Lowbed or Standard Tow Truck? Which One for Your Vehicle?
When you call a tow truck, two different types of equipment might show up: a lowbed (flatbed/platform) or a standard tow truck (wheel-lift). Which one will come to you? Getting this right matters for both the safety of your vehicle and the cost of the job.
What Is a Lowbed?
A lowbed (also called flatbed or platform tow truck) is a vehicle where all four wheels of your car rest on a flat, horizontal platform. The platform tilts hydraulically so the vehicle can be driven or winched onto it, then returns to horizontal. During transport, all four wheels are completely off the ground.
What Is a Standard Tow Truck?
A standard tow truck (wheel-lift) inserts a metal cradle under either the front or rear axle, lifting two wheels into the air while the other two remain on the ground. It is commonly used for short urban distances and standard passenger cars.
When to Choose a Lowbed
A lowbed is the right choice in these situations:
- Luxury and sports cars: Low ground-clearance vehicles can be damaged by a wheel-lift; a platform is the only safe option.
- 4x4 and SUVs: When a four-wheel-drive vehicle has a gearbox, differential, or axle fault, rotating wheels can cause further damage. A lowbed lifts all four wheels clear.
- Damaged suspension: If the suspension has collapsed, lifting the car incorrectly can cause additional damage. A platform provides more controlled handling.
- Gearbox and driveshaft faults: With these faults, rotating wheels can transfer damage deeper into the drivetrain.
- Long-distance transport: Intercity haulage is more stable and safer on a flatbed.
When a Standard Tow Truck Is Fine
For short distances and simple faults, a standard tow truck is sufficient:
- Passenger car with engine or battery fault — provided the driveshaft and gearbox are intact.
- Urban, narrow-street, or multi-storey car park recovery.
- Rear-wheel-drive cars (when the front wheels are lifted, the rear wheels roll freely).
- Puncture and short-haul service transfer.
If you are unsure which type of tow your vehicle needs, just call us — a few questions over the phone and we will send the right equipment. Trabzon Oto Kurtarma (0537 495 18 61) carries both types in our fleet; we will be with you quickly without risking damage to your car.