates a structured recovery protocol:
- Route Optimization: Operators use Waze-verified local routing and CAD inputs to avoid train crossings and construction choke points on roads like EP True Parkway or Mills Civic Parkway.
- Pre-Recovery Setup: We establish safety perimeters with cones, deploy LED floodlights for visibility, and initiate radio contact with WDM PD, DOT responders, and fire crews if involved.
- Up Righting Process: Depending on the scenario, we use slings, snatch blocks, boom extension arms, cribbing, and lift bags for a controlled upright. Every move is calculated to protect drivetrains, frames, and cargo integrity.
- Post-Recovery Closure: Crews handle road surface cleanup, oil-dry application, glass sweep, and photograph the final state for police and insurance documentation.
Step 4: Transparent Updates and Customer Assurance
Throughout the process:
- You receive location-based updates and ETAs via text or dispatcher call-backs.
- If you’re on scene, our operator will walk you through the timeline and establish a designated safe zone.
- If you’re remote, we offer after-action reports and coordination with fleet managers, insurers, or law enforcement as needed.
This system ensures that from the moment you call Roy’s Towing & Recovery, you receive elite-level support—whether you’re a solo commuter or managing a commercial fleet.
Our Estimated Arrival Times in West Des Moines
At Roy’s Towing & Recovery, we know that time is critical—especially during an up righting emergency where blocked lanes or hazardous conditions put lives and infrastructure at risk. That’s why we maintain highly calibrated response protocols and dynamic dispatch routing tailored to West Des Moines and surrounding communities. Our team operates 24/7, with on-call units strategically positioned near major traffic arteries and high-risk zones to deliver rapid, dependable service.
Average Response Times by Location
Our localized dispatch data shows consistent arrival windows across these key zones:
- Valley Junction & South 13th Street Corridor: 10–15 minutes
Positioned just minutes from our base, this area receives our fastest response. We regularly cover rollovers near Raccoon River Drive, especially during heavy rain or during utility truck operations. - Jordan Creek Town Center & Mills Civic Parkway: 18–22 minutes
Congestion and shopping traffic near this commercial hub are offset by our express routes using EP True Parkway and S 50th Street. - Waukee, Booneville, and Dallas County Roads: 25–30 minutes
For rural incidents on gravel roads or open stretches west of West Des Moines, we dispatch via Grand Prairie Parkway and utilize cross-county routing to avoid narrow shoulders. - Downtown Des Moines (East of 63rd Street): 20–25 minutes
Coverage extends eastbound on I-235, where we frequently assist in dense urban traffic and delivery vehicle rollovers near Ingersoll Avenue.
Our Up Righting Services in West Des Moines
At Roy’s Towing & Recovery, we provide specialized up righting services across West Des Moines and the greater Polk and Dallas County region. Each rollover or tip-over event is different, and we bring custom recovery planning to every scene—whether it’s a wind-flipped trailer off Highway 5 or a job site forklift mishap in Waukee.
We handle the full spectrum of upright recoveries, including:
- Box Trucks Overturned on City Streets: Especially common in wind corridors along University Avenue and near Valley West Mall, these vehicles often require rapid deployment during business hours to restore traffic flow with minimal disruption.
- Semi-Trailers Jackknifed on Interstates: High-speed merges on I-35 and the I-235 beltline increase jackknife risks. We use rotators and multi-anchor setups to realign and upright with minimal impact to the load or roadway.
- RVs and Motorhomes Rolled on Rural Curves: RVs traveling scenic routes near Walnut Woods State Park often experience control loss on loose gravel or narrow shoulders. Our team uses a balance of lift bags and boom control to stabilize the structure without compromising the frame.
- Tipped Farm Equipment on Gravel Roads: Combines, balers, and planters involved in rural work accidents near Booneville or Van Meter require customized rigging due to uneven weight distribution and soft terrain. Our heavy cargo services in West Des Moines team is specially trained for agricultural and industrial recoveries like these.
- Job Site Equipment Rollovers: Forklifts, skid steers, and scissor lifts commonly tip due to grading errors or loading issues. We work closely with site managers to secure and upright machinery without damaging hydraulics or lift arms.
- Wind-Affected Trailers on Open Roads: During spring and fall, sudden gusts on Veterans Parkway or Racoon River Drive frequently push high-profile trailers beyond their center of gravity. Our response units are trained to anchor, counterbalance, and lift in wind-sensitive conditions.
