Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing in Buffalo: Which Does Your Vehicle Need?
Flatbed and wheel-lift towing are both legitimate vehicle-transport methods, but they are not interchangeable in every situation. Drivetrain design, damaged wheels, steering condition, vehicle weight, ground clearance and the manufacturer’s towing instructions can affect the correct method.
Buffalo Towing Services operates a 2023 Hino L6 equipped with a Century 12 flatbed and wheel-lift capability. Having both options allows the towing method to be evaluated according to the vehicle and job conditions.
Not Sure Which Towing Method You Need?
Provide the vehicle year, make, model, condition and both addresses.
Call 716-324-1023 Request a Towing QuoteWhat Is Flatbed Towing?
A flatbed tow truck uses a tilting carrier deck. The vehicle is positioned onto the deck and secured for transportation. During normal flatbed transport, all of the transported vehicle’s wheels are supported by the carrier rather than rolling on the road.
Flatbed towing may be considered for:
- All-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles when required
- Vehicles with drivetrain concerns
- Collision-damaged vehicles
- Vehicles with damaged wheels or suspension
- Vehicles that should not roll during transport
- Longer-distance transportation
- Certain low-clearance or specialty vehicles after evaluation
A flatbed is not automatically suitable for every vehicle. Loading angle, ground clearance, wheel condition, vehicle weight and access can still create limitations.
What Is Wheel-Lift Towing?
A wheel lift supports one end of the vehicle by the wheels. The other wheels normally remain on the road during transport unless additional equipment is used.
Wheel-lift towing may be useful for:
- Certain short local transports
- Vehicles located where flatbed positioning is difficult
- Vehicles that can be transported with one axle raised safely
- Moving a vehicle from a restricted parking position
- Situations where the drivetrain and manufacturer instructions permit it
Wheel-lift towing must account for which wheels drive the vehicle, transmission condition, steering position, wheel condition and the vehicle manufacturer’s procedures.
Flatbed Advantages
- All four wheels supported
- Useful for many damaged vehicles
- Often preferred when wheels should not rotate
- Suitable for many longer transports
Wheel-Lift Advantages
- Can work in certain tighter locations
- Efficient for qualifying local transports
- Useful when correctly matched to the drivetrain
- Provides another option when flatbed access is limited
Which Method Is Better for AWD Vehicles?
There is no single answer for every AWD vehicle. Some manufacturers require all four wheels to be off the ground during transportation. Others provide specific procedures for limited emergency movement.
The safest approach is to identify the exact vehicle and follow its owner’s manual or manufacturer towing guidance. Customers should not guess that a vehicle is front-wheel drive simply because a similar model was configured that way.
What If the Vehicle Will Not Shift Into Neutral?
A vehicle that cannot shift into neutral may not roll normally. Locked drivetrain components, electronic parking brakes, damaged wheels or transmission problems can complicate loading.
Tell the towing provider before dispatch. Buffalo Towing Services currently applies a $35 neutral-not-possible fee when the condition requires additional work or equipment.
What If a Wheel Is Missing or Damaged?
A missing wheel, collapsed suspension component, broken ball joint or severely damaged tire can affect both flatbed and wheel-lift loading. Photographs can help the driver evaluate:
- Which corner is damaged
- Whether the wheel is attached
- Whether the suspension is touching the ground
- Whether the vehicle can steer
- Whether there is enough loading clearance
- Whether the vehicle is accessible to the truck
Comparison Table
| Vehicle condition | Possible consideration |
|---|---|
| AWD or four-wheel drive | Check the manufacturer’s towing instructions; a flatbed may be required or preferred. |
| Collision-damaged wheels | A flatbed and additional loading methods may be necessary. |
| Tight parking position | A wheel lift may provide positioning advantages when otherwise appropriate. |
| Vehicle will not shift into neutral | Additional equipment or loading work may be required. |
| Long-distance transportation | A flatbed is commonly considered, subject to vehicle and weight limitations. |
| Qualifying short local tow | Either method may be possible after drivetrain and condition review. |
Information the Driver Needs
- Exact year, make and model
- Whether the vehicle is AWD, four-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive
- Whether the vehicle rolls and steers
- Whether it shifts into neutral
- Whether the keys are available
- Whether the parking brake releases
- Whether wheels, tires or suspension are damaged
- Vehicle modifications or very low ground clearance
- Pickup and delivery addresses
Explore our Buffalo towing services, review our service areas or provide the vehicle details through our online towing quote form.
Vehicle and Service Limitations
Buffalo Towing Services generally handles passenger vehicles and qualifying medium-duty vehicles below approximately 9,500 pounds. We do not provide heavy-duty towing, semi-truck towing, RV towing, impound towing or out-of-state towing.
We do not provide service on I-90, I-190, Route 33 or Route 198. Drivers in unsafe traffic locations should contact 911 or the appropriate roadway authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is flatbed towing always safer?
Not automatically. A flatbed supports all four wheels during normal transport, but access, loading angle, ground clearance, vehicle damage and weight must still be evaluated.
Can an AWD vehicle be wheel-lift towed?
It depends on the specific vehicle and manufacturer instructions. Many AWD vehicles require procedures that prevent inappropriate wheel rotation during transport.
Can you tow a vehicle with locked wheels?
Possibly, but locked or damaged wheels must be disclosed before dispatch. Additional equipment, labor or another provider may be required.
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Which Towing Method Have You Used?
Have you previously had a vehicle transported on a flatbed or wheel lift? Leave a comment about the type of vehicle and method used, but do not post your VIN, plate number or private address.