Can a flatbed tow truck tow a vehicle with all - wheel drive?

Aug 22, 2025

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Michael Liu
Michael Liu
Michael is a marketing specialist at Chengli Special Automobile. He is good at promoting the company's specialized commercial vehicles in the market. Through his efforts, the company's products have gained a wide range of recognition and popularity.

Can a flatbed tow truck tow a vehicle with all - wheel drive?

As a supplier of flatbed tow trucks, I often get asked whether a flatbed tow truck can tow a vehicle with all - wheel drive. The short answer is yes, and in fact, a flatbed tow truck is one of the safest and most reliable ways to tow an all - wheel - drive vehicle. In this blog, I'll explain the reasons behind this, the advantages of using a flatbed tow truck for all - wheel - drive vehicles, and some key considerations.

Why a Flatbed Tow Truck is Suitable for All - Wheel - Drive Vehicles

All - wheel - drive (AWD) vehicles are designed to send power to all four wheels simultaneously. This provides better traction and handling in various road conditions, such as snow, mud, or uneven terrain. However, this feature also poses some challenges when it comes to towing.

If an AWD vehicle is towed using a traditional wheel - lift or dolly method, where only two wheels are off the ground, the drivetrain can be damaged. Since the wheels that are on the ground are rotating while the other wheels and the drivetrain components are not properly engaged or lubricated, it can lead to excessive wear, overheating, and even serious mechanical failures.

image009Flatbed Wrecker

A flatbed tow truck eliminates these risks. By loading the entire AWD vehicle onto the flatbed, all four wheels are lifted off the ground. This means that the drivetrain is not forced to operate in an abnormal state during the towing process. The vehicle remains in a static position relative to the tow truck, and the internal components of the AWD system are not subjected to any unwanted stress or damage.

Advantages of Using a Flatbed Tow Truck for All - Wheel - Drive Vehicles

  1. Minimal Wear and Tear: As mentioned earlier, flatbed towing ensures that the AWD vehicle's drivetrain is not put under unnecessary strain. This helps to preserve the vehicle's mechanical integrity and reduces the likelihood of costly repairs in the future.
  2. Safe and Secure Transport: The flatbed provides a stable platform for the vehicle. It is equipped with secure tie - down mechanisms that hold the vehicle firmly in place during transit. This reduces the risk of the vehicle shifting, tipping, or getting damaged due to road vibrations or sudden movements.
  3. Versatility: Flatbed tow trucks can handle a wide range of all - wheel - drive vehicles, from small SUVs to large luxury cars. They are also suitable for towing vehicles that have been in accidents or are inoperable, regardless of their AWD system.
  4. Protection from Road Debris: When a vehicle is on a flatbed, it is elevated above the road surface. This protects it from flying rocks, gravel, and other road debris that could cause scratches, dents, or damage to the undercarriage.

Types of Flatbed Tow Trucks for All - Wheel - Drive Vehicles

We offer several types of flatbed tow trucks that are well - suited for towing all - wheel - drive vehicles.

  • Flatbed Delivery Truck: This type of flatbed tow truck is known for its efficiency and reliability. It has a spacious flatbed that can easily accommodate various sizes of all - wheel - drive vehicles. The delivery - style design allows for quick and easy loading and unloading, making it a popular choice for towing services.
  • Flatbed Wrecker: A flatbed wrecker is a heavy - duty option. It is built to handle more challenging towing situations, such as recovering all - wheel - drive vehicles that are stuck in difficult locations or have been involved in serious accidents. With its powerful winches and sturdy construction, it provides a high level of performance and safety.
  • JAC JunLing 7 - ton Tow Truck: This specific model is a great choice for towing medium - to large - sized all - wheel - drive vehicles. It has a 7 - ton capacity, which means it can safely tow heavier AWD vehicles without any issues. The JAC JunLing is also known for its durability and fuel efficiency.

Key Considerations When Towing an All - Wheel - Drive Vehicle with a Flatbed Tow Truck

  1. Proper Loading: It is crucial to load the AWD vehicle onto the flatbed correctly. This involves aligning the vehicle properly on the flatbed and using the appropriate tie - down straps to secure it. The straps should be tightened evenly to prevent the vehicle from moving during transit.
  2. Weight Distribution: Make sure that the weight of the AWD vehicle is evenly distributed on the flatbed. Uneven weight distribution can affect the stability of the tow truck and increase the risk of accidents.
  3. Inspection: Before towing, conduct a thorough inspection of the AWD vehicle. Check for any visible damage, leaks, or loose parts. This helps to ensure that the vehicle is safe to tow and that there are no pre - existing issues that could cause problems during the towing process.
  4. Driver Training: The driver of the flatbed tow truck should be properly trained in towing all - wheel - drive vehicles. They should be familiar with the specific procedures and safety precautions associated with AWD vehicles to ensure a smooth and safe towing operation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a flatbed tow truck is an excellent choice for towing all - wheel - drive vehicles. It offers numerous advantages, including protection of the vehicle's drivetrain, safe and secure transport, and versatility. Whether you are a towing service provider or an individual in need of towing an AWD vehicle, our range of flatbed tow trucks, such as the Flatbed Delivery Truck, Flatbed Wrecker, and JAC JunLing 7 - ton Tow Truck, can meet your needs.

If you are interested in purchasing a flatbed tow truck for towing all - wheel - drive vehicles or have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us for procurement and negotiation. We are committed to providing high - quality tow trucks and excellent customer service.

References

  • "Towing Guidelines for All - Wheel - Drive Vehicles", Automotive Mechanics Handbook
  • "The Benefits of Flatbed Towing", Towing Industry Journal
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