How to Tow Vehicles on a Flatbed Tow Truck

Towing vehicles with a flatbed tow truck provides some distinct advantages, but involve some drawbacks, as well. Considered the best option for towing by many towing companies, the flatbed tow truck can tow a vehicle without causing stress or damage to the axles or the all-wheel drive system on a vehicle. But the towing system needs extra equipment for some situations and it needs more room to maneuver than a wheel-lift tow truck. Towing a vehicle that is broken down along the highway, though, does not take much effort with a flatbed tow truck.

Instructions

1. Back your flatbed tow truck up to the disabled vehicle, leaving enough space to lower your flatbed in position to pull the vehicle onto the truck. Before you loading, verify that your truck supports the weight of the vehicle you need to load. Consult the owners' manual of the tow truck to learn the weight limits of the truck.

2. Lower the flatbed into position to load the vehicle you need to tow. If you are unsure how to maneuver the flatbed, refer to the owners' manual for your tow truck.

3. Attach the winch of the tow truck to the vehicle you need to tow and slowly pull the vehicle onto the flatbed. If you are unsure how to operate the winch, refer to the owners' manual of your particular tow truck.

4. Raise your flatbed back into its original position to complete the loading process. Secure the vehicle in place according to the owners' manual for your tow truck because systems vary from truck to truck.

5. Drive your tow truck as you normally would, but account for the additional weight when going around turns and when ascending or descending hills. Take turns slower than you normally would, accelerate faster when approaching hills and prepare to apply your brakes more often to control your speed when descending hills.

Tips & Warnings

• Always chalk the wheels of you tow truck before attempting to load it to prevent the truck from rolling.

References

• Auto Buying Tips: Flatbed Tow Trucks
• MSN Autos: Tips for Towing Disabled Vehicles
• New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services: Investigation Report
• State Compensation Insurance Fund: Tow Truck Operations