What Is Flatbed Towing? Definition, Uses, and How It Works

Flatbed towing means transporting a vehicle on the bed of a tow truck so that all four wheels are completely off the road. In practice, the tow truck’s hydraulic deck tilts to create a ramp, the vehicle is winched or driven onto the platform, secured with straps or chains, and carried to its destination. This method is widely preferred for all-wheel-drive and high-value vehicles, and in many cases is recommended by manufacturers and insurers to prevent drivetrain damage and minimize risk during transport.

How Flatbed Towing Works

Flatbed towing uses a truck with a long, level platform that can tilt and slide back to the ground. The operator loads, secures, and transports the vehicle with its wheels off the pavement, reducing wear and eliminating rolling contact with the road.

1. Positioning: The operator parks the flatbed truck safely and deploys cones or lights if needed.
2. Loading: The bed tilts and extends to form a ramp; the vehicle is winched or carefully driven onto the platform.
3. Securing: Wheel straps and rated chains are attached to proper tie-down points; the bed is leveled and locked.
4. Transport: The vehicle is carried with all wheels off the road, improving stability and avoiding drivetrain rotation.
5. Unloading: At the destination, the bed tilts again and the vehicle is released and rolled or driven off.

These steps help ensure safe loading, stable transport, and controlled unloading with minimal risk of damage.

When Flatbed Towing Is Recommended

Flatbed towing is not only a convenience; for many vehicles and situations it is the safest or manufacturer-required method.

• All-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles that can be damaged if towed with any wheels on the ground.
• Low-clearance, luxury, performance, or exotic cars that risk underbody, fascia, or splitter damage on dollies or wheel-lifts.
• Accident-damaged vehicles with compromised wheels, suspension, or alignment.
• Long-distance transports where avoiding tire and driveline wear is important.
• Vehicles with locked transmissions, seized wheel bearings, or electric parking brakes that won’t release.
• Many EVs and hybrids (e.g., numerous Tesla, Nissan, Toyota, and Hyundai models) whose makers specify flatbed only to prevent motor/inverter damage.

Choosing flatbed in these cases protects critical components, complies with guidelines, and reduces the chance of secondary damage.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Advantages

Flatbed towing offers safety and protection that other methods often can’t match, especially for modern or delicate vehicles.

• Prevents drivetrain damage by keeping all wheels off the ground.
• Minimizes wear on tires, brakes, and wheel bearings during transport.
• Improves stability and reduces the risk of sway or fishtailing at speed.
• Protects low-clearance bodywork and undercarriage components.
• Often aligns with manufacturer and insurance best practices, aiding claims.
• Can securely carry specialty vehicles (e.g., motorcycles with proper chocks, small equipment) on one platform.

For many drivers—especially owners of AWD, EVs, and premium cars—the added protection makes flatbed the default choice.

Limitations

Despite its advantages, flatbed towing isn’t always the fastest or cheapest option and can face practical constraints.

• Higher cost than wheel-lift in many markets due to equipment and handling time.
• Size and weight limits apply; very heavy or oversized vehicles may need specialized carriers.
• Access constraints: tight garages, steep driveways, or low clearances can complicate loading.
• Availability: Not all providers have a flatbed nearby, especially in rural areas or during peak demand.
• Improper technique can still cause damage; correct tie-down points and ramp angles are essential.

When cost, access, or availability is an issue, discuss alternatives and risks with the tow operator before proceeding.

Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift and Dolly Towing

Understanding how flatbed compares to other common methods can help you request the right service for your situation.

• Wheel-lift: Lifts two wheels off the ground while the other two roll. Faster and often cheaper, but can stress transmissions or AWD systems if not used correctly.
• Tow dolly: Front wheels ride on a small trailer; rear wheels stay on the road. Suitable for some front-wheel-drive cars; not ideal for AWD/4WD without driveline disconnects.
• Flatbed: All wheels off the ground, reducing mechanical risks and bodywork contact; generally safest for AWD, EVs, and high-value vehicles.

While wheel-lift and dollies are appropriate for specific cases, flatbeds provide the broadest compatibility and protection.

Costs and Insurance Considerations

Pricing varies by region, time, and distance, but flatbed towing typically carries a premium over wheel-lift services. Your insurance or roadside plan may cover some or all costs.

