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Flatbed vs wheel-lift towing: what is the difference?

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The short answer

A flatbed carries the whole car on a bed, so all four wheels are off the ground. A wheel-lift raises one end of the car by its wheels and the other two wheels roll on the road. Flatbeds are often safer for all wheel drive, low or damaged cars.

What is a flatbed tow truck?

A flatbed tow truck, also called a rollback, has a long flat bed that tilts and slides back to the ground. The driver winches your car onto the bed and it rides with all four wheels off the road.

That is why flatbeds are the go-to choice for many cars. Nothing on the car rolls or drags while it moves.

What is a wheel-lift tow truck?

A wheel-lift tow truck uses an arm with a frame that slides under the front or rear wheels and lifts that end of the car. The other two wheels stay on the road and roll behind the truck.

Wheel-lifts are quick, small and good in tight spots. They work well for many ordinary front or rear wheel drive cars with no damage.

When is a flatbed the better choice?

A flatbed is usually better when the car is all wheel drive or four wheel drive, sits very low, has a damaged wheel, axle or transmission, or has a flat tire on the end that would stay on the road.

It is also the gentler choice for a valuable or newer car, and for one that is being taken a long way. When you are not sure, ask for a flatbed. Follow your owner's manual if it says how your car should be moved.

  • All wheel drive or four wheel drive cars.
  • Low cars and sports cars.
  • Cars with a damaged wheel, axle or transmission.
  • Cars that were in a crash.
  • Long distance moves.

When is a wheel-lift fine?

A wheel-lift is often fine for a short tow of an undamaged front or rear wheel drive car, when the manual allows it. Tight parking garages and crowded streets are places where a smaller truck can help.

The driver knows their equipment. Tell them about your car and let them decide the safest way to load it. If the driver says a car needs a flatbed, that is a good reason to wait for one.

Step by step

  1. Make sure you are safe first

    Hazard lights on, away from traffic. You can sort out the truck type once you are somewhere safe.

  2. Find out your drive type

    Check your owner's manual or a sticker on your car. Is it front wheel, rear wheel, all wheel or four wheel drive?

  3. Check your owner's manual for towing advice

    Look for the towing or roadside section. Many manuals say how the car should and should not be moved.

  4. Note anything that changes how the car can be lifted

    A low front end, a damaged wheel or axle, a locked wheel or a flat tire can rule out a wheel-lift.

  5. Tell the tow company what you know

    Give the drive type, any damage and what the manual says. Ask for a flatbed if your car is all wheel drive, low or damaged.

  6. Ask what truck is coming

    Confirm the truck type when they give you the arrival time. If they cannot send a flatbed, ask what they suggest and check it against your manual.

Frequently asked questions

Is a flatbed always better than a wheel-lift?

Not always, but it is often the safer choice. Many ordinary front or rear wheel drive cars are towed on a wheel-lift without trouble. If your car is all wheel drive, low or damaged, a flatbed is usually the better fit.

Is a rollback the same as a flatbed?

Yes. People use rollback and flatbed to mean the same kind of truck, one with a bed that tilts and slides back so a car can be loaded.

Will a wheel-lift damage my car?

A trained driver using the right gear on the right car should not. Problems come from using it on a car that should not be towed that way. That is why it helps to tell the company your drive type.

Can I request a flatbed?

Yes. Ask when you call. Not every company has a flatbed free at that moment, so ask about the wait and whether another option is safe for your car.

Stuck right now?

If anyone is hurt, or you are stopped in traffic, call emergency services first. Then get to a safe spot away from moving traffic.

Once you are safe, call your local tow company or your roadside assistance plan. This page is general information and cannot send help.

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