For more complex incidents—like jackknifed semis, tandem axle trailers, or overturned commercial rigs on I-80—our Heavy Duty Towing West Des Moines team works in tandem with our up righting crews. This combined response ensures safer, faster clearances for major highway incidents and industrial zones across Polk and Dallas counties.
Advanced Recovery Methods We Use:
- Low-Pressure Air Cushions: Ideal for large surface area contact like buses and tankers, allowing safe and gradual lifting without shearing stress.
- Twin Winch Systems: Synchronized to manage angular rollovers where center-frame pivot is required.
- Boom and Sling Techniques: Used in tandem with rotators for high-clearance or bridge-side recoveries.
We serve:
- Residential Drivers: Assisting private vehicle owners involved in accidents on local roads or driveways.
- Commercial Fleets: Partnering with logistics firms operating out of the Des Moines Industrial Park or cross-dock centers along Railroad Avenue.
- Municipal Agencies: Providing scene support for city and county emergency services, including public transit and snowplow recovery.
Whether you need an upright recovery from a steep embankment on Fuller Road or inside a construction zone off Grand Avenue, Roy’s Towing & Recovery is prepared with the tools, training, and local experience to execute flawlessly.
Equipment and Safety Measures We Use
Up righting is not just about raw strength—it’s about controlled, calculated recovery backed by the right tools and protocols. At Roy’s Towing & Recovery, we operate with industry-leading equipment, advanced safety measures, and a zero-compromise approach to protecting people, property, and public infrastructure. Every scene—whether on I-80 during a snow squall or in a tight construction zone near Jordan Creek Parkway—is approached with disciplined coordination and technical precision.
Specialized Up Righting Equipment:
- 50-Ton Hydraulic Rotators: These multi-axis recovery units feature independent hydraulic stabilizers and 360° swing capacity, allowing us to lift, pivot, and place vehicles upright in constrained or hazardous environments.
- Wireless Remote-Controlled Winches: Operators can control tension and movement from a safe distance, maintaining full visibility of the recovery point and minimizing reaction time for sudden changes in load dynamics.
- Low-Pressure Air Cushion Recovery Systems: Ideal for soft-lift applications such as buses, tankers, or vehicles with compromised frames. These systems reduce further structural damage and evenly distribute force during the upright phase.
- High-Tensile Straps and Multi-Angle Snatch Blocks: Our inventory includes synthetic straps rated for over 100,000 lbs and snatch blocks configured for redirecting winch angles in tight urban or roadside settings.
- Heavy-Duty Rigging and Ground Anchors: Including steel cribbing, base pads, and mobile anchor points to secure recovery rigs on inclines or loose gravel surfaces.
- Portable LED Lighting and Reflective Traffic Signage: Ensures complete visibility during nighttime operations and high-traffic zone recoveries. We set up lighting towers and perimeter cones according to FHWA temporary traffic control guidelines.
Operator Safety and Scene Compliance Protocols:
- All personnel wear ANSI Class 3 reflective gear, including helmets, gloves, and fire-resistant uniforms.
- Crews are trained in NFPA 1091 Roadway Incident Operations and Traffic Incident Management Systems (TIMS) to ensure coordination with first responders, hazmat units, and DOT officials.
- Each vehicle is assessed for:
- Fuel or coolant leaks
- Shifting or unsecured cargo
- Frame separation or undercarriage compromise
- We conduct a scene hazard sweep before any equipment is engaged, using thermal imaging and moisture sensors when necessary in low-visibility or high-risk conditions.
- All recovery operations are logged, with photos and torque records documented for use in legal claims or post-incident review.
Safety is not a checklist—it’s a mindset built into every decision we make. At Roy’s Towing & Recovery, we are as committed to the safety of bystanders and motorists as we are to the efficiency of the recovery itself. Every up-righting operation is performed with redundant safety layers, engineered lifting angles, and real-time communication between field techs, dispatchers, and public safety officers.
A Recent West Des Moines Customer We Helped
In late March, a powerful windstorm swept through West Des Moines, bringing gusts exceeding 45 mph. Around 7:15 a.m., a local bakery’s delivery truck—a high-profile box van loaded with morning orders—was blown over while merging onto the 8th Street overpass from Railroad Avenue. The combination of elevated roadway exposure and an empty rear axle created the perfect storm for a rollover. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed, but the incident blocked a key commuter route, backing up traffic toward the Jordan Creek area.
The bakery owner immediately called Roy’s Towing & Recovery at (515) 225-6088. Within 18 minutes, we were on scene with a mid-range 35-ton rotator, two certified riggers, and a safety officer. Our team established a secure perimeter using high-visibility cones and LED traffic alert systems, then initiated a scene hazard assessment to check for fuel leaks or undercarriage stress. Coordination with West Des Moines PD ensured safe lane closure and traffic redirection while recovery operations were underway.
