The first rule of towing is simple: don’t cause more damage. Yet, every day, drivers face expensive, hidden repairs simply because the wrong type of tow truck was used for their car.
A professional towing company knows that a flatbed and a wheel-lift are used for very different situations. One is perfect for an all-wheel-drive SUV or a sports car, while the other is great for getting a car out of a tight parking garage. Knowing which is which is the key to a safe tow. Let’s break down what you need to know.
What Is a Flatbed Tow Truck?
A flatbed truck is a truck that has a long, flat platform on the back that can be hydraulically tilted and lowered to the ground, creating a ramp. Your vehicle is then either driven or pulled onto the platform with a winch, where it’s secured tightly at all four corners.
The most important feature is that all four of your vehicle’s wheels are safely off the pavement. This eliminates any wear and tear on your tires, suspension, and, most critically, your car’s transmission and drivetrain during the tow.
When Do You Need It?
So, when is a flatbed not just a good idea, but a necessity?
For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and 4×4 Vehicles
Towing an AWD or 4×4 vehicle with two wheels on the ground (as with a wheel-lift) can cause damage to the drivetrain and transmission. A flatbed is the only safe method for these vehicles.
For Luxury, Sports, and Classic Cars
If you drive a low-profile car, a classic, or a high-end luxury vehicle, you want to preserve its pristine condition. A flatbed tow ensures that low bumpers, custom spoilers, and the undercarriage will not be scraped or damaged, providing complete peace of mind.
After an Accident
A collision can cause unseen damage. You might not see that an axle is bent or that a wheel won’t roll properly. Attempting a wheel-lift tow on a damaged vehicle can worsen the problem. A flatbed can safely transport a vehicle regardless of its ability to roll.
For Motorcycles and Specialty Vehicles
A flatbed provides the only stable, secure platform needed to transport a motorcycle, a three-wheeled vehicle, or other specialty equipment without the risk of tipping or damage.
What Is a Wheel-Lift Tow Truck?
A wheel-lift tow truck is a safer version of older tow trucks that used hooks and could damage cars. Instead of hooks, it uses a metal bar that slides under the front or back wheels. Those wheels are lifted off the ground, while the other two stay on the road and roll as the car is towed.
While a flatbed is often the safest overall option, there are specific situations where a wheel-lift is the only tool that can get the job done.
When Is It Necessary?
You’ll need a wheel-lift truck when:
Your Car is in a Tight Space
This is the wheel-lift’s biggest advantage. Because these trucks are smaller and faster than flatbeds, they are essential for rescues in low-clearance parking garages, tight parallel parking spots, or narrow driveways where a larger flatbed simply won’t fit.
You Need a Quick, Short-Distance Tow
For a straightforward, short-distance tow of a standard two-wheel-drive vehicle (like for a dead battery or a flat tire), a wheel-lift is incredibly efficient. The hook-up time is generally faster, making it a quick and cost-effective solution for simple roadside issues.
Your Vehicle is a Standard 2WD
It’s perfectly safe to use a wheel-lift on a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive car, as long as the correct wheels are lifted. A professional will lift the drive wheels (the front wheels for FWD, the rear for RWD) to prevent any wear on the transmission.
When a Wheel-Lift Tow Truck Should Not Be Used
A professional towing company will never use a wheel-lift for an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or 4×4 vehicle, as this can cause severe transmission damage. They are also not the ideal choice for low-clearance sports cars or vehicles that have been in an accident.
Flatbed vs Wheel-Lift Towing
| Towing Type | Pros | Cons |
| Flatbed Towing | All wheels are off the ground, which reduces the risk of damage.Safe for all-wheel-drive, luxury, and damaged vehicles.Best for long-distance towing. | Usually costs more than wheel-lift towing.Takes a little longer to load.May be harder to use in very tight spaces. |
| Wheel-Lift Towing | Faster to set up in many situations.Usually costs less than flatbed towing.Works well for short-distance tows. | Two wheels stay on the road, which can cause wear.Not ideal for all-wheel-drive vehicles.Higher risk of damage if not done correctly. |
What Professional Tow Companies Recommend
Many towing professionals choose flatbed towing whenever possible because:
- It lowers damage claims
- It works for most vehicle types
- It provides better stability
Wheel-lift towing is still widely used, especially for fast roadside service and parking enforcement.
How to Choose the Right Towing Method
When calling a tow company, ask:
- What type of towing do you recommend for my car?
- Is my car all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive?
- How far will the car be towed?
Clear answers help avoid mistakes.
So, Which One Is Better?
There is no single answer that fits every situation. And you don’t need to guess. At Iron Hook Towing, we have both types of tow trucks and the expertise to know exactly which one your situation demands. We will ask the right questions, and our experienced operators will arrive with the right tool for the job. Call us at (484) 426 0363 to book a tow.
FAQs
How does wheel lift towing compare to flatbed?
Wheel-lift towing lifts two wheels off the ground, while flatbed towing carries the entire vehicle off the road.
Are flatbeds better for towing?
Flatbeds are usually better because they keep all wheels off the ground and reduce the risk of damage.
Are wheel lift tow trucks good for long distance?
Wheel-lift tow trucks are better for short distances and are not ideal for long-distance towing.
What are the benefits of wheel lift towing?
Wheel-lift towing is faster to set up, costs less, and works well in tight spaces.
What are the disadvantages of flatbed trucks?
Flatbed trucks cost more and take longer to load compared to wheel-lift towing.
Why are flatbeds so expensive?
Flatbeds cost more because they use larger trucks, more equipment, and take more time to load and transport vehicles.