Flatbed Towing
🚛Flatbed towing uses a hydraulic flatbed — a long, flat platform mounted to a truck — that tilts down to road level on a hydraulic cylinder. Your vehicle is driven or winched onto the bed with all four wheels off the pave
What Is Flatbed Towing?
Flatbed towing uses a hydraulic flatbed — a long, flat platform mounted to a truck — that tilts down to road level on a hydraulic cylinder. Your vehicle is driven or winched onto the bed with all four wheels off the pavement, eliminating drivetrain contact with the road during transport.
The flatbed lowers to ground level on a hydraulic cylinder — no ramps, no clearance issues for most vehicles.
Chains, straps, and wheel chocks lock your car to the bed so nothing moves in transit.
Zero wheel contact with pavement — prevents drivetrain damage on AWD and RWD vehicles.
Bed lowers at your destination for drive-off or wheel-off drop — no winch required for most vehicles.
When Do You Need Flatbed Towing?
AWD drivetrain and transfer cases are damaged by traditional towing. Flatbed is the only safe option.
Low ground clearance and expensive bodywork can't risk hook-and-chain or wheel-lift loading.
Ground effects, splitters, and aftermarket suspension need flatbed loading to clear the ramp angle.
Bent frames, non-functional wheels, and airbag deployment mean the car can't be wheel-lifted.
Minimizes road debris, UV damage, and mileage accumulation on extended hauls.
Irreplaceable vehicles deserve zero drivetrain stress and enclosed flatbed options.
Flatbed Towing vs. Alternatives
Flatbed Towing Cost by Distance
Estimates are averages. Actual cost depends on vehicle type, time of day, and company rates.
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Flatbed Towing FAQ
A local flatbed tow (up to 10 miles) typically costs $95 to $250, averaging around $165. Long-distance flatbed towing adds $3.50 to $6 per mile beyond the first 10 miles. After-hours and weekend calls add $25–$75.
For most vehicles, yes. Flatbed keeps all four wheels off the road, preventing drivetrain damage and adding zero miles to your odometer. Wheel-lift and dolly towing work for FWD vehicles but can damage AWD and RWD drivetrains.
Yes — AWD vehicles should always be transported on a flatbed. Towing with any wheels on the ground can damage the transfer case, differentials, and drivetrain. Most manufacturers and insurance carriers specifically require flatbed towing for AWD models.
Standard flatbeds handle most passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles up to about 10,000 lbs. Larger commercial vehicles may require a heavy-duty flatbed or lowboy trailer.
Loading onto a flatbed takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Total time depends on distance — a 10-mile local tow is usually completed in 30 to 45 minutes from pickup to drop-off, not including dispatch wait time.
Other Towing Services
Standard towing service for vehicles within a local area, typically under 25 miles.
Vehicle transport over distances greater than 25 miles, priced per-mile.
Specialized towing for motorcycles using wheel cradles or flatbed transport.
Towing for large vehicles: RVs, semi trucks, buses, construction equipment.
On-the-spot help: jump starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, lockouts.
Vehicle extraction from ditches, mud, snow, or off-road situations.
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