• Typical U.S. pricing: A common range is about $95–$175 for the hook-up in-city, plus roughly $3–$7 per mile; after-hours, heavy-vehicle, or difficult-recovery surcharges can increase totals.
• Cost drivers: Distance, vehicle size/weight, recovery complexity (e.g., winching from a ditch), traffic/after-hours, and location (urban vs. rural).
• Coverage: Many roadside assistance plans include a set number of miles; beyond that, per-mile rates apply. Comprehensive/collision claims may reimburse transport after a covered loss.
• Documentation: Request an itemized quote, confirm included miles, and keep photos and receipts for claims.

Always verify coverage details with your insurer or roadside provider in advance to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Safety and Legal Tips

Proper equipment and technique are essential for safe flatbed towing. A few checks can prevent damage and ensure compliance with local rules.

• Choose licensed, insured operators and ask for experience with your vehicle type (AWD, EV, low-clearance).
• Follow the owner’s manual: Many EVs/hybrids require “Transport/Tow Mode” to protect the drivetrain and parking brake systems.
• Use correct tie-down points; avoid attaching to suspension arms, steering links, or fragile underbody panels.
• For loading, place the transmission in neutral when instructed; set the parking brake only after the vehicle is fully secured on the bed.
• Confirm cross-strapping of wheels and use of wheel chocks when appropriate.
• Comply with lighting/flag requirements for overhangs and ensure load is balanced on the bed.
• Do not ride inside the towed vehicle; ride in the tow truck only if permitted and insured.

These precautions reduce risks to your vehicle and help the operator meet safety and legal standards during transport.

How to Request Flatbed Towing

A clear, detailed request helps dispatch the right truck and avoid delays or damage, especially in challenging locations.

1. Contact a reputable towing service or your roadside assistance provider.
2. Specify you need a flatbed and provide vehicle details (year, make, model, drivetrain, EV/hybrid status).
3. Describe the condition (e.g., accident damage, won’t start, locked transmission) and any special concerns (low clearance, aftermarket kits).
4. Share exact pickup location, access constraints (garages, height limits, steep ramps), and destination.
5. Ask for an itemized price and ETA; confirm included miles and surcharges.
6. Prepare the vehicle: remove valuables, have keys/cards ready, and follow manual instructions (neutral or transport mode) as advised by the operator.

Providing these details up front ensures the right equipment arrives and the tow proceeds safely and efficiently.

Key Takeaway

Flatbed towing is the method of transporting a vehicle entirely on a truck’s platform, keeping all wheels off the road. It’s the safest, most broadly compatible option—especially for AWD, EVs, low-clearance, or damaged vehicles—and is often recommended by manufacturers and insurers to prevent drivetrain and body damage.

Summary

Flatbed towing places a vehicle fully on a truck’s bed for transport, avoiding wheel contact with the road. It works by tilting the bed into a ramp, loading and securing the vehicle, then carrying it to its destination. Best for AWD/4WD, EVs, luxury/low-clearance cars, and accident-damaged vehicles, flatbeds reduce wear and risk compared with wheel-lift or dolly methods. Costs vary but often include a hook-up fee plus per-mile rates, with potential coverage through roadside plans or insurance. For safe, compliant service, use qualified operators, follow your owner’s manual, and communicate vehicle specifics and access constraints when requesting a tow.

How does flatbed towing work?

Flatbed tow trucks consist of a large, horizontal bed on which your vehicle rests. Before it can be towed, your car is cinched up onto the bed by tilting the bed to form a ramp and pulling the car up onto the bed.

What is a flatbed tow?

In this method of towing a truck or trailer with a flatbed or deck on its rear is used to tow a vehicle from one location to another. These flatbed tow trucks are the most preferred types due to the numerous advantages they have over other means of towing.

What are the three types of towing?

The Different Types of Towing: Flatbed vs. Wheel Lift vs. Hook & Chain. Explore the differences between flatbed, wheel lift, and hook & chain towing.

What is the difference between flatbed towing and regular towing?

Flatbed tow trucks are preferred for long-distance towing to prevent damage to vehicles. With other tow trucks or tow trailers, two wheels touch the road. Pulling on them will cause a lot of wear and tear on the wheels, especially when the distance to cover is a lot.