When you run a recovery business, your fleet is your livelihood. Every hour a truck spends in the shop is an hour it isn’t out on the road helping stranded motorists.
Recently, we took in a Volvo Recovery Truck that had suffered significant damage after being hit while parked. It’s the kind of frustrating incident no fleet manager wants to deal with, but the team at Big Truck Repairs was ready to get this workhorse back into action.
The Damage Assessment
Despite being stationary, the impact was substantial. Large recovery vehicles are built tough, but a side-on collision while parked can cause complex issues beyond just a dented panel. Our initial inspection revealed:
Cab Bodywork: Heavy crushing to the lower door skin and side valance.
Structural Alignment: We needed to ensure the mounting points for the recovery gear hadn’t been compromised by the shock of the impact.
Aesthetics: A recovery truck is a rolling billboard for its company; the finish needed to be professional and consistent with the existing fleet livery.
The Big Truck Repair Process
1. Precision Stripping
Our technicians began by stripping back the damaged components. Because these Volvos are packed with hydraulic controls and electrical looms for the recovery bed, this requires a specialist touch to ensure no vital systems are disturbed during the metalwork.
2. Expert Panel Work & Alignment
Using our heavy-duty pulling equipment, we restored the cab’s lines. For a vehicle of this size, “good enough” isn’t an option—the panels must be perfectly aligned to ensure weather sealing and aerodynamic efficiency at motorway speeds.
3. High-Durability Paint Finish
Commercial vehicles face a harsh life—road salt, grit, and constant outdoor exposure. We applied a high-build primer followed by a commercial-grade topcoat in the original Volvo factory shade, ensuring a seamless match that can withstand the rigours of 24/7 recovery work.
The Result: Back in Service
The turnaround time was critical. We managed the repair efficiently, ensuring the Volvo was back on the hook and earning its keep in record time.
“A recovery truck being hit while parked is a nightmare for any operator. We treated this repair with the urgency it deserved, focusing on structural integrity and a factory-standard finish so the client could get back to business with confidence.” — The Big Truck Repairs Team
Is your commercial fleet in need of repair?
From minor scuffs to major structural repairs, Big Truck Repairs specialises in HGV, LGV, and specialist recovery vehicle bodywork. We understand that for you, time is money.
Give us a call or fill in our estimates form to get a quote.
