Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which One Is Right for Your Vehicle?
When your vehicle needs to be towed, the type of tow truck used can make a difference. Two of the most common options are flatbed towing and wheel-lift towing. While both methods are designed to move vehicles safety they work differently and are better suited for different situations.
Knowing the difference between flatbed and wheel-lift towing can help you understand what to expect when you call a towing company. It can also help you choose the right towing service for your vehicle and situation.
What Is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing uses a tow truck with a large, flat platform on the back. The entire vehicle is loaded onto the platform, keeping all four wheels off the road during transportation.
A flatbed tow truck typically uses a hydraulic system to lower the platform toward the ground. The vehicle can then be driven or pulled onto teh bed before the platform is raised and secured.
Because the vehicle does not roll on the road while being transported, flatbed towing provides excellent protection for many types of vrhicles.
When Is Flatbed Towing a Good Choice?
Flatbed towing is often recommended for vehicles that need extra protection during transport.
It can be a good option for:
• All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles
• Luxury and high-end vehicles
• Classic and collectible cars
• Vehicles with significant damage
• Vehicles that cannot safely roll on their wheels
• Long-distance vehicle transportation
• Cars with low ground clearance
Flatbed towing can also reduced the risk of additional wear on the tires and drivetrain because the vehicle is completely lifted off the road.
What is Wheel-Lift Towing?
Wheel-lift towing uses a metal yoke that attaches underneath the vehicle and lifts either the front or rear wheels off the ground. The other two wheels remain on the road as the tow truck transports the vehicle.
This method is commonly used for short-distance towing, roadside emergencies, parking enforcement and situations where a vehicle needs to be moved quickly.
Wheel-lift tow trucks are generally smaller and more manueverable than flatbed trucks, which can make them useful in tight parking lots, narrow streets and crowded areas.
When is Wheel-Lift towing a Good Choice?
Wheel-lift towing can be a practical option when the vehicle is in reasonable condition and can safely roll on its remaining wheels.
It may be suitable for:
• Short-distance towing
• Disabled vehicles
• Roadside breakdowns
• Vehicles parked in tight areas
• Local towing needs
• Emergency vehicle relocation
•Certain front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles
The towing professional should consider the vehicle’s drivetrain, condition, weight and manufacturer recommendations before deciding whether wheel-lift towing is appropriate.
Flatbed vs Wheel-Lift Towing
The main difference is how the vehicle is transported.
With flatbed towing, the entire vehicle is placed on the truck’s platform. With wheel-lift towing, only two wheels are lifted while the other two typically remain on the ground.
Here is a simple comparison:
| Feature | Flatbed Towing | Wheel-Lift Towing |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels on road | None | Usually two |
| Vehicle protection | Very high | Good when properly used |
| Best for | Damaged, luxury, AWD/4WD vehicles | Local and short-distance towing |
| Maneuverability | Good | Excellent |
| Loading method | Vehicle loaded onto platform | Wheels lifted with yoke |
| Long-distance towing | Often preferred | Less commonly preferred |
| Tight spaces | May be more difficult | Often easier |
Which Towing Method is Safer?
Both flatbed and wheel-lift towing can be safe method depends on the vehicle and the circumstances.
Flatbed towing provides an advantage when you want all four wheels completely off the ground. This can be specially important for certain vehicles, vehicles with drivetrain concerns or cars that have suffered serious damage.
Wheel-lift towing can also be safe when the tow truck operator uses the correct attachment points and follows proper procedures for the vehicle’s drivetrain and condition.
Which is Better for AWD Vehicles?
Flatbed towing is generally the preffered option for many all-wheel-drive vehicles because all four wheels can remain off the ground during transportation.
Towing an AWD vehicle with only two wheels lifted can potentially cause drivetrain problems if the vehicle is not towed according to the manufacturer’s requirements. Always check the owner’s manual or ask a qualified towing professional about the correct towing method.
Which is Better for a Damaged Vehicle
A flatbed tow truck is often the better choice for a vehicle with major damage, specially if the wheels, suspension, steering or drivetrain are affected.
If a vehicle cannot roll normally, loading it onto a flatbed can make transportation easier and reduce the chance of causing additional damage.
How Do You Choose the Right Tow Truck?
The right towing method depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s make and model, drivetrain, weight, condition, location and towing distance.
When calling for towing service, provide as much information as possible. Tell the towing company whether the vehicle starts, whether the wheels roll, whether it has been involved in an accident and whether is AWD, AWD, front-wheel drive or rear wheel drive.
This information helps the towing company send the appropriate equipment.
Call a Professional Towing Service
If your vehicle breaks down or needs to be transported, you do not have to figure out the towing method on your own. A professional tow truck operator can assess the situation and determine whether a fatbed or wheel-lift truck is more appropriate.
Whether you need emergency towing, accident recovery, roadside assistance or local vehicle transport, using the right equipment can help protect your vehicle throughout the process.
When in doubt, ask the towing company which method they recommend for your specific vehicle. A proper assesment before towing can help prevent unnecessary damage and make the entire towing process safer and easier.
WE ALSO PROVIDE OUR SERVICES NEARBY CITIES IN RICHMOND, VA
Fast, reliable roadside & towing service across Richmond and the surrounding communities.
Get In Touch
Meet Us
Richmond, VA 23220
Call Us
(804) 916-1040
The area’s most reasonable rates are offered by Ben’s Roadway Towing Assistance. You can always call us for towing assistance because we provide all types of towing services around-the-clock.