Flatbed Vs. Traditional Tow Trucks: Which One Is Right for Your Towing Needs?
April 17, 2023
Flatbed tow trucks are widely preferred because of the safety, convenience, and security it provides to vehicles during transportation, even for long distances. With that said, it doesn’t mean the traditional tow trucks don’t have their uses.
Whether to use a traditional tow truck or flatbed tow truck mostly depends on the type of equipment or vehicle that needs to be transported. Which type of towing truck is ideal for use depends on the situation and the specific towing needs.
Here, we will briefly compare flatbed tow trucks with traditional tow trucks, helping you make an informed decision as to which one is right for your towing needs.
- Vehicle Type
Flatbed tow trucks are ideal for transporting just any type of vehicle, including small and large. It is mostly preferred due to the safety and security it offers to the vehicles, as all-four wheels are secured onto the deck, reducing wear and tear during transportation.
Large vehicles, SUVs, vintage cars, luxury cars, 4X4 wheel cars, cars with low ground clearance, and accident-damaged cars are most suitable for transportation on flatbed tow trucks.
Traditional tow trucks are mostly used to tow lighter vehicles for shorter distances. It’s not the safest option for towing luxury, vintage or other delicate vehicles because it basically drags the vehicles.
Traditional tow trucks shouldn’t be used to tow all-wheel or four-wheel drives as dragging the car for long distances can greatly damage its drivetrains
- Towing Capacity
Flatbed tow trucks have way higher towing capacity than hook and chain tow trucks or wheel lift tow trucks, making them a perfect choice for transporting heavier and large vehicles or equipment.
If your vehicle is large and heavy, it’s much better to call for a flatbed tow truck than a traditional tow truck.
- Towing Distance
Distance plays an important role when deciding which towing truck is ideal for your situation.
Flatbed tow trucks are versatile and can easily transport vehicles of any size or weight for long distances. It offers a smooth ride to the vehicle or equipment being transported, safeguarding it against any wear and tear during transportation.
Traditional tow trucks are mostly used to transport vehicles over short distances, such as transporting vehicles from the parking lot to local repair workshops.
- Safety
Flatbed tow trucks are much safer than wheel lift or hook and chain tow trucks as it offers enhanced security and stability to the vehicle being transported.
As the transported vehicle is safely secured on the flatbed throughout the towing distance on the flatbed, it offers smooth transportation without any chance of damage.
The chances of accidents or wear and tear during transportation is greatly minimized using flatbed tow truck compared to traditional tow trucks.
- Loading & Unloading
Loading and unloading on flatbed tow trucks is much easier on the flatbed tow truck. It requires winching the vehicle on its flatbed and securing it safely. While unloading, the flatbed is lowered to the ground automatically, making it easier to unload the vehicle or machinery with ease.
To tow the vehicle using traditional tow trucks, the vehicle must be lifted off the ground. It is a tedious and time-consuming procedure, often leading to dents, nicks, and scratches on the vehicle’s surface.
Moreover, two-wheels of the transported vehicles are on the road, making them prone to further damage and wear and tear during the journey.
Final Takeaway
If you’re stranded on the road with your vehicle due to mechanical failure or an accident, the comparison above will help you make the right choice.
If your car is light and the repair workshop is just a few blocks away, traditional tow trucks may suffice.
However, if you need to transport large and heavy vehicles, luxury cars, expensive sports cars, large machinery, 4-wheel drive vehicle, and all-wheel drive vehicle, trust the flatbed tow truck for smooth, safe, secure & quick towing.