Flatbed towing
Towing a flatbed vehicle involves attaching the towed vehicle to a long flatbed built into a tow truck. When lowered to ground level, a flatbed truck allows cars to drive or be pulled onto the truck bed. First of all, this is the most convenient way to tow a vehicle. Various vehicles can be towed by flatbed tow trucks, including classic cars and vehicles involved in accidents, and not towed by any other means. The flatbed sits there, and all the vehicle parts are not used, i.e., the tires are not rolled on while the vehicle is being towed. This means there is no wear and tear on the car during the tow.
Besides being the most efficient way to tow vehicles, flatbed towing is also the safest. No matter its condition, it is possible to tow any car on a flatbed, and flatbeds can also haul cumbersome vehicles. He will either drive the car directly onto the flatbed or, if that is not possible, he will pull it onto the flatbed with a winch. After being placed, the truck operator secures the car in place in the truck’s bed.
Benefits of flatbed towing
1. It helps reduce delivery mileage.
Dealers and car manufacturers generally aim to reduce delivery mileage. Flatbed trucks are therefore a better option for transporting a new vehicle. You can transport vehicles from a manufacturing point to a dealership or to their final buyers without worrying about unnecessary mileage being used.
2. The possibility of vehicle damage is reduced.
In the case of an automobile accident, such as a crash or off-roading, it is necessary to transport the vehicles involved to an auto shop for repair. In the same way, cars that break down in the middle of the road should be towed. This job can be done by anyone with a truck and a hook. Unfortunately, their inexperience might do more harm than good. Therefore, professional flatbed towing services throughout the city are helpful if you want to avoid such inconveniences.
The professionals at flatbed towing companies have excellent training and experience. They are well-trained and well-equipped to ensure your vehicle’s safe loading, transporting, and unloading. It is your best option if you wish to avoid further damage to your already damaged vehicle during transport, which will ultimately increase your repair bills.
3. It is convenient and time-saving.
Removing the vehicle’s driving shaft before towing certain cars, such as dolly trucks, is necessary. You will be able to strap your vehicle firmly to the bed of a car if you use a flatbed towing service. This will ensure the vehicle’s safety during transport. Upon reaching its destination, the vehicle unloading process is only a matter of untying the vehicle’s straps and driving it off the truck bed. While transporting your vehicle conveniently to your desired location, you will save time by efficiently loading and unloading your car.
4. No adjustments are required.
Unlike wheel-lift towing trucks, the flatbed truck does not require any adjustments to transport a vehicle. In flatbed towing, because the car’s wheels are not in contact with the ground, it means that potholes or other objects won’t damage them during transportation. Therefore, it is unlikely for the vehicle or its wheels to be damaged during transport.
In what situations should you use flatbed towing?
Aside from the reasons listed above, flatbed tow trucks are preferred because they fit the situation better. Some instances where flatbed towing is needed include:
Transporting long distances
Flatbed tow trucks are preferable to prevent damage to vehicles during long-distance towing. Most other trucks have their wheels in contact with the road. The wheels will be worn and torn a lot when you pull on them, especially when there is a long distance to cover. Flatbed tow trucks feature wheels that do not touch the road, which means they won’t get damaged during transport, no matter how far they are going. Transporting vehicles from one state to another because they are moving is quite helpful.
If the cars are expensive
You want to make sure you don’t damage a prized vehicle, such as a classic, a sports car, a luxury car, or a vintage one, during transportation. Tow trucks with flatbeds can protect your prized vehicles. Most car owners who bring their vehicles to car shows or exhibits prefer having them transported via flatbed tow trucks. Even if it costs more, many car owners find that the peace of mind they get from getting a flatbed is worth the extra cost.
Suitable for all-wheel drive vehicles
The front wheels of front-wheel-drive cars are connected to the drive shaft only. Rear wheels typically spin freely. This enables them to be towed with a dolly in which the front two tires are raised above the ground, and the back two wheels are contacted only by the road.
On the other hand, a dolly is not recommended for cars with four-wheel drives since it may damage the transmission. The odometer will still display the mileage covered by running the back wheels if some manufacturers allow their 4-wheel drive vehicles to tow with a dolly. Tow trucks with flatbeds are safer than other vehicles for transporting this type of vehicle.
Cars that have been lowered are suitable for towing
Whether your style or preference, a flatbed tow truck is still the best choice whether the car you bought just came lowered. When a vehicle is lowered and towed by a dolly, it may sustain damage to the underside, bumpers, exhaust system, and oil pan. The best thing to do is to drive the vehicle on a flatbed. The incline ramp is not particularly steep, so lowered cars can drive on it safely.
How long is a flat bed tow truck?
Flatbed tow trucks are commonly used to transport vehicles that have been damaged or cannot be driven on their own. The length of a flatbed tow truck can vary depending on the make and model, but most standard flatbed tow trucks are approximately 25 to 30 feet in length. However, there are larger models available that can extend up to 50 feet in length to accommodate larger vehicles such as buses and tractor-trailers.
In addition to length, the width of a flatbed tow truck is also an important consideration. Standard flatbed tow trucks are typically around 8 feet in width, which is wide enough to accommodate most standard vehicles. However, for larger vehicles, a wider flatbed tow truck may be necessary to ensure that the vehicle can be safely and securely transported.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Is flatbed towing better?
One of the main differences is the security provided for the vehicle. The car is more secure with a flatbed than with a wheel lift. In contrast to wheel lift tow trucks, flatbed tow trucks tend to require minor readjustment of the vehicles due to the effects of towing.
- How does flatbed towing work?
These days, flatbed towing is the most popular method of towing. Transporting vehicles from one location to another involves using a trailer or truck equipped with a flatbed at the back. These trucks are essential and provide several advantages.
- How safe is flatbed towing?
The flatbed is much safer to use than other tow trucks on the road because it is easier to maneuver. If another tow truck gets hit, the vehicle they tow can quickly become dislodged and cause a more severe accident.
