Why a Flatbed Tow Truck Is Better For Towing a Vehicle Than a Wheel Lift Tow Truck

Different types of tow trucks are available to provide the service for towing a vehicle. Two of the most common types are flatbed and wheel lift tow trucks. While both can tow a vehicle, certain advantages make a flatbed tow truck better for certain towing situations.

First, you need to know the difference between these two types of towing vehicles.

A flatbed tow truck is a type of tow truck that has a flat, level platform on the back of the truck. The tow truck’s platform can be raised and lowered hydraulically, allowing vehicles to load easily onto and off the truck. The entire vehicle being towed is secured to the flatbed platform using straps or chains to prevent it from moving during transportation.

A wheel lift tow truck also uses a hydraulic system to lift the front or rear wheels of the vehicle off the ground and tow it on its remaining wheels on the road while being pulled behind the tow truck. The tow truck operator positions the lift under the vehicle and attaches it to the front or rear wheels using special brackets or hooks. The lifted wheels are secured to prevent them from moving during transportation.

Flatbed Tow Trucks Reduce the Risk of Damage To Vehicles

One of the main advantages of using a flatbed tow truck is that it significantly reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle being towed. Wheel lift tow trucks can stress the vehicle’s suspension and tires, which can lead to damage if the vehicle is towed for long distances or over rough terrain. With a flatbed tow truck, the entire vehicle is loaded onto the flatbed and secured to the platform using straps or chains. This means the vehicle is not in contact with the road surface or other objects during transportation as it is on a wheel lift tow truck. As a result, there is less risk of damage to the vehicle’s suspension, tires, and other components.

Safer Vehicle Towing on Flatbed Tow Trucks

A flatbed tow truck also offers a safer towing experience for the vehicle being towed and other drivers on the road. Since the vehicle is secured on the flatbed, there is no risk of it coming loose during transportation. Additionally, the flatbed tow truck has a lower center of gravity than a wheel lift tow truck, which makes it more stable and less prone to tipping over.

The Versatility of Using a Flatbed Instead of a Wheel Lift Tow Truck

Another advantage of a flatbed tow truck is that it is more versatile than a wheel lift tow truck. A flatbed tow truck can transport a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and even boats. This makes it a more helpful tool for towing companies that need to transport different types of vehicles. Wheel lift tow trucks are typically only used for towing cars and light-duty trucks. They are also unsuitable for towing larger vehicles or those with special requirements, such as four-wheel drive vehicles.