A flatbed carries the entire vehicle on a tilting deck with all four wheels off the ground, while a wheel-lift tow truck raises one end and leaves the other two wheels rolling. Flatbeds are the safer choice for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, electric cars, low or damaged cars, motorcycles and anything valuable. A wheel-lift is quicker, cheaper and fine for many ordinary front-drive or rear-drive cars over short distances. When you are not sure, ask the driver which method the manufacturer's manual allows for your vehicle.
How each type of truck works
Flatbed (rollback) trucks
The bed tilts and slides backward until its rear edge sits on the ground. A winch pulls the vehicle up the bed, then the bed levels and the vehicle is strapped down at the wheels or frame points. Because nothing touches the road, the transmission, driveshafts and axles are not turning during the trip. The drawbacks are a longer loading time, the need for enough clearance to bring the bed to the ground, and a higher price at some companies.
Wheel-lift trucks
A wheel-lift has a steel yoke that cradles the front or rear tires and a hydraulic arm that raises that end off the pavement. It is compact, which helps in tight parking lots and garages. It needs the non-lifted wheels to roll freely and the steering to be unlocked or dollied. Older hook-and-chain rigs that grabbed the bumper or frame have mostly been replaced, because most modern cars have bumpers that cannot take the load.
Dollies and skates
For a vehicle with a seized wheel, a locked brake or no steering, drivers use small wheeled dollies under the tires to move it onto a truck or lift one end. If your wheel is jammed, tell the dispatcher so the truck arrives with the right equipment.
Which method fits which vehicle
| Vehicle or situation | Usually best | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Front-wheel-drive sedan, short trip, drivetrain working | Either; wheel-lift is common | Lifting the driven wheels keeps them off the road |
| Rear-wheel-drive car, short trip | Either, lifted at the rear | Lift the driven end or use dollies |
| All-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive | Flatbed | Pulling it on two wheels can strain the center differential or transfer case |
| Electric or plug-in hybrid | Flatbed | Rolling drive wheels can generate current and damage components; follow the manual |
| Low-clearance sports car | Flatbed with a shallow loading angle or low-profile bed | Front splitters scrape on a steep bed |
| Collision damage, bent axle or broken suspension | Flatbed | A damaged wheel cannot be allowed to roll |
| Motorcycle | Flatbed with wheel chocks and straps | Wheel-lift trucks are not designed for two-wheelers |
| Vehicle stuck in a ditch or on a bank | Winch recovery first, then either | See the guide on winching out of ditches |
A good rule: if your vehicle sends power to all four wheels, or you cannot tell, say flatbed from the first call. Waiting for the right truck costs some time and sometimes a surcharge; a damaged transfer case or drive motor costs far more.
Mountain roads add their own considerations
Steep driveways and curved roads can trouble a flatbed because the bed needs a flat landing zone to load. A driver may have to winch the vehicle down a slope to a place where the bed can reach the ground. On a narrow shoulder with a steep drop, a wheel-lift can sometimes load faster, but it has to hold the vehicle on the grade without the support of a flat deck. Wet leaves, gravel and ice can all change the best choice. Take pictures from the road toward the vehicle and send them to the dispatcher if you can; one photo often saves a second truck from being sent out.
In winter the extra time on a slick road makes the loading method more of a safety question. The guide to winter vehicle trouble explains why delays rise during storms and what to do while you wait.
What the owner's manual says
Every manufacturer publishes its own towing instructions, usually in a section called something like "Emergency towing" or "Recreational towing." They tell you whether the vehicle may be towed with the drive wheels on the ground, at what speed, and for how many miles. Many modern automatics, dual-clutch gearboxes, hybrids and electric vehicles are specifically listed as flatbed only. Keep a photo of that page on your phone. If a driver proposes a wheel-lift and your manual says no, show it; a reputable driver will switch methods or call a flatbed.
Cost differences
Some companies bill flatbed and wheel-lift calls the same. Others add a surcharge for a flatbed, typically a modest amount for a car-sized job. The difference is small compared with the cost of fixing a damaged transmission. If you want to see where the surcharge sits on a typical bill, the towing cost guide breaks the charges down.
Special cases
- Classic and show cars. A flatbed with soft tire straps is the norm. See the guide to moving a classic or project car.
- Trucks with dual rear wheels or trailers attached. These may need a heavier truck and a longer hook-up time.
- Vehicles with an electronic shifter or electronic parking brake. A dead battery can leave them stuck in park with the brake applied. Tell the dispatcher so the driver arrives with skates or a jump pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a flatbed always more expensive than a wheel-lift tow?
Not always. Many companies charge the same base rate for either, and some add a modest surcharge for a flatbed. The better question is which method protects your vehicle, since that decides the right truck.
Can an all-wheel-drive car be towed with two wheels on the ground?
Some manufacturers allow it only under narrow conditions, such as a short distance at low speed or with the other end on dollies. Many do not allow it at all. Check the owner's manual or ask for a flatbed.
Can an electric vehicle be towed?
Yes, but it is usually flatbed only. Pulling the drive wheels along the road can damage the motor and electronics. The manual lists the approved methods, and some models have a tow or transport mode in the vehicle's settings.
What if my car is stuck in park and will not roll?
Tell the dispatcher. A driver can use skates or dollies under the locked wheels, or in some cases a manual release on the transmission, and then winch the vehicle onto a flatbed.
Will towing damage my transmission?
Correct towing should not. Damage occurs when a vehicle is pulled with its driven wheels turning, for example an all-wheel-drive car on two wheels for many miles. Choosing the right method and following the manual avoids it.