Flatbed Towing vs. Normal Towing: What’s the Difference?

Flatbed towing lifts the entire vehicle onto a truck’s flat platform so no wheels touch the road, while “normal” towing typically means wheel-lift or dolly towing, where two wheels remain on the ground. Flatbeds are generally safer and better for all-wheel drive, luxury, damaged, low-clearance, and electric vehicles, whereas normal towing is often quicker, cheaper, and suitable for short distances with two-wheel-drive vehicles that can roll freely. This article explains how each method works, when to use them, costs, and safety/legal considerations.

How the Methods Work

Flatbed Towing (Rollback)

With flatbed towing, the truck’s platform tilts to form a ramp. The disabled vehicle is winched or driven onto the deck, secured with straps and chains, then transported with all four wheels off the ground. This keeps the vehicle stable and isolates its drivetrain, suspension, and tires from road forces.

The following list outlines the core characteristics of flatbed towing.

• All wheels off the ground: Eliminates drivetrain rotation and road contact.
• Versatile for damaged vehicles: Works even when wheels are broken, locked, or misaligned.
• Preferred for AWD/4WD, performance, luxury, and low-clearance cars.
• Safest option for most EVs and hybrids, per many manufacturer guidelines.
• Often higher base cost and may take slightly longer to load.

Taken together, these points explain why flatbeds are considered the default “safe” option, especially for sensitive drivetrains and long-distance transport.

Normal Towing (Wheel-Lift or Dolly)

Normal towing usually refers to wheel-lift towing, where a hydraulic yoke lifts the front or rear wheels of the disabled vehicle off the ground so the remaining wheels roll. A dolly can be added to lift the other axle when necessary. This method is fast, efficient, and widely available.

The following list highlights what to expect with normal towing.

• Two wheels on the road: The non-lifted axle rolls, rotating parts in the drivetrain.
• Best for short distances and two-wheel-drive vehicles that can be placed in neutral.
• AWD/4WD typically requires dollies or driveshaft removal to prevent damage.
• Often lower cost and faster response than a flatbed.
• Not ideal for severely damaged, ultra-low, or specialty vehicles.

In practice, wheel-lift towing is a practical, economical choice for straightforward recoveries when the vehicle and situation allow it.

Key Differences at a Glance

The comparisons below summarize the main trade-offs drivers consider when choosing a towing method.

• Vehicle position: Flatbed keeps all four wheels off-road; wheel-lift keeps two on-road.
• Risk of damage: Flatbed minimizes drivetrain and body risk; wheel-lift carries more risk if not set up correctly.
• Compatibility: Flatbed suits almost all vehicles; wheel-lift suits 2WD and some AWD only with dollies.
• Clearance: Flatbed is better for low or long overhang vehicles; wheel-lift risks scraping.
• Accident recovery: Flatbed handles bent wheels/suspension; wheel-lift may not.
• Wear and mileage: Flatbed avoids tire/brake wear and odometer concerns; wheel-lift may add minor wear.
• Speed and logistics: Wheel-lift is often quicker to deploy; flatbed may take longer to load.
• Cost and availability: Wheel-lift can be cheaper and more common; flatbed can cost more but is widely available in cities.
• Regulations and manuals: Many EV/hybrid and AWD manuals prefer flatbed; wheel-lift may violate guidance without dollies.
• Distance: Flatbed is better for long hauls; wheel-lift is fine for short local moves when appropriate.

These differences help you balance safety, cost, and practicality based on your vehicle type and the situation.

When to Choose Each Method

Matching the tow method to your vehicle and circumstances prevents avoidable damage and delays. Use the guidelines below to decide.

• Choose flatbed when: Your car is AWD/4WD; it’s an EV or hybrid; it has low clearance, performance aero, or expensive wheels; it’s accident-damaged; a wheel won’t roll; or you’re towing far.
• Choose wheel-lift/dolly when: You have a 2WD vehicle that can go in neutral, you need a short local tow, cost is a concern, and there’s no damage preventing rolling.
• Use dollies or driveshaft removal: For AWD/4WD or some automatics if flatbed isn’t available and the manual allows it.

