Transporting cars sounds like a fun job. Though, there’s a bit more involved in auto-hauling than just moving a car from one place to the next. You have to consider aspects such as the tow truck and trailer weight ratio and if your ratchet straps are tensioned enough to secure your vehicle. You also have to factor in what kind of tow truck you’ll use to tow a vehicle.
While there’s various types of tow trucks to help you complete your job, you’re better off using a flatbed tow truck. These trucks offer a wealth of safety features that help protect a client’s vehicle. Not to mention, certain situations may call for the use of a flatbed tow truck than any other tow truck. In today’s blog, we’ll cover the benefits and uses of a Flatbed Tow Truck.
What Is A Flatbed Tow Truck & How Is It Different from Other Tow Trucks?
A flatbed tow truck offers a certain level of versatility and safety of a vehicle that other tow trucks can’t compete with and even has the ability to lift the vehicle off the ground and onto its platform. How many tow trucks can do that? Specifically, these trucks have a single large flatbed that’s big enough for a whole car to fit on. They even come equipped with a tilt component and winch, which helps position the truck’s flatbed directly in line with the front tires of the vehicle. Afterward, the winch pulls the car onto the platform. You can then secure the vehicle and head off.
It’s no wonder towing companies prefer flatbed towing. They can tow a variety of vehicles in a safe manner. Though, flatbed tow trucks also offer a wealth of other benefits besides safety. Let’s take a look:
Benefits of Flatbed Towing
1. Lesser Risk of Damage
One of the main reasons why a tow truck operator might invest in a flatbed tow truck is because it won’t damage a customer’s vehicle during transit. Since they’re designed to lift the car completely off the ground, none of the wheels will touch the road. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about wearing down the car’s tires or even tearing up the rear bumper.
Additionally, you won’t have to worry about dirt and debris damaging the vehicle all that much. Car enthusiasts and owners with stalled vehicles even prefer flatbed towing for reasons of safety. They wouldn’t want to get their vehicle damaged before a big show or on the way to the repair shop.
Also Read: Towing Capacity Guide
2. Better Safety on the Road
More on safety, flatbed towing also keeps others safe from harm on the road. A vehicle that is tied down to the back of a tow truck is a lot safer to drive behind than one with a car that sways. In general, the roads are much safer for everyone around, especially pedestrians.
3. Convenient and Time Efficient
Another key benefit of using a flatbed tow truck is that it doesn’t need to adjust its speed in order to auto-haul a vehicle. Unlike other tow trucks, the flatbed tow truck can drive at normal speeds without damaging the vehicle. Your towed vehicle won’t be dragged or shifted in and out of lanes when the tow truck passes up another car. Even better, Flatbed Tow Trucks are easier to control and manipulate than tow trucks that drag the vehicle.
4. Ability To Carry More Vehicles
Additionally, flatbed tow trucks apparently have the strength of a thousand men. They have the ability and strength to carry several vehicles at one time. In the instance of a highway collision or a recovery, a flatbed tow truck can quickly clear the cars off the road and establish a safer environment for drivers.
5. It Can Carry All Sorts Of Vehicles
Not only can they carry more than one car at one time, but they also can handle any type of vehicle. This especially becomes useful in situations where there’s a wrecked car or its axles don’t work. Other tow trucks, however, will connect the axles and tires of the vehicle, more likely damaging it. Minimal damage is what the flatbed tow truck is known for.
When To Use Flatbed Tow Trucks
Long Distance Towing
It’s not wise to tow a vehicle for long periods of time, especially if you’re dragging its back wheels. You could run a high risk of damaging the car’s tires and even important components. In this instance, it’s best to use a flatbed tow truck to tow a vehicle long distances.
Heavy Vehicles
These types of tow trucks can also handle heavier vehicles better. A Dolly Tow Truck, however, has a low weight restriction and won’t be able to accommodate an SUV. Even low-riding vehicles should be towed by a flatbed tow truck. You won’t have to worry about the bumpers, exhaust pipes or even the overall body of the car being damaged.
All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
You should also consider the vehicle’s transmission when towing. If the car you’re hauling has an all-wheel transmission, it’s best to use a flatbed tow truck to prevent any damage from happening. Dolly Tow Trucks can only handle vehicles with front and rear-wheel transmissions.
For Expensive Vehicle
Safety should be a top priority when it comes to using a flatbed tow truck. That’s why car collectors and car enthusiasts prefer these types of drivers. They’ll know that their cars will be protected during the whole transit and won’t become damaged.
Towing Equipment Requirement for Flatbed Tow Truck
Here is essential tow truck equipment which helps flatbed tow operators to recover and towing vehicles successfully.
Tow Chains
These heavy steel tow chains are usually used to recover and secure a disabled vehicle. They come equipped with either hooks or shackles that create a stable connection between the towing truck and the vehicle you’re towing.
V-Bridle Towing Straps
On the hand, a tow trucker might opt to use a less abrasive solution. While tow chains are great at securing a car during transit, they run the risk of damaging the body of the vehicle. Rather, a V-Bridle Towing Strap poses as a safer alternative to use to tie down the vehicle.
Winch Cables
These cables are a type of synthetic rope that’s deployed from a Towing Winch and is attached to the vehicle being towed. It’s often used in cases of recovering vehicles from ditches and also in off-road situations.
Also Read: How To Use Winch
Recovery Chains
The recovery chain is considered a Towing Chain and can also help with pulling a vehicle out of a tough spot. In short, secure the chain to the attachment points on both your flatbed tow truck and the vehicle being recovered using hooks or shackles.
Recovery Straps & Slings
In the instance that a car is immobilized, a Recovery Strap and Sling will be able to lift it by a crane. This towing equipment can also be used to pull a disabled vehicle to the repair shop. Like the name suggests, they’re used in recovery and off-road situations.
Wheel Straps
On the other hand, Wheel Straps keep a car in place by securing the wheels. Shaped like a circle, these Lasso Straps are tightened over a car’s tires. The strap then connects to the truck’s flatbed. This way, you have a secure connection.
Safety Trucking Supplies & Equipment
When operating any type of truck, you have to stay safe. There’s a wealth of safety equipment to use for a flatbed tow truck, such as oversized load signs, flags, wheel chocks, warning triangle kits and even towing lights. These types of safety products are also a requirement set by the Department of Transportation as well. Having these supplies on hand will save your cargo and your job.
A flatbed tow truck can make a big difference in your tow trucking experience. Not to mention, it offers a much safer alternative compared to other tow trucks. You won’t have to worry about damaging a client’s vehicle or ruining your reputation. Flatbed towing just makes sense when it comes to auto-hauling.
