If you've watched tow trucks work, you've seen two different approaches: one loads the whole vehicle onto a flat deck, another lifts one end and tows it with wheels still on the road. Both are standard, and neither is automatically the right one — it depends on the vehicle and the situation. Here's how the choice tends to get made, from the perspective of a company that runs both.

What Is Flatbed Towing?

Flatbed towing carries the entire vehicle on a flat deck, with none of its wheels on the road during transport. The deck — usually hydraulic — tilts toward the ground, the vehicle is winched or driven on, and it's secured for the trip. Because all four wheels are off the ground, the vehicle's drivetrain and tires aren't doing any work while it's moved. This is what flatbed towing refers to.

What Is Wrecker / Wheel-Lift Towing?

A wrecker, often called a wheel-lift truck, raises one end of the vehicle off the ground while the other end rolls on its own tires. Which end is lifted can depend on the vehicle and how it's configured. It's typically quick to connect and easy to maneuver, and it handles a wide range of everyday tows. That's the everyday role of wrecker towing.

How the Two Methods Differ

The core difference is straightforward — a flatbed carries the whole vehicle, a wheel-lift tows it with wheels still on the road. From there, several practical factors influence which is used:

  • Drivetrain. How the vehicle is driven (front, rear, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive) can affect whether wheels should turn during towing.
  • Manufacturer instructions. Some vehicles have specific towing requirements set by the manufacturer.
  • Vehicle condition. A vehicle that isn't sound may be better fully supported on a deck.
  • Wheel and tire condition. Damaged wheels or tires can affect whether the vehicle can roll safely.
  • The situation and location. Available space and how the vehicle is positioned play a role.
  • Appropriate equipment. The operator matches the method to the above rather than to a single fixed rule.

When a Flatbed May Be Appropriate

A flatbed is often chosen when keeping all four wheels off the road is preferable:

  • Some all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Certain AWD/4WD vehicles have manufacturer-specific towing requirements and may need all four wheels off the road to avoid drivetrain strain. Whether that applies depends on the vehicle, so the owner's manual or manufacturer instructions are worth checking.
  • Collision-damaged vehicles that may have suspension, steering, or wheel damage.
  • Vehicles with a transmission or driveline concern, where the drivetrain shouldn't be working during transport.
  • Situations where fully supported transport is preferable based on the vehicle's condition or manufacturer requirements.

When a Wrecker / Wheel-Lift May Be Appropriate

For many everyday tows, a wheel-lift can be a practical, efficient choice:

  • A sound vehicle that needs to get to a shop, dealership, or home.
  • A vehicle that needs repositioning before it can be moved — for example, eased forward out of a tight parking spot.
  • Locations with limited room, where a more maneuverable truck helps.

Neither method is better by default. A wheel-lift that suits one vehicle may not suit another, which is why the vehicle and circumstances guide the decision rather than a single rule.

How RST Determines Which Truck to Send

RST Roadside Service & Towing operates both flatbed and wrecker (wheel-lift) tow trucks, so the equipment can be matched to the vehicle rather than forcing one method onto every job. When you call, describing the vehicle and situation helps — the drivetrain, its condition, whether it's all-wheel drive or has driveline concerns, its location, and any manufacturer towing requirements can all factor in. If something turns out differently once the driver arrives, they can explain what's needed.

You don't need to know the right term before calling. Describe what happened and what the vehicle is doing, and the appropriate equipment can be matched to the job. Call (403) 458-6010 or request a tow online. To see the full range of options, visit our towing services page.