Wrecker or flatbed: which one do you need?
You don't have to know. Tell dispatch what you drive and what happened, and they pick the truck. Here is how the two differ.
Wrecker
Wrecker is the old word for a tow truck, and people still use it for any tow truck. The truck in this photo has a boom and a winch: it pulls vehicles out of places a truck can't drive onto, like sand, mud or water, and it up-rights vehicles after a crash.
With a wheel-lift, a wrecker lifts one end of the vehicle and tows it on its other wheels. It is quick for a standard tow.
Flatbed
A flatbed carries the whole vehicle off the ground. That is how we move show cars, low cars and motorcycles, with the vehicle strapped down so it rides safely.
Many owner's manuals also say all-wheel-drive vehicles should travel with all four wheels off the ground. Check yours and tell dispatch.
Your situation, the usual truck
A quick guide. Dispatch makes the final call for your vehicle.
Car won't start or won't driveWheel-lift or flatbed
A wheel-lift wrecker is quick for a standard tow. Dispatch picks the truck that fits your vehicle.
All-wheel drive or 4x4Usually a flatbed
Many owner's manuals say to move these with all four wheels off the ground. Tell dispatch it's all-wheel drive.
Low car, show car or classicFlatbed
A flatbed carries the whole vehicle off the ground. That is how we move show cars, low cars and classics.
MotorcycleFlatbed or motorcycle dolly
Our operators use motorcycle dollies and flatbed trucks and strap the bike down so it rides safely.
Stuck in sand, mud or waterWrecker winch-out first
We winch you out with care so the vehicle isn't damaged further, then tow it if it can't drive.
On its side after a crashWrecker to up-right it, then the tow
Vehicle up-righting and careful winching come first. Then it goes where you choose.
Dead battery, flat tire, locked outMaybe no tow at all
Jump starts, spare tire changes, lockouts and fuel are roadside jobs, done where you are.
No tow needed?
Dead battery, flat tire, keys locked in, or out of gas? Most of the time we fix it where you are. See roadside assistance on our main site, or call 727-391-5522.