$1000 for a 23 mile tow?

Look at the price from the tow operator’s point of view. 23 extra miles is really a 46 mile round trip. That’s more fuel and an hour of time delay to get to the next guy waiting for a tow. They may lose that next tow to a competitor who can get there quicker. Towing bigger rigs isn’t easy or cheap to begin with. The equipment costs and skill levels are much higher than required to tow a car. Like almost all businesses the tow operators know what the competition charges and what they need to charge to stay in business. While you could probably go to the local bar and fine a couple of guys with a pickup and a tow chain willing to give it a try, it is very unlikely shopping around would save you hundreds of dollars without sacrificing ability.