Flatbed vs Wheel-Lift Towing: Which One Does Your Vehicle Need?
When you call for a tow, the type of truck matters. The wrong method can damage some vehicles. Here is how flatbed and wheel-lift towing differ, and how to know which one your vehicle needs.
Short answer: a flatbed carries the whole vehicle on a bed with no wheels on the road. A wheel-lift raises one end and the other wheels roll. All-wheel drive, low, classic, luxury and damaged vehicles should go on a flatbed. Many two-wheel-drive cars can go either way. Tell us the vehicle and we choose for you.
What is flatbed towing?
The bed tilts down, the vehicle is winched or driven onto it, and the bed levels for transport. All four wheels are off the road, so there is no wear on the drivetrain and less risk to bumpers and body panels.
What is wheel-lift towing?
A metal yoke cradles the front or rear wheels and lifts that end. The other two wheels stay on the road. It is quick to set up and works well in tight spaces and for short distances with two-wheel-drive vehicles.
Side-by-side comparison
| Flatbed | Wheel-lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels on the road | None | Two |
| Best for | AWD/4×4, low cars, classics, damaged vehicles, long distance | Two-wheel-drive cars, short distance, tight spaces |
| Drivetrain wear | None | Possible if the wrong end is lifted |
| Motorcycles | Yes, with tie-downs | No |
Which vehicles need a flatbed?
- All-wheel drive and most 4×4 vehicles.
- Lowered cars and sports cars with little ground clearance.
- Classic, collector and luxury vehicles.
- Vehicles with accident damage or missing wheels.
- Motorcycles.
- Long-distance moves.
Does a flatbed cost more?
Sometimes, but not always. The bigger cost is usually distance. For vehicles that need a flatbed, the extra protection is worth it: drivetrain repairs cost far more than the tow.
How to tell us what you have
Give the year, make and model, and say whether the vehicle is all-wheel drive if you know. If you are not sure, read the badge on the back or check the owner’s manual. If it is still unclear, we send a flatbed to be safe.
Common questions
It can on all-wheel drive vehicles or if the wrong end is lifted. That is why we confirm the drivetrain before we send a truck.
For most vehicles, yes, because no wheels touch the road during transport.
No. Motorcycles go on a flatbed with proper tie-downs.
A wheel-lift sets up a little faster, but the right method matters more than a few minutes.
We do, based on the vehicle you describe. The driver confirms on site.
Need a tow? Call (305) 647-3722. More: towing services · towing FAQ.