Flatbed and wheel-lift are two common methods of towing a vehicle. Flatbed and wheel-lift towing involves loading the entire vehicle onto the flatbed of a tow truck, securing it in place, and transporting it without any contact between the wheels and the road. This method is best for vehicles with serious mechanical issues or not driveable.
On the other hand, flatbed and wheel-lift towing involves using a metal yoke attached to a vehicle’s front or rear wheels, lifting it off the ground, and towing it behind the tow truck. This method is less secure than flatbed towing and is typically used for shorter distances and vehicles still driveable. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on the specific towing needs and the vehicle being towed.
What is Wheel lift tow ?Â
Wheel-lift tow is a method of towing vehicles using a tow truck equipped with a metal yoke that is attached to the front or rear wheels of the vehicle. This method allows the vehicle to be lifted off the ground, freeing its wheels and enabling it to be transported behind the tow truck. Wheel-lift towing is often used for shorter distances, as it is less secure than flatbed towing and is best for vehicles that are still driveable.
Important properties of flatbed and wheel-lift tow
The important properties of flatbed and wheel-lift towing include:
Metal Yoke: A metal yoke is used to attach the vehicle to the tow truck, typically to the front or rear wheels.
Lifting Mechanism: A hydraulic or pneumatic system is used to lift the vehicle off the ground, freeing its wheels.
Shorter Distances: This method is typically used for shorter distances and for vehicles that are still driveable.
Cost Effective: Wheel-lift towing is often less expensive than flatbed towing, as the tow truck does not need to be as large or as specially equipped.
Space Efficiency: This method requires less space, making it ideal for car towing in densely populated areas or in areas with limited access.
Driven on Own Wheels: The vehicle is driven on its own wheels, which can be beneficial for vehicles with delicate suspension systems or limited ground clearance.
Risk of Damage: There is a higher risk of damage to the wheels, tires, and suspension system of the vehicle during transport.
Less Secure: The vehicle is not as secure as it would be with flatbed towing, and there is a risk of it coming loose during transport.
Circumstantial Dependence: The choice between wheel-lift towing and flatbed towing ultimately depends on the specific needs and circumstances of each individual towing situation.
What are the advantages of flatbed and wheel-lift towing?
Flatbed and wheel-lift is a method of transporting a vehicle using a flatbed truck, where the vehicle is loaded onto the flatbed and all four wheels are off the ground during transport. The advantages of flatbed towing are:
Security: Flatbed towing is the most secure method of towing, as the vehicle cannot come loose during transport, ensuring the safety of the vehicle and those around it.
Protection: With flatbed towing, the vehicle is protected from road debris, inclement weather, and other potential hazards that can cause damage during transport.
Suitable for all vehicles: Flatbed towing is suitable for all types of vehicles, including luxury cars, sports cars, classic cars, and heavy-duty vehicles.
Easy Loading: Flatbed towing allows for easy loading and unloading of the vehicle, as there is no need to drive the vehicle onto the flatbed.
Reduced Wear and Tear: Flatbed towing eliminates the risk of damage to the wheels, tires, and suspension system that can occur during wheel-lift towing.
Versatility: Flatbed trucks can be equipped with a variety of features, such as winches and straps, to accommodate a wide range of towing situations.
In conclusion, flatbed and wheel-lift towing is the safest and most secure method of transporting a vehicle, making it ideal for a variety of towing needs.
What are the advantages of flatbed and wheel-lift towing?
Flatbed and wheel-lift towing has several advantages, including:
Cost-Effective: Wheel-lift towing is less expensive than flatbed towing as it requires a smaller tow truck and less specialized equipment.
Efficient: The method of attaching the metal yoke to the front or rear wheels of the vehicle allows for a quick and efficient towing process.
Space-Saving: Wheel-lift towing requires less space than flatbed towing, making it ideal for towing in densely populated areas or in areas with limited access.
Driveable: The vehicle being towed is transported on its own wheels, which can be beneficial for vehicles with delicate suspension systems or for vehicles with limited ground clearance.
Versatile: Wheel-lift towing can be used for a variety of vehicles, including those that are still driveable.
However, it is important to note that flatbed and wheel-lift towing also has some disadvantages, including a higher risk of damage to the wheels, tires, and suspension system and a risk of the vehicle coming loose during transport.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Q1. What is a wheel lift tow?
Ans: Wheel lift tow is a method of towing vehicles using a tow truck equipped with a metal yoke that is attached to the front or rear wheels of the vehicle. This method allows the vehicle to be lifted off the ground, freeing its wheels and enabling it to be transported behind the tow truck.
Q2. Which method of towing is the fastest?
Ans: Wheel-lift towing is often considered the fastest method of towing, as it is quick and efficient.
Q3. What are the tow types?
Ans: The different types of tow include flatbed towing, wheel-lift towing, tow dolly towing, boom towing, hook and chain towing, and integrated towing.
Q4. What is a wheel lift and dollies?
Ans: Wheel lift and dollies refer to two different methods of towing. Wheel lift towing involves lifting the vehicle off the ground and transporting it behind the tow truck, while tow dolly towing involves using a two-wheeled trailer to transport the front wheels of the vehicle.
Q5. What are the advantages of flatbed towing?
Ans: The advantages of flatbed towing include increased security for the vehicle, as it cannot come loose during transport, and the ability to transport any type of vehicle. Flatbed towing is also considered the safest method of towing.
Q6. What are the advantages of wheel-lift towing?
Ans: The advantages of wheel-lift towing include lower cost, as the tow truck does not need to be as large or as specially equipped, and the ability to tow vehicles that are still driveable. Wheel-lift towing is also quick and efficient, making it ideal for vehicles that need to be towed for short distances.
