Reasons To Use A Flatbed Tow Truck

Due to the fact that many of our customers have questions about towing, we’ve put together this quick reference guide to help you understand the many reasons why you might need to call for a flatbed tow truck.  

There are various types of tow trucks ranging from heavy duty accident recovery trucks to light-duty wheel lift tow trucks, and flatbeds, otherwise known as “car carriers.” And their use varies just as vehicle types vary.  Just as you wouldn’t want a tow truck that’s equipped to tow a fully loaded tractor-trailer to tow your Toyota Camry, you wouldn’t want to have a wheel-lift tow truck that’s not equipped with dollies to tow your all-wheel-drive Range Rover.  So, that you are better equipped to know what type of truck you need, we address some of the issues surrounding the various types of tow trucks.

Will A Flatbed Tow Truck Damage My Transmission?

If you drive a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle and require towing service it’s best to involve the use of a flatbed towing system. Most car manufacturers provide guidelines for towing that include the use of a car carrier for four-wheel-drive vehicles. The reason for this is because towing a vehicle with the drive wheels on the ground can cause severe damage to the transmission.

If done properly, using a flatbed to tow any vehicle will not cause damage to the transmission. The reason for this is because the drive wheels do not roll along the ground when the vehicle is being transported.

Can You Tow A Two-Wheel-Drive With The Wheels On The Ground?

Unless damage has occurred that prevents it, towing a two-wheel-drive vehicle with the non-drive wheels on the ground is completely safe, and is a good way to provide fast damage free towing.  The reason this is the case is that the non-drive wheels are always along for the ride anyway. Whereas the drive wheels are propelled forward by the relationship between your car’s engine and the transmission, non-drive wheels are always rolling. This means that when you tow a two-wheel drive vehicle you must lift the drive wheels with a wheel-lift.

Can A Flatbed Tow Truck Tow A Large SUV?

Car carriers range in length and width. Some are only 19 and ½ feet long and others are 21 and ½ feet long. Of course, depending upon what you are hauling, there are larger carriers that are much longer and equipped to carry loads much heavier than an SUV.

When you need a large SUV towed safely you’re looking for a tow truck that is at least 21 feet long with a capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. This not only ensures that your SUV will fit properly on the bed of the tow truck but also minimizes the risk of loss or damages.

For clarity when it comes to a towing wrecker, ask the tow truck company if their flatbeds have removable rails and can tow 10,000 lbs or more. Removable rails ensure that your oversized dually tires will fit properly on a bed. Most professional service towing companies will have a quick answer and help you receive the towing assistance you need. If you need fast, dependable and reasonably priced towing services, contact Chacon Towing.

Does Towing An Audi B6 S4 Quattro Require A Flatbed?

The short answer is yes, per the manufacturer, but the reality is any all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive can be towed with the use of a wrecker equipped with dollies. Dollies are basically another set of wheels that professional tow companies use to lift the second set of drive-wheels off of the ground for transport.

Generally speaking, the reason flatbeds are used, other than for vintage vehicle towing, is because we want to protect the transmission and drive-train while the engine isn’t running. Towing San Antonio’s cars and trucks is hot work, especially in the summertime. And, when driving your car is circulating transmission fluid throughout your drive-train to keep it lubricated and cool. If we were to tow your four-wheel-drive vehicle without the use of a flatbed tow truck or dollies there’s a chance your transmission might be damaged, or even seize up.

Which is the most reputable towing company?

Regardless of if you drive a two-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive, or even a commercial truck, the best, most reputable towing company in the San Antonio area is Chacon Towing Service. Now…we’re not just saying that because want to provide you towing service, lockout service, or flat tire change service when you need it, we’re trying to help you out. But, don’t take our word for it, check out what our customers are saying.