Car accidents can happen at any time.
When it happens, you want a professional tow truck to arrive at your location and rescue you from your dilemma on a single phone call. The two most commonly used towing vehicles found in the market are the flatbed tow truck and the wheel lift tow truck.
If you can’t decide which tow truck is your best bet, this article will help you.
In this article, we will explain the difference between a flatbed tow truck & a wheel lift tow truck. We will also help you decide which option for your vehicle.
So without further ado, let’s learn about these two pieces of towing equipment.
What is a Flatbed Tow Truck?
A flatbed tow truck is a type of vehicle used for transporting disabled or wrecked cars by utilizing a flat, level platform that can be inclined or lowered to the ground. This platform, also known as a bed or deck, is typically made of metal and is attached to the back of the truck. It provides a stable and secure surface for the vehicle being towed, ensuring it remains in place throughout transportation.
One of the main advantages of a flatbed tow truck is its versatility. The flat platform allows for easy loading and unloading of vehicles, regardless of size or shape. This makes it particularly useful for transporting cars that cannot be driven, such as those severely damaged in an accident or have mechanical issues.
Besides, the inclined or lowered platform position makes it easier to load vehicles with low ground clearance or those unable to roll. This flexibility makes flatbed tow trucks suitable for a wide range of towing needs, including motorcycles, cars, SUVs, and even light trucks.
What is a Wheel Lift Tow Truck?
The wheel lift tow truck is a type of vehicle used for transporting disabled or immobile cars by lifting the front or rear wheels off the ground using a hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism.
Unlike a flatbed tow truck, which uses a flat platform to carry the entire vehicle, a wheel lift tow truck only lifts the wheels, leaving the rest of the car in contact with the road. This method of towing is commonly used for shorter distances and is more cost-effective than a flatbed tow truck.
One advantage of a wheel lift tow truck is its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. Due to its smaller size and lighter weight, it can easily navigate through narrow streets and congested areas that a flatbed tow truck may struggle to access.
The wheel lift tow truck is generally quicker to hook up to a disabled vehicle, as it only needs to lift the wheels rather than secure the entire car onto a flatbed. This can save time in emergency situations or when towing multiple vehicles quickly.
However, there are also some limitations to using a wheel lift tow truck. Since it only lifts the wheels, there is a risk of damage to the vehicle’s suspension or drivetrain if dragged on the road for an extended distance. Therefore, wheel lift towing is more suitable for short distances or when the disabled vehicle has a rear-wheel or front-wheel drive.
Moreover, the operator needs proper training and expertise in operating the hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism to ensure the safe and efficient lifting of the wheels.
Call Quality 1st Towing for Flatbed Towing
If you’re stuck on the roadside with a non-working vehicle, or you’ve run into a roadside accident, here’s what you can do. Call Quality 1st Towing and ensure safe & secure transportation of your vehicle.
We are an expert in flatbed towing, and our tow trucks have a level platform that can be tilted or lowered to the ground as per user requirements. Dial (732) 540-7500 & get your car towed.
