KEY TAKEAWAYS
- On a flatbed, all four wheels ride on the deck, not the road.
- The right choice for AWD, 4x4, EVs, lowered and damaged vehicles.
- The deck tilts down so the vehicle is winched on gently.
- Price confirmed before loading, any hour of any day.
- Ask for a flatbed by name if your owner's manual calls for one.
What is flatbed towing?
A flatbed, or flat deck, is a tow truck with a long bed that tilts and slides back until it meets the ground. Your vehicle is winched or driven up onto the deck, then the deck levels out. The vehicle is held in place with straps or chains at the wheels or tow points, so it rides like cargo rather than rolling behind the truck.
Because nothing turns while the vehicle is on the deck, there is no wear on the tires, transmission or drive motors during the tow.
Flatbed towing vs wheel-lift towing: which do you need?
Both trucks are safe for the right vehicle. A wheel-lift is compact and handy for front-wheel drive cars in tight spots. Flatbed towing is the safer choice whenever the wheels on the ground could cause harm, or when the vehicle can't roll at all.
| Question | Flatbed | Wheel-lift |
|---|---|---|
| Do any wheels touch the road? | No | Yes, one axle rolls |
| All-wheel drive or 4x4 | Recommended | Usually not advised |
| Electric vehicle | Recommended | Only if the maker allows it |
| Lowered car or long front bumper | Better, gentle loading angle | Risk of scraping |
| Locked wheel or broken suspension | Can be winched on | Often not possible |
| Very tight space or low ceiling | May not fit | Often fits, or use dollies |
Is flatbed towing safer for your vehicle?
For many vehicles, yes. Towing an all-wheel drive car with two wheels on the road can strain the centre differential or transfer case. Many EV makers ask that the car be carried with all wheels off the ground. A car with a bent wheel or a seized brake can't roll safely behind a truck.
A flatbed also protects the vehicle from road spray and stones on the trip. That matters for a classic, a freshly painted car, or anything you are taking to a buyer or a detail shop.
How we load your vehicle onto the flatbed
The driver positions the truck in line with your vehicle, lowers the deck and checks the clearance under the bumper. The vehicle is pulled up slowly with the winch, or driven on if it runs. Once it is on the deck, each corner is secured and the driver does a walk-around with you before leaving.
- Confirm the vehicle is in neutral or its tow mode
- Point out any spoilers, skirts or low trim
- Mention any fluid leaks so the deck can be protected
- Remove loose items from roof racks and truck beds
Common flatbed towing trips from Bridgeport, Richmond
Flatbed towing suits trips where the vehicle needs to arrive in the same condition it left. Typical runs include an AWD SUV to a dealer in Richmond or Vancouver, a non-running project car from a driveway to a shop, or a damaged car to the body shop you and ICBC agree on.
We also move vehicles further out, to the ferries, the BC Interior or Alberta, quoted before pickup.
Why flatbed towing makes sense around Bridgeport, Richmond, BC
Hwy 99 runs just west of Bridgeport toward the Oak St Bridge, with narrow shoulders and fast traffic. When a car stops there, loading it quickly onto a flatbed gets everyone off the shoulder sooner. A single crash near the Bridgeport Rd interchange can back traffic up onto the Oak St Bridge. Stay in the vehicle with your belt on, or behind the barrier if it is safe to get out, until the truck is in place.
River Rd follows the North Arm past warehouses and yards, and there is often yard debris on the road. A tire cut or a damaged wheel from debris is a common reason a car can't roll, and a flatbed lets us winch it on without dragging the bad corner.
Mitchell Island has heavy industry and auto wreckers, reached only by the Knight St Bridge. If you are delivering a vehicle to a wrecker there, or picking one up, tell us when you call. A flatbed is the straightforward way to carry it on and off the island.
Questions drivers ask
Can a flatbed carry a car that won't roll?
Yes. The winch pulls the vehicle onto the deck, and skates or dollies can help if a wheel is locked.
Is a flatbed the same as a flat deck tow truck?
Yes. Flatbed and flat deck are two names for the same kind of truck.
Can my lowered car go on a flatbed?
In most cases. Let us know the ride height and any front lip so the driver can set a gentle loading angle.
Do you offer flatbed towing at night?
Yes. Flatbed towing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Bridgeport and across Richmond.
Should I ask for a flatbed for my all-wheel drive vehicle?
Yes. Check your owner's manual, but most AWD and 4x4 vehicles should travel with all wheels off the ground.