Does my all-wheel-drive SUV really need a flatbed?

In most cases, yes. On an all-wheel-drive vehicle, the front and rear axles are linked through the transfer case or couplings. Lifting only one end and letting the other wheels spin can overheat and damage those parts. Many owner's manuals say to tow AWD models with all four wheels off the ground. Check yours, or tell us the make and model when you call.

Can a flatbed get into a shared driveway between two Paterson houses?

Sometimes. Many older Paterson homes share a narrow driveway, and a flatbed needs room to back in and tilt its deck. When the driveway is too tight, the operator may winch or dolly the car out to the street and load it there. Tell us the driveway width, any overhead wires and whether other cars need to move first.

My car sat in floodwater. Should I try to start it before the tow?

No. Water in the engine, fuel system or wiring can cause severe damage the moment the starter turns. Leave the key off and have the car moved on a flatbed to a shop that can drain and inspect it. Take photos of the water line on the doors and the interior for your insurer before the car is loaded.

How is a motorcycle secured on a flatbed?

The front wheel goes into a wheel chock, and soft straps attach to solid points on the frame or triple clamps, not the bars or fairings. The straps compress the forks slightly so the bike stays upright over bumps. Let us know whether the bike is standing or down, and whether the keys are available to unlock the steering.

Can a flatbed move a car with a locked transmission or missing wheel?

Usually, yes. A car that won't roll can be pulled onto the deck with the winch while skates or dollies go under the stuck wheels. A missing wheel may need a support placed under the hub. Describe the damage when you call so the operator brings the right gear.

Flatbed Towing in Paterson, NJ | AWD, Low & Flood Cars

Flatbed towing in Paterson, NJ moves a vehicle by loading all four wheels onto a level truck deck, so nothing on the car turns or drags on the way. It serves Paterson drivers with all-wheel-drive cars, low sports cars, classics, motorcycles, electric vehicles and cars damaged in a crash or flood. The result is a vehicle that reaches the shop in the same condition it left the curb.

How a Flatbed Tow Differs From a Hook-and-Lift Tow

The truck’s bed is a flat steel platform that rolls rearward and angles down to the pavement. The operator attaches a winch cable, draws the vehicle up the ramp, levels the deck and straps each wheel in place.

A wheel-lift truck works differently. It raises one end of the vehicle and lets the other two wheels roll on the pavement. That’s fine for many front-wheel-drive cars, but it isn’t safe for every vehicle.

Flatbeds also handle cars that can’t roll at all. With skates or dollies under locked wheels, the winch can pull a car onto the deck even when the transmission is stuck or a wheel is broken. For breakdowns in traffic, see our page on emergency towing.

Vehicles and Situations That Call for a Flatbed

A flatbed is the right truck when:

The car has all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that can’t be switched to neutral in the transfer case.
It rides low, with a front splitter, body kit or lowered suspension that would scrape on a wheel-lift.
It’s an electric or hybrid vehicle whose maker calls for all wheels off the ground.
It’s a motorcycle, scooter or small trailer.
It’s a classic or collector car you want kept off the road surface.
It was in a crash with damage to wheels, axles or suspension.
It sat in floodwater and shouldn’t be started or rolled on its own drivetrain.
It needs a long trip to a dealer or specialty shop.

Why Paterson Drivers Often Need a Flatbed

A few local patterns make flatbeds a common request here.

Winter brings more all-wheel-drive vehicles onto Paterson streets, since many drivers choose them for snow and the hills rising toward Garret Mountain. When one of those breaks down, a flatbed protects the drivetrain.

The Passaic River has a history of flooding. During Hurricane Irene in 2011, the river rose to levels not seen in about a century. Cars that sit in floodwater need to be carried, not driven or dragged.

Crash damage on busy roads such as I-80, Route 19 and McLean Boulevard often bends a wheel or suspension part. A flatbed is the only safe way to move that car.

The Flatbed Loading Process, Start to Finish

Describe the car. Tell us its make and model, which wheels drive it, and whether it can roll, steer and stop.
Get the plan and the quote before the truck is dispatched.
Position the truck. On narrow streets, the operator lines up the deck with the car and may set cones to protect the work area.
Tilt the deck and attach the winch. The cable hooks to a tow point on the frame, not the bumper.
Draw the car up and level the deck. Skates go under any wheels that won’t turn.
Strap each wheel. Tie-downs hold the tires so the suspension moves normally over bumps.
Deliver and unload at your chosen address, with a receipt listing the work.

Pricing Factors for Flatbed Transport

The quote depends on:

How far the car has to travel.
Vehicle size and weight. Larger trucks and vans may need a heavier flatbed.
Whether the car rolls. Locked wheels or missing tires require skates and more time.
Access at the pickup. A tight driveway, a parking garage or a car boxed in on a crowded block takes extra setup.
Recovery before loading. A car in a snowbank or ditch may need a winch-out first.
Timing. Some companies price storm periods, nights and weekends differently.

We’ll explain the price before the truck is sent.

Flatbed or Wheel-Lift: Making the Call

A wheel-lift can be a reasonable choice for many front-wheel-drive sedans with no damage, going a short distance.

A flatbed is the better choice when the car has AWD or 4WD, rides low, is electric, was in a crash or flood, or is going a longer distance. If you’re unsure, look up what your owner’s manual says about towing, or give us the make and model.

For problems that don’t need a tow at all, such as a dead battery or a flat with a good spare, roadside assistance may be enough.

What Can Go Wrong With the Wrong Truck

Towing an AWD vehicle with two wheels on the ground can overheat the transfer case or center differential and lead to costly drivetrain repairs. A low car on a wheel-lift can scrape its bumper or underbody. A crash-damaged car pulled on a bent wheel can suffer more suspension damage on the way. Choosing a flatbed from the start avoids these problems.

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