Flatbed Tow Truck Types: Hydraulic, Full-Down and Closed. Which Suits Your Car?

Why the type of flatbed matters

Every flatbed carries the car on a platform instead of dragging it on its own wheels, which is safer for broken-down, damaged and luxury cars. But the shape of the bed and the way the car is loaded affect how easy loading is and how well the car is protected, especially for low cars.

Hydraulic flatbed

• The bed tilts and slides back on a hydraulic system, then the car is winched on and secured with straps.
• Suits most vehicles: sedans, SUVs and cars that won’t run.
• The practical choice for moves within a city and between cities when the car needs no special handling.

Full-down flatbed

• The whole bed lowers until it is close to the ground, so the loading angle is shallower.
• Suits low cars or cars with front bumpers close to the ground, where a steep ramp angle could scrape the underside.
• Also useful when a car is awkward to load because of where it is parked.

Closed flatbed

• The car travels inside an enclosed box, protected from dust, sun and onlookers.
• Suits luxury, sports and classic cars, and long-distance moves between cities.
• Ask about availability in advance, since it depends on location and timing.

How to choose

• Ordinary car that won’t run: a hydraulic flatbed is usually enough.
• Low or modified car: say so, so a full-down flatbed or a suitable loading method can be arranged.
• Luxury, classic or long-distance move: ask about a closed flatbed.
• Accident-damaged car: send photos so the best loading method can be planned.

You don’t have to pick the type yourself. Send your vehicle type, location and destination on WhatsApp, and we will confirm the right truck, availability and price before setting off.