Does flatbed towing cost more than wheel-lift towing?

Yes, flatbed towing typically costs a bit more than wheel-lift towing because it requires specialized equipment and more time to load and secure your vehicle. However, the price difference is usually small, and the extra protection is worth it for most drivers.

Can flatbed trucks fit in tight parking lots or driveways?

Flatbed trucks are larger than standard tow trucks, but our drivers are experienced at maneuvering in tight spaces. We can load vehicles from most residential driveways, parking lots, and street locations.

How long does it take to load a vehicle onto a flatbed truck?

Loading a vehicle onto a flatbed truck typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the situation. Our drivers work efficiently while still taking the time to secure your vehicle properly.

Flatbed Towing

The safest way to transport your vehicle without risking damage to wheels or suspension.

(323) 329-3324

Why Flatbed Towing is the Best Option for Your Vehicle

When your car needs to be towed, you want to make sure it arrives at its destination in the same condition it left. Traditional wheel-lift towing works for many situations, but flatbed towing is the gold standard for protecting your vehicle. With flatbed towing, your car sits completely on a flat platform with all four wheels off the ground. This means no wear on your tires, no stress on your transmission, and no risk of scraping your bumper or undercarriage.

At ClearPath Pico Rivera Towing, we use modern flatbed trucks equipped with hydraulic lifts and secure tie-down systems. Your vehicle is loaded carefully, positioned correctly, and secured with heavy-duty straps before we move it an inch. This method is especially important for luxury cars, sports cars, and vehicles with low ground clearance that could be damaged by traditional towing methods.

Vehicles That Benefit Most from Flatbed Towing

Luxury and high-end vehicles where even minor damage can be expensive to repair
Sports cars with low ground clearance that could scrape or drag with wheel-lift towing
All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles that require all wheels off the ground
Vehicles with broken axles or damaged wheels that cannot roll at all
Motorcycles and classic cars that need extra protection during transport

How Our Flatbed Towing Process Works

Flatbed towing is simple in concept but requires skill and proper equipment to do correctly. Here is what happens when you call ClearPath Pico Rivera Towing for flatbed service.

Step 1: We Assess Your Vehicle and Location

When our driver arrives, they inspect your vehicle and the surrounding area. They check for any visible damage, look at tire condition, and determine the best angle to load your car onto the flatbed. If you are parked in a tight space or on uneven ground, our driver adjusts the approach to ensure a safe loading process.

Step 2: The Flatbed is Positioned and Lowered

Our flatbed trucks have hydraulic systems that tilt the bed down to ground level, creating a ramp. This allows your vehicle to be driven or winched onto the platform without lifting it off the ground at an angle. The bed is lowered slowly and carefully to avoid any sudden movements that could shift your car.

Step 3: Your Vehicle is Loaded and Secured

If your car is drivable, our driver can carefully drive it onto the flatbed. If it is not, we use a winch system to pull it up the ramp. Once your vehicle is in position, we secure it with heavy-duty straps attached to the frame or designated tie-down points. These straps are checked and tightened to prevent any movement during transport. We also ensure your parking brake is engaged and the transmission is in the proper gear or park position.

Step 4: Safe Transport to Your Destination

With your vehicle secured, the flatbed is raised back to a level position and locked in place. Our driver transports your car directly to your chosen location, whether that is a repair shop, body shop, or your home. We drive carefully to avoid sudden stops or sharp turns that could shift the load. When we arrive, we lower the bed, release the straps, and unload your vehicle safely.

Flatbed Towing vs Other Towing Methods

You might wonder why flatbed towing costs more than traditional wheel-lift or dolly towing. The answer is simple: flatbed towing provides the highest level of protection for your vehicle. Here is how it compares to other common towing methods.

Flatbed vs Wheel-Lift Towing

Wheel-lift towing uses a metal yoke that lifts the front or rear wheels of your car off the ground while the other wheels roll. This method works fine for many standard vehicles, but it puts stress on the tires, suspension, and drivetrain of the wheels that remain on the ground. It can also cause problems for all-wheel drive vehicles because the transmission is not designed to have some wheels rolling while others are lifted. Flatbed towing avoids all these issues by keeping your entire vehicle off the road.

Flatbed vs Dolly Towing

Dolly towing places the front wheels of your car on a small two-wheel trailer while the rear wheels roll on the ground. This method is common for long-distance towing, but it has limitations. Dolly towing only works for front-wheel drive vehicles, and it still puts wear on the rear tires. It also requires more setup time and can be difficult in tight spaces. Flatbed towing is faster, safer, and works for any type of vehicle.

When to Choose Flatbed Towing

If your vehicle is valuable, has low ground clearance, or has drivetrain damage, flatbed towing is the right choice. It is also the best option if you want total peace of mind that your car will arrive undamaged. While emergency towing with a wheel-lift truck is faster in some situations, flatbed towing is worth the small price difference when protecting your vehicle matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flatbed Towing

Need Safe Flatbed Towing?

Call us 24/7 for professional flatbed towing service in Pico Rivera.

(323) 329-3324