Technical Breakdown of the Recovery:
- Rigging Configuration: A side-pull arrangement was selected due to the vehicle’s angle on the incline and the narrow shoulder width.
- Anchor Deployment: We installed dual ground anchors into the soft roadside soil and cribbed under the chassis to prevent rebound movement.
- Lifting Procedure: Using twin snatch blocks and a slow-tension winch sequence, we rotated the vehicle upright in 44 minutes without compromising the refrigeration unit or rear axle.
Post-recovery, we performed an undercarriage inspection to confirm drivability. Aside from minor panel dents, the truck remained operational. The driver was cleared to continue the delivery route within the hour—saving the bakery from costly delays and product loss.
Up Righting West Des Moines: Frequently Asked Questions
What is up right in towing?
Up righting is the process of safely returning a rolled or flipped vehicle to its normal upright position. It involves precise equipment and techniques to prevent further damage or danger.
How long does writing take?
Most recoveries take 30 to 90 minutes, depending on vehicle size, position, cargo, and terrain. Preparation and safety checks are essential.
Is up righting safe for my vehicle?
Yes. Our crews use damage-preventive methods like air cushions, frame-stabilized lifting, and soft-rigging to ensure structural integrity during recovery.
What if my truck tipped during a storm?
Stay in a safe place and call us immediately. We’re trained to recover weather-affected vehicles and handle unstable conditions with care.
Will police or insurance need to be involved?
In most cases, yes—especially for commercial or multi-vehicle incidents. We provide documentation and can coordinate with both.
Can you upright a flipped RV or camper?
Absolutely. We have experience with motorhomes, fifth-wheels, and campers of all sizes and can secure interiors before lifting.
Call Roy’s Towing & Recovery Now
When a vehicle tips, every minute matters—for your safety, for traffic flow, and for avoiding further damage. Whether you’re a solo driver facing a rollover on EP True Parkway, a commercial fleet manager dealing with a jackknifed semi on I-80, or a site supervisor managing equipment recovery on a Booneville construction zone, Roy’s Towing & Recovery is the name West Des Moines trusts for expert, around-the-clock up righting.
Our crews are standing by 24/7 with the right tools, certified training, and location-specific expertise to resolve any recovery quickly and safely. From electric vans to livestock trailers, we’ve handled it all with precision and professionalism.
Call us now at (515) 225-6088 for immediate dispatch and on-site support. Our team is always ready—because we know that when your vehicle goes down, we need to rise to the occasion.
All Services
Light To Heavy-Duty Towing
Roy’s Towing offers towing services for vehicles of different sizes and weights, ranging from small or light-duty vehicles to larger and heavier ones.
Recovery
Roy’s Towing provides recovery services, which involve safely retrieving and towing vehicles that are stuck, immobilized, or involved in accidents.
Roadside Assistance
Roy’s Towing offers roadside assistance, which includes various services to help drivers in emergency situations on the road.
Lockouts
Roy’s Towing assists customers who are locked out of their vehicles, helping them gain access to their cars in situations where the keys are lost, locked inside, or inaccessible.
Light To Heavy-Duty Towing
Roy’s Towing offers towing services for vehicles of different sizes and weights, ranging from small or light-duty vehicles to larger and heavier ones.
Recovery
Roy’s Towing provides recovery services, which involve safely retrieving and towing vehicles that are stuck, immobilized, or involved in accidents.
Roadside Assistance
Roy’s Towing offers roadside assistance, which includes various services to help drivers in emergency situations on the road.
Lockouts
Roy’s Towing assists customers who are locked out of their vehicles, helping them gain access to their cars in situations where the keys are lost, locked inside, or inaccessible.
Here’s What Our Client Say About Us
"Wow! Where do I start. I called Roy's towing, panicked because my food truck was stalled in a very busy intersection. Laney picked up, kindly listened to my woes, and then got a heavy out to get my truck. Chad was there in a heartbeat and got the truck out of traffic. He was as kind a driver we have ever met. Graciously put the truck in my drive and my traveling business was home. Thank you, Roy's Towing. You save the day."
Darrah Oswalt
About Us
Drivers all across Iowa have relied on Roy’s Towing & Recovery for more than fifty years. We offer fast, friendly, and responsive 24/7 towing and roadside service throughout West Des Moines and nearby communities. No matter what you need, we’d love to solve your problems.