If you’re unsure, request a flatbed or consult your owner’s manual; it’s the safest default for most modern vehicles.

Costs and Availability

Prices vary by region, time of day, and difficulty. As a general U.S. guide, wheel-lift jobs often have a lower base fee and per-mile rate than flatbeds, but the gap is narrowing in many markets due to equipment and labor costs.

The list below provides ballpark figures; confirm with local providers.

• Wheel-lift: Roughly $75–$150 base, plus about $3–$8 per mile.
• Flatbed: Roughly $100–$175 base, plus about $4–$10 per mile.
• Extra charges: After-hours/holidays, winching, difficult access, dollies, or long loading times.

Because quotes vary widely, get an estimate that specifies the method, mileage, and any equipment surcharges before dispatch.

Safety and Legal Notes

Correct setup and compliance with laws protect your vehicle and the towing operator. The points below reflect common best practices; always defer to your owner’s manual and local regulations.

• EVs and hybrids: Many manufacturers require flatbeds; wheel-lift may only be allowed with dollies that keep all wheels off the ground.
• AWD/4WD: Avoid towing with any wheels on the ground unless dollies or driveshaft removal are used per the manual.
• Transmission and steering: Ensure neutral is engaged (if permissible), steering is unlocked, and parking brake is released for wheel-lift tows.
• Tow speed and lighting: Operators must observe speed limits for tows and use auxiliary tow lights or light boards when required.
• Cargo and clearance: Remove low splitters or use ramps/blocks for low cars; secure loads with rated straps/chains at approved points.
• Occupants: Laws often forbid passengers in the towed vehicle; ride in the tow truck if allowed.

When in doubt, choosing a flatbed and following the vehicle manual will prevent most towing-related damage.

Common Misconceptions

Misunderstandings about towing can lead to costly mistakes. The notes below address frequent myths.

• “Any car can be wheel-lifted safely.” Not true; AWD/4WD and many EVs can be damaged without dollies or a flatbed.
• “Short distance means no risk.” Even a few blocks can harm a sensitive drivetrain if wheels rotate improperly.
• “Flatbeds are always too expensive.” Costs are often comparable, especially when dollies or special handling are required.
• “Neutral solves everything.” Some transmissions and e-axles still circulate parts dry or risk damage in neutral.

Verifying your vehicle’s towing instructions is more reliable than relying on general rules of thumb.

What to Tell the Tow Operator

Clear information helps the dispatcher send the right truck and avoid delays. Before you call, gather the details below.

• Vehicle type and drivetrain: Make, model, year; FWD, RWD, AWD/4WD; EV or hybrid.
• Condition: Accident damage, flat or locked wheels, parking brake status, key availability.
• Ground clearance and modifications: Lowered suspension, body kits, oversized tires.
• Location and access: Garage, tight lot, low ceiling, unpaved surface, busy roadway.
• Destination and distance: Shop name/address and whether long-distance transport is needed.
• Your preference: Request a flatbed if the manual recommends it or if you’re unsure.

Providing this information upfront reduces the chance of a second dispatch or equipment change on scene.

Summary

Flatbed towing lifts your entire vehicle onto a truck, offering maximum protection for AWD/4WD, EVs/hybrids, low-clearance and damaged cars, and long-distance hauls. Normal towing (wheel-lift/dolly) leaves two wheels on the road and is usually faster and cheaper for short, simple moves with 2WD vehicles that can roll safely. When uncertain—or if your owner’s manual specifies it—choose a flatbed to minimize risk and ensure a problem-free tow.

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.

Is flatbed towing more expensive?

Wheel lift tow trucks are also narrower and easier to maneuver than a flatbed tow truck, and are cheaper for the tow company to purchase. Because of this, it is usually less expensive to have your car towed by a wheel lift tow truck than a flatbed tow truck.

Can you legally flat tow a car?

Each state has its own specific regulations regarding the maximum weight that can be towed without a braking system. It’s important to know these limits to be safe and legal. Most states are in the 3,000 lbs. range, so most towed vehicles easily fall in this category.

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.