Is flatbed towing more expensive than wheel-lift?

Flatbed towing is typically a bit more due to the specialized equipment, but the difference is usually small — especially compared to the cost of drivetrain damage from using the wrong tow method. For AWD and luxury vehicles, flatbed is always worth it.

Can you wheel-lift tow an AWD vehicle?

No. Wheel-lift towing an AWD or 4WD vehicle can cause serious drivetrain damage because the non-lifted wheels still spin while connected to the drivetrain. AWD vehicles should always be flatbed towed or have the driveshaft disconnected.

What if my car is stuck in a ditch — which tow truck comes?

Ditch recovery depends on the situation more than the truck type. We may use a wheel-lift truck to winch you out, or a flatbed if your vehicle needs to be fully loaded after recovery. When you call, we figure out the right equipment for you.

Do I get to choose flatbed or wheel-lift?

You can absolutely request a specific type. But when you call Bro's Tows, we'll recommend the right one based on your vehicle, the distance, and the situation. Most people don't need to worry about choosing — we'll send the right truck.

Is wheel-lift towing safe for my car?

For standard front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles on shorter tows, wheel-lift is perfectly safe. The key is matching the lift point to the drive wheels — we lift the drive wheels and let the free-rolling wheels ride on the road.

How far can you tow with a wheel-lift?

There's no hard limit, but for longer tows (over 100 km), flatbed is generally recommended. Longer wheel-lift tows put more miles on your tires and suspension, and the risk of road debris or weather issues increases with distance.

What about motorcycles or side-by-sides?

Motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides always go on a flatbed. There's no safe way to wheel-lift a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle. We strap them down securely on the flatbed deck for transport. See our motorcycle towing page for details on how we secure bikes.

Do I need a flatbed for my specialty vehicle?

Almost always, yes. Lowered cars, classics, exotics, motorcycles, side-by-sides, and anything with low ground clearance or a fragile drivetrain should ride on a flatbed. It keeps all four wheels off the ground and eliminates the risk of scraping or drivetrain damage. When in doubt, tell us what you're driving when you call and we'll send the right truck.

BACK TO HOME

FLATBED VS
WHEEL-LIFT

Not all tow trucks work the same way. The two main types — flatbed and wheel-lift — handle your vehicle differently, and using the wrong one can cause real damage. Here's what you need to know, plus how it affects your towing cost.

THE TWO MAIN TYPES

A flatbed (also called a rollback) loads your entire vehicle onto a flat deck — all four wheels off the ground. A wheel-lift raises the front or rear wheels with a metal yoke, while the other two wheels roll on the road behind the truck.

FLATBED TOWING

Your vehicle is fully loaded onto the truck deck. All four wheels are off the ground for the entire trip — zero wear on your drivetrain, tires, or suspension.

BEST FOR

AWD and 4WD vehicles

Luxury, sports cars, or lowered vehicles

Long-distance transport (100+ km)

Accident-damaged vehicles

Non-running vehicles

Motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides

PROS

Zero drivetrain risk — nothing spins during transport

Most protective method available

Safe for any vehicle type or condition

CONS

Slightly higher cost than wheel-lift

Larger truck — harder to fit in tight spaces

WHEEL-LIFT TOWING

A metal yoke lifts the front or rear wheels. The other two wheels stay on the road and roll behind the truck. Quick to hook up and effective for the right situations.

BEST FOR

Standard 2WD cars and trucks

Shorter tows within the city

Tight spaces and parking lots

Quick relocations and impounds

PROS

Faster setup and hookup time

Works well in tight spaces and parking lots

Lower cost for shorter tows

CONS

Not safe for AWD or 4WD vehicles

Adds miles to tires and drivetrain components

Not ideal for long-distance tows

Can't transport non-rolling vehicles

WHICH ONE DO I NEED?

Here's a quick guide based on the most common situations we see in Saskatoon and across Saskatchewan.

Your car is AWD or 4WD

FLATBED

Wheel-lift towing an AWD vehicle can destroy the transfer case and differentials. Always flatbed.

It's a luxury, sports car, or lowered vehicle

FLATBED

Low ground clearance means a wheel-lift yoke can scrape the body. Flatbed keeps it safe.

Your vehicle was in an accident

FLATBED

Damaged suspension, bent axles, or flat tires make wheel-lift unsafe. Flatbed carries it all.

The tow is over 100 km

FLATBED

Long-distance wheel-lift towing adds unnecessary wear on tires and drivetrain components.

Standard 2WD car, short tow within the city

WHEEL-LIFT IS FINE

For a regular front-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicle on a short tow, wheel-lift is safe and efficient.

Stuck in a tight parking lot or narrow alley

WHEEL-LIFT

Wheel-lift trucks are more compact and can manoeuvre into spaces a flatbed can't reach.

When in doubt

FLATBED

Flatbed is always the safer option. If you're not sure what your vehicle needs, flatbed won't let you down.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO FIGURE THIS OUT YOURSELF

Bro's Tows runs both flatbed and wheel-lift trucks. When you call, we'll ask about your vehicle and situation, then send the right one. Whether you need a ditch recovery or a highway tow, you don't need to know the difference — that's our job. Just tell us where you are and what happened.

(306) 291-8567 TEXT US

FLATBED & WHEEL-LIFT FAQ

NEED A TOW RIGHT NOW?

Don't worry about which truck you need — call us and we'll send the right one. Flatbed or wheel-lift, 24/7, Saskatoon to Blaine Lake and everywhere in between.

(306) 291-8567 TEXT US

BRO'S TOWS (306) 291-8567 · 24/7

FLATBED VSWHEEL-LIFT

FLATBED TOWING

WHEEL-LIFT TOWING

WHICH ONE DO I NEED?

FLATBED & WHEEL-LIFT FAQ

NEED A TOW RIGHT NOW?

FLATBED VS
WHEEL-LIFT