Flatbed towing: all four wheels off the ground

A flatbed carries your vehicle on the bed of the truck instead of dragging it on two wheels. The tires, suspension and drivetrain are not on the road while it travels. If your car is all-wheel drive, low to the ground, rare or electric, a flatbed is usually the right call, and dispatch can tell you in one conversation.

Get an all-in estimate

When to call

Your car is all-wheel drive or a 4x4
It sits low and a regular hook could scrape the bumper
It's a classic, an exotic or a car you simply can't risk
It's electric or a hybrid and the owner's manual says to keep the wheels off the ground

How it works

Tell dispatch the year, make and model, and whether the car is lowered or modified.
The driver tilts the bed and winches your car on slowly.
Straps hold every wheel in place for the ride.
At the other end, the bed tilts back and the car rolls off.

Which vehicles should ride on a flatbed

All-wheel-drive and 4x4 vehicles often cannot be towed with the drive wheels on the road. Lowered cars need the gentle angle of a tilted bed. Classics and exotics deserve the same care. For electric cars, check your owner's manual: many say to keep every wheel off the ground. Not sure? Ask dispatch before the truck leaves.

A Shelby Cobra, moved from Santa Clarita

A Yelp reviewer named Jason L. had a 1965 Shelby Cobra flatbedded out of Santa Clarita. That is the kind of vehicle people choose a flatbed for.

Flatbed questions

Is a flatbed safer for my car?

For many vehicles, yes. With all four wheels off the pavement, the drivetrain, tires and suspension stay untouched during the trip. That matters most for AWD, lowered and high-value cars.

Can you flatbed an electric car?

Check your owner's manual first, since many electric cars call for all wheels off the ground. Then tell dispatch the make and model so the right truck is sent.

What if my car sits very low?

Tell dispatch when you call. A lowered car needs a shallow load angle, and the driver can plan for it before arriving.