If you have ever experienced a breakdown while driving on the road, you are familiar with the anxiety and stress of figuring out how to tow your car from the point of breakage to a repair shop safely. Among all towing methods, flatbed tow trucks are the most efficient, safe, reliable, and popular way of towing cars, whether the car is luxury, damaged, or non-operational.
In today’s blog post, we will learn everything about flatbed tow trucks, including what they are, how they work, their advantages, applications, and why they are more favorable than other traditional towing techniques.
What Are Flatbed Tow Trucks?
The flatbed tow truck is a type of vehicle recovery device with a horizontal platform that can be hydraulically tilted to the ground. This allows the vehicle to be loaded on the bed using hydraulic mechanisms. In contrast to the hook and chain or wheel lift tow trucks, the flatbed truck lifts the entire vehicle from the road surface, guaranteeing no contact between the tires and the road.
How Flatbed Tow Trucks Work
Flatbed tow trucks run with an easy but powerful hydraulic system. This is how it goes:
- The flatbed is tilted down to rest on the ground.
- The broken-down car is either loaded by itself or lifted onto the flatbed.
- After positioning the car appropriately, the bed is returned to horizontal orientation.
- Chains or other strong straps tie up the car to keep it secure.
- Finally, the flatbed tow truck moves off towards the required destination.
This system saves vehicles from damage and unnecessary wear-and-tear.
Advantages of Flatbed Tow Truck Service
Many countries use flatbed tow trucks because of their effectiveness and reliability. Here’s why they became the industry standard:
- They don’t damage the vehicle in any way
- They can transport every type of car
- They are good for long-distance towing
- They provide maximum safety in towing operations.
Almost any vehicle, from luxurious sedans to motorcycles, can be loaded and towed by such trucks.
Key Advantages of Flatbed Tow Trucks
1. Maximum Vehicle Safety
The best benefit of towing through flatbedding is that the vehicle will not be in contact with the road. In this way, there won’t be any risk of damaging tires, suspensions, transmissions, and bumpers.
2. Suitable for all Vehicles
A flatbed towing service can tow:
- High-end automobiles
- Sports cars
- SUVs & Pickup trucks
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
- Crashed cars
- Non-running cars
3. Zero Damage to the Vehicle While Transporting
As there is no rolling of the vehicle on its own wheels, there will not be any extra mileage or wear and tear to the vehicle.
4. Best for Long Distance Transportation
For transferring the vehicle from one city to another or state to state, there is no better option than flatbed towing.
5. Safely Towing Low Clearance Vehicles
There is no risk involved when transporting sports cars or modified vehicles having lower ground clearance, as hydraulic flatbed systems ensure safe loading and unloading.
When Should You Use a Flatbed Tow Truck?
A flatbed tow truck may not be required for every vehicle breakdown, but it is necessary to use a flatbed tow truck under the following circumstances:
- After an accident
- Engine malfunction
- Transmission problems
- New or high-end cars transport
- Vehicle transport when the engine does not work
- For long-distance transport
- Storage of vehicles
Flatbed Tow Truck VS Conventional Tow Trucks
Knowledge of the different types of towing can help you select the proper service provider.
Flatbed Tow Truck
- Lifting of the whole vehicle above the ground
- No wheel contact with the road surface
- Perfect for all types of vehicles
- Best for long-distance transportation
Wheel-Lift or Hook Tow Truck
- Contact between the two wheels and the road
- Preferred for towing over short distances
- Hire risk of tire and drivetrain damage
- Poor choice for luxury and AWD vehicles
It’s clear, Flatbed towing is the better choice.
Price of Flatbed Tow Truck Service
The cost of flatbed towing depends on several factors:
- Travel distance
- Type and weight of vehicle
- Time of travel
- Accessibility to the location
- Price strategy of the towing company
Generally, flatbed towing costs a bit more than regular towing services, but the benefits it offers truly justify the price.
Flatbed Tow Trucks for Emergency Roadside Assistance
Today, many towing companies combine flatbed tow trucks with roadside emergency assistance. Thus, the customer is provided not only with towing, but also with the following services:
- Battery charging
- Tyre change
- Refueling
- Lock out
In case it is impossible to fix the car right there, a flatbed tow truck arrives without delay.
Conclusion
Among all the means that are used for transporting vehicles, flatbed tow trucks can be considered the safest and most reliable method for doing so.
Although it might be somewhat expensive compared to the conventional way of transporting cars, flatbed towing definitely offers the best experience as it will not leave your vehicle damaged in any way.
If you are looking for a fast and reliable towing service in Winnipeg, contact Orcatowing, your trusted service provider known for reliable flatbed tow truck services and quick roadside assistance.
