When your vehicle breaks down or needs transport, the type of towing method used can mean the difference between a safe, damage-free ride and costly repairs. In Van Buren and Berrien Counties, Gardner Towing responds to hundreds of towing calls each year. Over this time, we’ve learned that vehicle owners often don’t understand the differences between towing methods—and this lack of knowledge can cost them thousands of dollars in unnecessary damage.
Two main towing methods are used by professional towing companies: flatbed towing and hook-and-chain towing. Each has specific advantages and disadvantages. This comprehensive guide will help you understand which method is right for your vehicle and situation.
What Is Flatbed Towing?
Understanding the Flatbed Towing Method
Flatbed towing is a method where the entire vehicle is loaded onto a flat, horizontal platform attached to the back of a tow truck. The platform can be hydraulically lowered to the ground, making it easy to drive or winch a vehicle onto it. Once the vehicle is loaded, the platform is raised back up, and the vehicle is secured with straps or chains. The key feature of flatbed towing is that all four wheels of the towed vehicle are completely off the ground during transport.
How Flatbed Towing Works: Step by Step
Step 1: Positioning The flatbed truck pulls up next to your vehicle or behind it. The operator checks the ground and positioning to ensure safe loading.
Step 2: Lowering the Bed Using hydraulic controls, the flatbed is lowered to a shallow angle or completely to ground level. This makes it easy to drive small vehicles onto the bed, or to winch larger or non-operational vehicles.
Step 3: Loading the Vehicle Your vehicle is either driven onto the flatbed (if it’s operational) or winched onto it (if the engine won’t start or the car is damaged). The winch pulls slowly and carefully to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Step 4: Securing the Vehicle Once your vehicle is centered on the flatbed, the operator secures it using heavy-duty ratchet straps. These straps are attached to your vehicle’s frame at multiple points—usually the wheels or frame—to distribute the tension evenly and prevent stress on any single point.
Step 5: Raising the Platform The hydraulic system raises the flatbed back to a horizontal position or slight angle, keeping your vehicle secure and level during transport.
Step 6: Transport Your vehicle travels completely off the ground with no part of it touching the road. The flatbed absorbs all road vibrations and impact, protecting your vehicle throughout the journey.
Advantages of Flatbed Towing
Complete Vehicle Protection
The biggest advantage of flatbed towing is complete protection. Since all four wheels are off the ground, there’s no contact between your vehicle and the road. This means:
- No tire wear or damage
- No suspension stress
- No drivetrain strain
- No transmission damage
- No risk of fluid leaks from pressure changes
Safe for All Vehicle Types
Flatbed towing works for nearly every type of vehicle, including:
- Luxury and sports cars – No risk of damage to expensive paint or bumpers
- All-wheel-drive vehicles – No risk of transmission damage from dragging
- Four-wheel-drive trucks – Safe transport without drivetrain strain
- Lowered or modified vehicles – Low ground clearance won’t be damaged
- Motorcycles – Specialized securement keeps bikes stable and upright
- Damaged vehicles – Already-damaged cars won’t suffer additional damage
- Non-operational vehicles – Vehicles that won’t start can be safely transported
- Classic and collector cars – Preserve the condition of valuable vehicles
Stability During Transport
Since your vehicle is completely off the ground and firmly secured:
- No swaying or tilting
- No bouncing on bumps
- No impact from other road hazards
- The vehicle remains perfectly level and stable throughout the journey
- Loose items inside the vehicle won’t shift or move
No Strain on Vehicle Systems
Because your vehicle isn’t being dragged or partially lifted:
- Your transmission isn’t at risk
- Your suspension isn’t stressed
- Your frame isn’t bent or strained
- Your tires won’t wear unevenly
- No extra stress is placed on your engine
Disadvantages of Flatbed Towing
Higher Cost
Flatbed towing typically costs more than hook-and-chain towing because:
- The specialized flatbed truck is expensive to purchase and maintain
- The hydraulic system requires regular maintenance
- Operators need specialized training
- The flatbed truck burns more fuel due to its size and weight
Typical cost: Flatbed towing in Van Buren and Berrien Counties ranges from $75-$150 for local transport, depending on distance.
Limited Access in Tight Spaces
Flatbed trucks are larger than hook-and-chain tow trucks:
- They can’t fit in narrow alleys or tight parking spaces
- They have difficulty navigating small residential streets
- In some urban areas, the truck may need to park further away
- Some garage entrances are too small for flatbed trucks
However, for most situations in Van Buren and Berrien Counties, flatbed trucks can navigate roads without issue. Our Gardner Towing operators are expert drivers who know how to position the truck for safe loading in most locations.
