When people think of towing, they often imagine a gruff driver, a rusty truck, and a long wait on the side of a busy road. But in the Quad Cities, that image is outdated—and at Riverside Towing, we’re working to change it every single day.
Our headquarters sits just off Indian Road in Davenport, but our work spans every square mile between I-280 and the Arsenal Bridge, from the parking lots of NorthPark Mall to the flood-prone dips near the Rock Island riverfront. We’re more than a tow company—we’re part of the rhythm of the Quad Cities commute.
Why? Because breakdowns here don’t just happen. They happen in -10°F wind chills and 105°F humidity. They happen during John Deere Classic traffic jams and after storms that leave Duck Creek swamped. And when they do, you don’t need a truck—you need a team who knows every backroad, detour, and bridge ramp in both Iowa and Illinois.
Why Quad Cities Drivers Trust Riverside Towing in Every Emergency
Every city has its quirks. In Davenport, it’s the unpredictable ice near Marquette Street. In Moline, it’s the one-ways downtown that confuse GPS. Rock Island’s riverfront can flood fast, and Bettendorf drivers know how quickly fog rolls in over Veterans Parkway.
At Riverside Towing, we’ve studied these patterns. We’ve built our dispatch system and driver training around them.
- We track traffic spikes during concerts at the Vibrant Arena and football games at Brady Street Stadium.
- We’ve developed detour routes when the I-74 bridge backs up or Kimberly Road construction halts traffic.
- We know the time it takes to reach the sloped driveways in East Moline versus a cornfield turnout off 130th Ave in Blue Grass.
More than tools, we bring local wisdom to the scene—because that’s what saves time when seconds matter.
What to Expect When You Call Riverside Towing in the Quad Cities
When you reach out, our dispatcher will:
- Confirm your precise location and nearest landmark.
- Determine your vehicle type and the problem.
- Dispatch the right equipment immediately.
- Provide text message updates with real-time ETAs.
Our techs typically arrive within 25–35 minutes using major routes like John Deere Road, Kimberly Road, or Highway 67. You’ll get updates via SMS and a clear ETA so you’re never in the dark.
We also account for:
- Construction slowdowns on I-280
- Weather-related detours during spring flooding or winter ice
- Night-time lighting and safe parking near loading zones
Our Full Towing Services Across the Quad Cities
We offer:
- Flatbed towing for AWD, electric, and luxury vehicles
- Light and medium-duty recovery for breakdowns and slide-offs
- Emergency roadside assistance (jumpstarts, fuel delivery, lockouts)
- Motorcycle and specialty towing
- Accident scene cleanup and vehicle winching
Unique local options include:
- Transporting project cars to garages for the Rock Island County Fair
- Towing breakdowns from local trails (e.g., Duck Creek Parkway)
- Loading e-bikes and scooters left in odd spots downtown
Advanced Equipment and Safety Protocols Behind Every Riverside Tow
Our fleet includes:
- GPS-tracked flatbeds and wheel-lifts
- Hydraulic lifts for lowered or modified vehicles
- Winches capable of 10,000+ lbs recovery
- LED flares and reflective PPE for operator safety
- Road salt mats and tire chains for winter reliability
Every operator is certified in roadside safety, vehicle handling, and extreme weather protocols—crucial during icy Mississippi River bridge crossings or 100°F July breakdowns. Radios are equipped with Quad Cities emergency alerts and flood zone tracking.
Two Local Rescues That Say It All
Every call we receive tells a different story, shaped by Quad Cities’ unpredictable weather and diverse road conditions. From icy Bettendorf mornings to sweltering Moline afternoons, our team is ready 24/7 to bring fast, reliable help wherever it’s needed.
In February, a commuter in Bettendorf lost control of her SUV on Veterans Memorial Parkway after an overnight freeze turned the pavement slick. Her vehicle slid down a snowy embankment near Devils Glen Park. She called us immediately. Our dispatcher routed a 4WD-equipped tow truck via East Kimberly Road to avoid the worst icy intersections. Our operator arrived in 22 minutes, winched her vehicle back to safety, and towed it directly to her mechanic on 53rd Street.
“They were the only ones who picked up right away in that storm. I was cold, scared, and stuck in a ditch. They got to me fast and made sure I was safe the whole time.”
— Megan L., Bettendorf
Months later, during a 97°F July heatwave, a college student’s hybrid sedan stalled near the TaxSlayer Center in downtown Moline. With no nearby shade and the cabin heating fast, he reached out. Our operator reached him within 18 minutes, navigating River Drive traffic and carrying an emergency cooling kit. We towed his vehicle to a repair shop on Avenue of the Cities and made sure he had cold water and a seat in our air-conditioned cab while he waited.
“They treated me like a person, not just a call. That cooling kit was a lifesaver. I’ll never call anyone else.”
— Jordan F., Moline
These situations reflect just a fraction of the local towing calls we respond to each week—each one handled with care, speed, and a deep understanding of Quad Cities’ unique terrain and traffic flow.
Our Estimated Arrival Times in the Quad Cities
Based on location and traffic:
- Downtown Rock Island to Arsenal Bridge: 15–20 minutes
- North Davenport near W Kimberly Road: 30–35 minutes
- Interstate calls from I-80 or I-280: 20–30 minutes
- Rural calls beyond Eldridge or Milan: 35–45 minutes
- Calls from Lock and Dam 15 or the riverfront: 20–25 minutes
Delays may occur during major river flooding, winter storms, or bridge closures. Calls during 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM tend to have the longest wait due to commuter traffic.
Emergency Tips to Stay Safe While You Wait
If you’re stranded:
- Turn on hazard lights and remain inside the vehicle.
- If you must exit, do so on the passenger side away from traffic.
- Set up reflective triangles 15 feet behind your car.
- Keep your phone charged—disable nonessential apps.
- Stay visible with dome lights if it’s dark.
- Keep a thermal blanket and bottled water in your trunk year-round.
Always follow Iowa and Illinois’s “Move Over” laws when others are stranded too. If possible, move your vehicle fully off the road, especially on bridges or exit ramps.’
Beyond the Tow: Stories, Laws, and Lessons from the Road
1. What Time Do Breakdowns Happen Most?
Our busiest windows are:
- Weekdays 7–9 AM (commuter stress)
- Fridays 3–6 PM (weekend exits)
- Sundays 11 AM–2 PM (post-church, pre-nap)
2. The Iowa Towing Rule You Should Know:
State law requires tow operators to remove hazards quickly—but you can refuse a tow if you’re not comfortable. You always have rights.
3. The Moline GPS Trap:
Many apps route drivers down 16th Street near the train overpass—narrow, low clearance, and often jammed. Avoid it when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does towing cost in the Quad Cities?
Rates vary by vehicle type and distance, but average $75–$125 for local tows.
Can you tow from private property or alleys?
Yes, we’re licensed for private impound and tight-access towing.
Do you tow electric vehicles like Teslas?
Absolutely—our flatbeds are equipped with EV-safe gear.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit/debit cards and contactless mobile payments.
Are you open during holidays?
Yes, we’re 24/7/365—including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Do you help with off-road or embankment recoveries?
Yes, we have high-strength winches and 4WD support vehicles.
How should I prepare while I wait?
Gather documents (registration, license), notify your rideshare app or employer, and review our ETA updates.
Call Riverside Towing Now for 24/7 Towing in the Quad Cities
When the unexpected happens, count on Riverside Towing to be there—fast, safe, and ready. Call us now for expert towing and roadside assistance anywhere in the Quad Cities. Located at 606 Indian Road in Davenport, we know the roads. We live here. We’ve got your back.
