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Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which Does Your Car Need?

When a flatbed is the right call, when a wheel-lift is fine, and why it matters for AWD cars and EVs.

📞 562-843-1110

When you call for a tow, the dispatcher will decide between two main kinds of trucks: a flatbed (also called a rollback) and a wheel-lift. Here’s the difference.

Flatbed

The whole vehicle rides on the truck’s bed. Nothing touches the road, so there’s no wear on the tires, transmission or drivetrain.

Wheel-lift

The truck lifts one end of the vehicle by the wheels and the other end rolls on the road. It’s quick and great for tight spaces and parking garages.

When you need a flatbed

  • All-wheel-drive and 4×4 vehicles (towing with two wheels down can damage the drivetrain)
  • Electric vehicles and many hybrids
  • Lowered cars, exotics and classics
  • Vehicles with axle, wheel or suspension damage
  • Motorcycles

Not sure? Tell us the year, make and model when you call 562-843-1110 and we’ll send the right truck.

Call 562-843-1110

Need a tow? Call the Rhino.

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