Longer Loading and Unloading Time
Because flatbed towing requires careful positioning and securing:
- Loading takes longer than hook-and-chain towing (usually 10-15 minutes)
- The operator must carefully winch your vehicle onto the bed
- Proper securement with multiple straps takes time
- This extra time is worthwhile to protect your vehicle
What Is Hook-and-Chain Towing?
Understanding the Hook-and-Chain Towing Method
Hook-and-chain towing is the traditional towing method that has been used for decades. In this method, a metal hook or yoke attached to a heavy chain is secured to the front or rear axle or frame of the vehicle. The tow truck’s winch then lifts one end of the vehicle (usually the front), raising those wheels completely off the ground. The other two wheels remain in contact with the road, and the vehicle is dragged behind the tow truck.
How Hook-and-Chain Towing Works: Step by Step
Step 1: Positioning The tow truck positions itself in front of or behind your vehicle.
Step 2: Attaching the Hook The operator crawls under or around the vehicle and secures the metal hook to the front or rear axle or frame.
Step 3: Raising the Vehicle Using the truck’s winch, the operator slowly lifts the front (or rear) of your vehicle off the ground. Usually, only two wheels are lifted, and the other two remain on the road.
Step 4: Securing with Chains Safety chains are connected to prevent the vehicle from becoming detached. However, only one primary chain connects to the frame—most of the weight is held by the main hook.
Step 5: Transport Your vehicle is towed behind the truck with one end lifted and one end dragging on the road. As the tow truck moves, your vehicle is pulled along behind it.
Advantages of Hook-and-Chain Towing
Lower Cost
Hook-and-chain towing is cheaper than flatbed towing because:
- The equipment is simpler and less expensive
- Hook-and-chain tow trucks are smaller and burn less fuel
- The method is faster, requiring less operator time
- Equipment maintenance is simpler
Typical cost: Hook-and-chain towing in Van Buren and Berrien Counties ranges from $50-$100 for local transport.
Faster Service
Hook-and-chain towing is faster because:
- Attachment takes only 5-10 minutes
- Loading is quick
- The operator doesn’t need to carefully position a large flatbed
- The tow truck is more maneuverable in tight spaces
Available from More Towing Companies
Because the equipment is simpler and cheaper:
- More towing companies offer hook-and-chain service
- It’s the traditional method many experienced operators prefer
- Older towing companies often use only this method
Disadvantages of Hook-and-Chain Towing
Risk of Vehicle Damage
The biggest disadvantage of hook-and-chain towing is the significant risk of damage to your vehicle. Because your vehicle is partially dragged:
- Bumper and body damage – The hook or chain can scratch, dent, or bend the bumper
- Transmission damage – For automatic transmission vehicles, dragging with wheels on the ground can cause transmission damage, especially over long distances
- Suspension stress – The uneven weight distribution stresses the suspension
- Tire wear – The wheels dragging on the road experience abnormal wear
- Alignment problems – Uneven towing can throw off wheel alignment
- Frame damage – The constant pulling can bend or stress the frame
- Undercarriage damage – Rocks, debris, and road hazards can strike the undercarriage
Real example: One vehicle owner in Covert had hook-and-chain towing used on their all-wheel-drive vehicle. The transmission damage cost $4,000 to repair—far more than the towing would have cost with flatbed service.
