Comparison, Updated
Flatbed vs. wheel-lift towing: which one your car needs
A flatbed carries your car on a deck. A wheel-lift raises one end for towing. The choice depends on your vehicle, its condition and the pickup location. You can describe the situation to Hadley and let our team work through the options.
At a glance. You don’t need to choose the equipment before calling. Tell us what you drive, what happened and where it is parked. The vehicle’s towing requirements and condition guide the choice.
Side by side
Swipe or scroll sideways to compare both options.
| What to consider | Flatbed | Wheel-lift |
|---|---|---|
| How it carries the vehicle | The vehicle rides on a deck, with all wheels off the road. | One end is lifted. Additional equipment may be needed to keep the other wheels off the road. |
| Vehicle requirements | Often considered when the vehicle needs all wheels off the road. | Suitability depends on the vehicle’s towing instructions and the equipment used. |
| Low ground clearance | The loading approach matters. Tell us about lowered suspension or bodywork. | Clearance and any modifications need assessment before towing. |
| Damage or locked wheels | Describe the damage so the team can plan loading. | Describe which wheels or steering parts are affected. |
| Pickup access | Needs space to position the truck and load the deck. | May suit some confined pickups, subject to the vehicle and available space. |
All-wheel drive, EVs and damaged vehicles
Towing requirements vary by make and model. Let us know if your car is all-wheel drive or electric, or if the wheels will not turn. Share any towing instructions from the owner’s manual. Our team can assess the vehicle before arranging transport.
Flatbed towingLowered cars and limited clearance
Hadley offers zero-degree transport for vehicles with limited ground clearance. Tell us about a front splitter, low bodywork or suspension changes. The driveway, garage entrance and loading space also matter.
Zero-degree vehicle transportA pickup in a tight space
If your car is in a parking structure or narrow lot, give us the entrance and posted height limit. Let us know whether the car starts, rolls or steers. You can call even if you don’t have every detail.
Light-duty towingSources
Talk with Hadley
Call dispatch for help now. For a planned move, send a request and our team will get in touch to discuss it.
Request a flatbed quote