A flatbed (rollback) carries your entire vehicle on a hydraulic deck instead of dragging two wheels behind a truck. For all-wheel-drive vehicles, EVs, lowered cars, and anything with collision damage, it is not a luxury — it is the only method that will not cause further damage.
Towing an AWD vehicle with two wheels rolling can destroy the transfer case in a few miles, a repair that costs far more than the difference in tow price. Most EV manufacturers, including Tesla, explicitly require flatbed transport.
When a flatbed is mandatory
All-wheel-drive and full-time 4x4 vehicles; electric vehicles; cars with damaged wheels, axles, or suspension; vehicles lowered beyond factory height; and most exotic, classic, or low-clearance cars. If in doubt, tell the dispatcher your make, model, and drivetrain — a good operator will send the right truck the first time.
Flatbed vs. wheel-lift: the real cost difference
Flatbeds typically cost $10–$30 more than a wheel-lift tow for the same distance. Against a $2,500 transfer-case replacement or a scraped bumper on a lowered car, that premium is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy.
What's Included
- Full vehicle lift — no wheels on the road
- Required for AWD/4x4 and most EVs
- Soft straps for luxury and classic cars
- Winch loading for non-running vehicles