Flatbed tow is a popular and effective method among professionals. But before you hook up your car to the truck, there are some essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with expert tips from industry pros on how to flatbed tow like a pro! From securing your vehicle properly to avoiding common mistakes, let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of flatbed tow for a safe and successful trip.
Flatbed Towing
When it comes to towing, there are a few different options that you have at your disposal. One of these is flatbed towing, which is a popular option for those who need to tow vehicles that cannot be towed using a traditional tow truck. Flatbed tow offers many advantages, but there are also a few things that you need to keep in mind when using this type of tow truck. In this article, we will go over some of the dos and don’ts of flatbed tow so that you can make the most out of this service.
One of the main advantages of flatbed tow is that it is much safer than other types of towing. This is because the vehicle being towed is not attached to the tow truck by a chain or anything else. This means that there is no risk of the vehicle becoming detached and causing an accident. Additionally, flatbed tow also allows for better control when cornering and braking.
However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when using flatbed tow. First, you need to make sure that the vehicle being towed is securely fastened down. If not, it could shift around during transport and cause an accident. Additionally, you need to be careful when backing up with a flatbed tow truck. This is because it can be easy to misjudge the distance and hit something behind you.
Benefits of Flatbed Tow for Your Vehicle
Flatbed tow is one of the safest and most effective ways to tow a vehicle. When done correctly, flatbed tow can prevent damage to your vehicle and keep it level during transport. Here are some benefits of flatbed tow for your vehicle:
1. Flatbed tow prevents damage to your vehicle. When a vehicle is towed using a dolly or wheel lift, the front end of the vehicle is raised off the ground. This can cause damage to the suspension and steering components. Flatbed tow keeps your vehicle level, which prevents this type of damage.
2. Flatbed tow is safer for your vehicle. When a vehicle is towed using a dolly or wheel lift, it is not attached to the tow truck in any way. This can be dangerous if the tow truck driver has to brake suddenly or make a sharp turn. If the towed vehicle hits something, it can become detached from the tow truck and cause an accident. Flatbed tow keeps your vehicle securely attached to the tow truck, which prevents this type of accident from happening.
3. Flatbed tow protects your tires from wear and tear. When a vehicle is towed using a dolly or wheel lift, all four of its tires are on the ground. This can cause wear and tear on your tires, as well as on the pavement where you are driving. Towing your vehicle on a flatbed protects your tires from this type of wear and tear.
4. Flatbed tow is faster and more efficient. When a vehicle is towed using a dolly or wheel lift, it can take longer to complete the tow. This is because the tow truck driver has to manually attach the wheels of the towed vehicle to the tow truck. With flatbed tow, all four of your vehicle’s wheels are already on the flatbed, which makes the process much faster and more efficient.
What are the Dos and Don’ts of Flatbed Tow?
Here are some dos and don’ts from the pros:
Do:
- Use chains or straps to secure the vehicle. This will prevent it from shifting during transport.
- Make sure the load is evenly distributed. This will help with stability and avoid any damage to the vehicle.
-Inspect the flatbed before loading the vehicle. This will ensure that everything is in good working order and that there is no potential for damage during transport.
Don’t:
- Overload the flatbed. This can cause instability and increase the risk of accidents.
- Leave the vehicle unattended while it’s being transported. This could lead to theft or vandalism.
Tips from the Pros
If you’re new to flatbed tow, or even if you’re a seasoned pro, there are always a few tips and tricks that can help make the process go smoother. Here are some tips from the pros:
Do:
- Make sure the flatbed is properly secured before starting to tow. This will help prevent any accidents or damage during transport.
- Drive slowly and carefully when transporting a vehicle on a flatbed. Sudden stops can cause the vehicle to shift and possibly fall off the flatbed.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times while towing. This includes other vehicles on the road, pedestrians, and obstacles in your path.
Don’t:
- Don’t overload the flatbed beyond its weight limit. This can cause serious damage to the flatbed and put everyone involved at risk.
- Don’t try to tow a vehicle that’s too large for the flatbed. This can also lead to accidents or damage to both the vehicle and the flatbed itself.
- Don’t forget to double-check all straps, chains, and other securing devices before starting to tow. This will help ensure that the vehicle is secure during transport.
Safety and Legal Requirements for Flatbed Tow
Safety is always the top priority. There are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure a safe and legal tow.
First, always use the proper safety equipment when hooking up your vehicle to the flatbed. This includes using the correct size chains or straps and making sure they are properly secured.
Additionally, you will need to have the proper insurance in place before starting your tow. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damages that may occur during the tow.
Finally, be sure to follow all local laws and regulations regarding flatbed tows. This includes getting the proper permits and licenses if required in your area. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and legal flatbed tow.
How to Choose the Right Flat Bed Towing Company
You want to make sure you’re using a reputable and reliable company. Here are a few tips on how to choose the right flatbed tow company:
1. Do your research. Ask around for recommendations or look for online reviews.
2. Check the license and insurance of the company.
3. Ask about their experience with a flatbed tow.
4. Get a quote in writing before agreeing to any services.
5. Be sure to ask about any additional fees that may apply.
By following these tips, you can be confident that you’re choosing a reputable and experienced flatbed tow company that will get your vehicle where it needs to go safely and securely.
Flatbed towing is a great way to safely transport your vehicle from one place to another. By following the dos and don’ts outlined in this article, you can ensure that your car will be safe and secure during its journey. Whether you are an experienced driver or a novice, understanding the basics of flatbed tow can help make the process smoother for everyone involved. With these tips from the pros, you’ll know exactly what precautions to take when it comes time for your next tow.
Call Five Star Towing for a Safe and Reliable Tow!
If you find yourself in a bind and need a tow truck to take your car to the nearest mechanic, you’re in luck. Five Star Towing has multiple locations to serve you and get you back on the road fast!
At Five Star Towing, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality service for our customers. We offer a fleet of tow trucks to meet the needs of most vehicles including cars, motorcycles, boats, heavy equipment, and more. Our mission is to provide our customers with a high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective service. Our services include towing, auto transport, and roadside assistance. Thank you for visiting our website. At Five Star Towing, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality service for our customers.
Five Star Towing is a company that provides reliable towing services and is fully licensed and insured.
Five Star Towing Company specializes in towing and roadside assistance. They aim to provide the best service possible to their customers, which means they don’t cut corners when it comes to keeping their vehicles safe and secure. Five Star Towing is your all-around towing company offering all kinds of expert towing services in Murphy, TX, and the surrounding areas. We are equipped to tow all kinds of vehicles. As long as you are anywhere in or around Lucas, Murphy, Allen, Sachse, Plano, Wylie, and Richardson, Texas, you can rely on Five Star Towing to come to the rescue.
We offer fast and friendly services at competitive rates, which vary depending on location. Our goal is to provide a quality service with peace of mind. Five Star Towing is a locally owned and operated towing company that provides competitive rates with dependable towing service. Our services include roadside assistance, vehicle transport, accident reporting, lockout service, locksmith services, and much more.
Five Star Towing operates in multiple locations around Murphy, TX. We can prove to be extremely helpful if you have issues with your vehicle, and our professionals can help you move the car out of harm’s way in case of an accident or jumpstart your car if you have a battery-related breakdown. Contact us online or call (469) 812-7897