Not Safe for Certain Vehicles
Hook-and-chain towing is dangerous or inappropriate for:
- All-wheel-drive vehicles – Dragging can severely damage the transmission
- Four-wheel-drive trucks – Transfer case and drivetrain at risk
- Luxury and sports cars – Damage to expensive paint and body
- Motorcycles – Extremely dangerous; can tip over or cause loss of control
- Low-clearance vehicles – Ground clearance can be damaged
- Damaged vehicles – Additional damage occurs
- Newer vehicles – Modern suspension and drivetrain systems are more vulnerable
- Vehicles with automatic transmissions – High risk of transmission damage
Lack of Stability
With one end lifted and one end dragging:
- The vehicle sways side to side
- Uneven weight distribution causes stress
- The vehicle can bounce on bumps
- Traction is lost on one set of wheels, reducing stability
- The vehicle can fishtail in certain conditions
Environmental Concerns
Hook-and-chain towing can:
- Damage roads and asphalt
- Scatter debris
- Leak fluids onto roadways
- Cause tire wear that leaves rubber on the road
Detailed Comparison: Flatbed vs Hook-and-Chain Towing
| Factor | Flatbed Towing | Hook-and-Chain Towing |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Protection | Excellent – all 4 wheels off ground | Poor – 2 wheels dragging on road |
| Transmission Safety | Safe for all vehicles including AWD/4WD | Risky for automatic transmissions |
| Luxury Vehicle Safety | Best choice for expensive vehicles | Risk of paint/bumper damage |
| Motorcycle Safety | Safe with proper securing | Extremely dangerous |
| Cost | $75-$150 (higher) | $50-$100 (lower) |
| Speed | Slower (10-15 minutes loading) | Faster (5-10 minutes) |
| Stability During Transport | Excellent – perfectly level | Poor – sways and bounces |
| Tire Wear | None | Significant wear on dragged tires |
| Suspension Stress | Minimal | High |
| Best For | Most modern vehicles | Older, damaged vehicles headed for scrap |
| Professional Recommendation | Gardner Towing preferred choice | Limited situations only |
When to Use Flatbed Towing
Situations Where Flatbed Towing Is Essential
Your vehicle is an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle
AWD and 4WD vehicles have complex drivetrain systems. Hook-and-chain towing can cause transmission damage that costs thousands to repair. Flatbed towing is the safe choice.
Your vehicle is a luxury or sports car
High-end vehicles deserve high-end towing. Flatbed towing prevents damage to expensive paint, bumpers, and undercarriage components.
Your motorcycle needs towing
Never use hook-and-chain towing for motorcycles. Flatbed towing with proper motorcycle tie-downs is the only safe method. Our motorcycle towing service ensures your bike arrives safely.
Your vehicle has low ground clearance
Lowered vehicles, sports cars, and modified vehicles need flatbed towing to prevent the undercarriage from scraping.
Your vehicle is involved in an accident
After an accident, your vehicle may already be damaged. Flatbed towing prevents additional damage. Our accident recovery service is designed for this situation.
Your vehicle won’t start or move
Flatbed towing is the safest method for vehicles that aren’t operational because the vehicle doesn’t need to be in contact with the road at any point.
You’re transporting your vehicle long distance
For long-distance towing, flatbed is always safer. The vehicle is protected from road hazards, dirt, and debris. Long-distance hook-and-chain towing dramatically increases the risk of transmission damage and other issues.
You’re transporting a valuable or classic vehicle
Collector cars, classic vehicles, and valuable cars need the protection that only flatbed towing provides.
When to Use Hook-and-Chain Towing
Limited Situations for Hook-and-Chain Towing
Your vehicle is old and headed for the scrapyard
If your vehicle is being scrapped or crushed, hook-and-chain towing is acceptable because the car will be destroyed anyway.
Your vehicle is being transported short distances to a repair shop
For very short distances (less than 10 miles) on a vehicle that’s not valuable and not an AWD/4WD model, hook-and-chain towing can be appropriate. However, flatbed is still safer.
Your manual transmission vehicle breaks down
Manual transmission vehicles are more tolerant of hook-and-chain towing than automatic transmissions because manual transmissions can be put in neutral. However, flatbed is still preferred.
Cost is the absolute only factor
In rare cases where cost is the only consideration and the vehicle owner understands and accepts the risks, hook-and-chain towing might be chosen. However, this is not recommended.
Long-Distance Towing Considerations
Why Distance Matters in Towing Method Selection
If your vehicle needs to be transported a long distance—whether across Van Buren County or across the state—the choice between flatbed and hook-and-chain becomes even more critical.
Flatbed Towing for Long Distance
Best choice for long-distance transport:
- Your vehicle stays completely off the road for the entire journey
- No wear occurs during transport
- No risk of transmission damage from dragging
- Your vehicle arrives in the same condition it was in when loaded
- Dirt and road debris don’t affect your vehicle
- Weather (rain, snow, salt spray) has less impact
- No alignment or suspension problems develop
Our long-distance towing service uses flatbed trucks specifically designed for safe, long-distance transport. Whether you’re moving your vehicle across the state or across the country, flatbed towing is the professional choice.
Hook-and-Chain for Long Distance
High-risk choice for long-distance transport:
- Your vehicle is dragged with wheels on the ground for miles
- Transmission damage is very likely for AWD/4WD vehicles
- Tires experience extreme wear
- Road salt and debris coat your vehicle
- Suspension stress accumulates over hundreds of miles
- Alignment problems develop
- Your vehicle may arrive damaged
Professional towing companies and vehicle transport companies almost universally recommend flatbed towing for any distance over 20 miles.
