Is flatbed towing more expensive than traditional towing?

Flatbed towing can cost slightly more than wheel-lift towing, but the price difference is usually modest and worth it for the added safety and protection. The exact cost depends on factors like distance, vehicle size, and your location. We provide clear pricing upfront so you know what to expect. For high-value vehicles, luxury cars, or all-wheel-drive vehicles, flatbed towing is often required and can save you money in the long run by preventing damage.

Can you tow large vehicles like trucks and SUVs on a flatbed?

Yes, our flatbed trucks can handle most cars, trucks, and SUVs. We have equipment rated for different weight capacities, and our drivers are trained to load and secure large vehicles safely. If you have a particularly heavy vehicle like a full-size pickup truck or a large SUV, let us know when you call. We can confirm that we have the right flatbed available for your needs. For extremely large vehicles, we also offer heavy-duty towing services.

How do you secure my car on the flatbed?

We use heavy-duty straps, chains, and wheel chocks to secure your vehicle to the flatbed. The straps are attached to strong anchor points on the truck bed and tightened to prevent any movement. Wheel chocks keep the tires in place and prevent rolling. Our drivers are trained in proper load securement techniques and follow industry safety standards. Your car will not shift, slide, or move during transport. We also inspect the load before we start driving to make sure everything is secure.

Flatbed Towing

The safest way to transport your vehicle with all four wheels off the ground.

Flatbed tow truck safely transporting a vehicle in Doral, FL

What is Flatbed Towing

Flatbed towing is a method of transporting vehicles where the entire car sits on a flat platform with all four wheels off the ground. Unlike traditional tow trucks that lift only the front or rear wheels, a flatbed truck provides a completely level surface for your vehicle. This eliminates the risk of transmission damage, tire wear, or other issues that can occur when wheels are in contact with the road during transport.

At GateRoad Doral Towing, we use modern flatbed trucks equipped with hydraulic lift systems. The flatbed tilts down to ground level, forming a ramp. We drive or winch your vehicle onto the bed, secure it with heavy-duty straps and wheel chocks, and then raise the bed back to a level position. Your car stays completely still during the entire trip, which makes flatbed towing the safest option for most vehicles.

Flatbed towing is especially important for luxury cars, sports cars, all-wheel-drive vehicles, motorcycles, and cars with low ground clearance. It is also the preferred method for transporting vehicles that have been in accidents or have significant mechanical damage. If your car cannot roll or steer properly, flatbed towing is often the only safe option. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend flatbed towing to maintain your warranty and prevent additional damage.

When to Use Flatbed Towing

Flatbed towing is not always necessary, but there are many situations where it is the best or only option. Here are the most common scenarios where flatbed towing makes sense:

Situations That Require Flatbed Towing:

All-Wheel-Drive and Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles: These vehicles should never be towed with two wheels on the ground. Doing so can damage the drivetrain and transmission. Flatbed towing is the only safe method.
Luxury and Exotic Cars: High-end vehicles often have low ground clearance, custom body kits, or sensitive suspension systems. Flatbed towing prevents scraping, scratching, or other cosmetic and mechanical damage.
Vehicles with Severe Damage: If your car was in an accident and has frame damage, broken axles, or missing wheels, it cannot be towed safely with a traditional method. Flatbed towing handles these situations without causing further harm.
Motorcycles and ATVs: Two-wheeled and off-road vehicles are difficult to secure on a traditional tow truck. Flatbed towing keeps them stable and prevents them from tipping over during transport.
Long-Distance Moves: If you need to transport your car a long distance, flatbed towing reduces wear and tear on your tires and drivetrain. This is especially important for cross-country moves or when shipping a car to a new city.
Classic and Antique Cars: Older vehicles often have unique drivetrains and fragile components. Flatbed towing ensures these valuable cars are transported without any risk of damage.
Non-Running Vehicles: If your car does not start, cannot be put in neutral, or has steering problems, traditional towing methods will not work. Flatbed towing allows us to load your car without needing it to roll or steer.

Even if your vehicle technically can be towed with a traditional wheel-lift method, many people choose flatbed towing for peace of mind. It is simply the safest and most secure way to move a car. If you are unsure whether your vehicle needs flatbed towing, call us. We can assess your situation and recommend the best method for your specific vehicle.

We also offer flatbed towing for situations where the vehicle is stuck or difficult to access. For example, if your car is in a tight parking garage, off the road in a ditch, or in another challenging location, our flatbed trucks can often still reach it. We use winches and other equipment to safely load your vehicle onto the flatbed even when it cannot be driven or rolled.

Benefits of Flatbed Towing

Choosing flatbed towing comes with several important advantages compared to traditional towing methods. Here is why so many people prefer it:

No Wear and Tear on Your Vehicle

When your car is on a flatbed, it is not moving. The tires are not spinning, the drivetrain is not engaged, and the suspension is not being stressed. This eliminates all the wear that happens when a vehicle is towed with its wheels on the ground. Over long distances, traditional towing can add hundreds of miles to your odometer and cause unnecessary wear on tires and transmission components. Flatbed towing avoids all of this.

Protection from Road Hazards

Roads are full of hazards like potholes, debris, and uneven pavement. When your car is towed with wheels on the ground, these hazards can cause damage. Flatbed towing lifts your vehicle completely off the road, protecting it from anything that might be in the way. This is especially important for cars with low ground clearance or custom modifications.

Safer for Complex Drivetrains

Modern cars have complex drivetrains with computers, sensors, and electronic systems. Towing a car improperly can trigger error codes, damage the transmission, or cause expensive repairs. Flatbed towing keeps everything as it should be, with no risk of drivetrain damage. This is why manufacturers of all-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles often require flatbed towing to maintain your warranty.

Ideal for Non-Rolling Vehicles

If your car cannot roll because of brake issues, a stuck transmission, or other mechanical problems, flatbed towing is the only option. We winch your car onto the flatbed without needing it to move on its own. This makes flatbed towing the go-to choice for emergency towing situations where the vehicle is completely disabled.

Flatbed towing also gives you peace of mind. You know your car is secure and safe during transport. Whether you are moving a brand-new car, a family sedan, or a vintage classic, flatbed towing treats your vehicle with the care it deserves. At GateRoad Doral Towing, we secure every vehicle properly and follow all safety protocols to ensure your car arrives at its destination in the same condition it left.

If you need to transport your car across the state or even farther, we also provide long-distance towing with flatbed trucks. This service is perfect for moving vehicles during a relocation, delivering a purchased car, or transporting a vehicle that needs specialized repairs.