Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Vehicle Towing

Flatbed vs wheel lift tow trucks: Which is better for your vehicle?

Nothing quite derails your day like getting stuck on the side of the road. Being late to your destination is frustrating enough, but you are now facing the stress and expense of an accident, flat tire, engine trouble or some other mechanical issue. 

And to top it off, you need to call a tow truck to get your vehicle off the side of the road. When relying on your trusty AAA roadside assistance or another option, it's crucial to understand that not all tow trucks are the same. A basic understanding of the different types of tow trucks you might encounter can make a big difference in your experience.

What is a flatbed tow truck and when do you need it?

A flatbed tow truck is one of the most common tow trucks that you will experience on the road. It is characterized by a long, flat bed that is used to transport vehicles. These trucks are designed to keep your vehicle completely off the road while in transit from the pickup site to a repair facility. Using hydraulics, the bed of the truck can be adjusted to load a vehicle whether the car is capable of being driven or not. 

If the vehicle can be driven, the flatbed can be set to the appropriate angle needed for you to drive your vehicle onto it. If your vehicle cannot be driven, then a winch is used to hoist your vehicle onto the bed. Once fully in place, the vehicle is firmly secured to the platform with straps and chains.

Pros of flatbed tow trucks:

• These tow trucks can transport a wide range of vehicles. If it fits on the platform, then odds are, it can be moved with this type of tow truck.
• They are safe. Thanks to how your vehicle is transported and loaded, there is a lower chance of your vehicle sustaining damage caused by the tow experience.
• Fewer adjustments are needed to secure and move your vehicle.
• Their design is ideal for towing exotic or low riding vehicles.
• They can be used to move vehicles that have been involved in an accident.
• Ideal for all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles.

Cons of flatbed tow trucks

• There is little margin for error. If even one strap is not secured, the vehicle could tumble off the truck, causing more damage and potentially injuring bystanders.
• Drivers are required to go through extensive training prior to operating a flatbed tow truck.
• They are more strictly regulated than other types of tow trucks.

Flatbed tow trucks are ideal for towing larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks. Their larger size allows for greater towing capacity. In a pinch, they can even tow multiple vehicles at the same time. 

What is a wheel lift tow truck, and when is it necessary?

A wheel lift tow truck is a type of tow truck that raises either the front two or rear two tires using a hydraulic boom and metal yoke. Unlike flatbeds, these trucks do not fully lift the towed vehicle off the ground. Instead, whichever end is not hoisted onto the yoke, the vehicle wheels roll on the road behind the tow vehicle. 

If a wheel lift truck is sent to move your vehicle, it is important to know if your vehicle is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, as that will determine if your car is lifted from the front or rear. If your car is front-wheel drive, then you want the front tires off the ground so that the rear tires roll freely. If you drag the front wheels, your transmission could get damaged. If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, then the back tires should be hoisted and the front tires should roll freely on the road.

This cost-effective method is best used for short distance towing. These trucks are also smaller than their flatbed counterparts, making them ideal for removing your vehicle from tighter or hard-to-navigate environments. Additionally, this method is slightly more cost effective than the flatbed method.

Pros of wheel lift tow trucks

• Less likely to damage your bumpers than hook and chain tow trucks.
• Ideal for pulling vehicles out of tight spots without causing damage.
• More fuel-efficient than larger trucks, making them more cost-efficient.

Cons of wheel lift tow trucks

• Poor solution for exotic, classic or luxury vehicles.
• Could damage ground wheels if they are locked before towing.
• Poor choice for motorcycles or low-riding vehicles.
• Your vehicle’s wheels will experience additional wear during the tow.

Other tow truck styles 

although the above tow trucks are the ones most commonly used, they are not the only tow trucks on the road. Several more are out there, but not all are relevant to the general consumer. Other styles of tow trucks include:

1. Hook and chain trucks: As the name implies, the hook and chain tow truck relies on a hook secured to your vehicle’s axle or bumper and chains wrapped around your vehicle’s frame. Once your vehicle is hooked up, the hydraulic boom will lift the front or rear of the vehicle into the air, leaving the other two wheels to roll on the road during transit.
2. Integrated tow trucks: Equipped with an extra axle for strength and stability, these tow trucks are ideal for large SUVs, buses, mobile homes and other heavy loads. The tow arm is situated at the vehicle's center for stability, making it capable of pulling loads larger than the tow truck.
3. Oversized tow trucks: These are not commonly available from tow companies as they are predominantly reserved for hauling extremely large vehicles and equipment.
4. Boom tow trucks: These tow trucks have a boom arm that can lift vehicles out of difficult situations if necessary. They can also function similarly to wheel lift tow trucks by lifting the front or rear of the vehicle with the boom arm.

Though you may not be the one hooking up your vehicle when the tow truck arrives, understanding the differences between tow trucks can help ensure your car is transported safely.

Knowing whether your vehicle is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive can also help you confirm it’s being towed correctly. If something doesn’t look right, don’t hesitate to speak up—the last thing you need is additional damage from an improper tow.

Fortunately, if you are a AAA Member, you don’t have to worry about scrambling for a tow service or wonder if you’re getting a fair price. AAA’s 24/7 roadside assistance ensures you have access to a professional tow truck operator who knows how to handle your vehicle.

Whether you need a flatbed tow for your AWD vehicle or a wheel lift truck to maneuver out of a tight spot, AAA can dispatch the right tow truck to get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible. The next time you find yourself stranded, call AAA and rest easy, knowing help is just a phone call away.