Motorcycle Towing: A Special Case
Why Motorcycles Need Specialized Towing
Motorcycles cannot be towed using standard methods because they lack the stability of four-wheeled vehicles. A motorcycle:
- Cannot stand upright on its own during transport
- Has a high center of gravity
- Can tip over if not properly secured
- Can be severely damaged by improper towing methods
- Requires specialized equipment and knowledge
The Best Motorcycle Towing Method
Flatbed towing is the only safe method for motorcycles.
On a flatbed truck with proper motorcycle securement:
- The motorcycle is loaded onto the flatbed (usually with a specialized motorcycle trailer or using a ramp)
- The bike is placed in a motorcycle wheel chock (a device that holds the front wheel in place)
- Heavy-duty ratchet straps secure the motorcycle at multiple points: handlebars, frame, and rear wheel
- The motorcycle remains upright and stable throughout transport
- No part of the motorcycle touches the ground during transport
Our motorcycle towing service uses specialized equipment and trained operators who understand how to secure motorcycles safely. We’ve transported hundreds of motorcycles across Van Buren and Berrien Counties without incident.
Never Do These with Motorcycles
- Never use hook-and-chain towing on a motorcycle
- Never tow a motorcycle with one wheel lifted
- Never drag a motorcycle behind a truck
- Never use regular car tie-downs on a motorcycle
- Never transport a motorcycle that’s not in an upright position
Choosing Gardner Towing for Your Towing Needs
Why Vehicle Owners Choose Gardner Towing
When you call Gardner Towing, we assess your situation and recommend the right towing method for your specific vehicle and situation. We offer both flatbed towing and traditional towing services, giving you options. However, our professional recommendation is almost always flatbed for maximum protection.
Our Towing Fleet
- Flatbed trucks – For maximum vehicle protection
- Heavy-duty towing equipment – For complex recovery situations
- Specialized tie-downs – Including motorcycle equipment
- Hydraulic systems – For safe loading and unloading
- Professional operators – Trained and experienced
Situations We Handle
- Emergency Towing – Fast response for breakdowns and accidents
- Flatbed Towing – Our preferred method for vehicle protection
- Heavy-Duty Towing – For large trucks and vehicles
- Long-Distance Towing – Safe transport across distances
- Motorcycle Towing – Specialized bike transport
- Winch-Out Recovery – Extraction from ditches and difficult situations
- Accident Recovery – Professional accident scene assistance
Location-Specific Towing Services
We Serve Your Community
Gardner Towing provides flatbed and specialized towing services throughout Van Buren and Berrien Counties:
- South Haven – Beach community emergency towing
- Paw Paw – Rural area recovery services
- Hartford – Professional towing support
- Covert – Our home base, rapid response
- Bangor, Coloma, Watervliet, Lawrence – All surrounding communities
We also serve major highways including I-94, M-140, and US-31—the most traveled and most accident-prone roads in the region.
Quick Decision Guide: Which Towing Method for Your Vehicle?
Is your vehicle an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle?
→ Use flatbed towing
Is your vehicle a luxury or sports car?
→ Use flatbed towing
Is it a motorcycle?
→ Use flatbed towing with specialized equipment
Is your vehicle involved in an accident?
**→ Use flatbed towing for our *accident recovery service*
Does your vehicle need long-distance transport?
**→ Use flatbed towing for our *long-distance service*
Is your vehicle low to the ground?
→ Use flatbed towing
Is your vehicle damaged or won’t move?
**→ Use flatbed towing or our *heavy-duty towing service*
Is your vehicle an older, damaged car heading for scrap?
→ Hook-and-chain may be acceptable (but flatbed is still safer)
Uncertain which method is right?
→ Call Gardner Towing at (269) 519-0528 and we’ll recommend the best option
Conclusion: Make the Smart Choice for Your Vehicle
The difference between flatbed and hook-and-chain towing can mean the difference between a safely transported vehicle and costly damage. While hook-and-chain towing is cheaper and faster, flatbed towing provides superior protection for your vehicle.
As a vehicle owner in Van Buren or Berrien County, you deserve professional advice and safe towing services. Gardner Towing recommends flatbed towing for the vast majority of situations. Our experienced operators understand which method is right for your specific vehicle and situation.
When you need towing services, make the smart choice. Call Gardner Towing.
Contact Gardner Towing for Safe, Professional Towing
Phone: +1 (269) 519-0528
Address: 69458 34th Ave, Covert, MI 49043
Hours: Available 24/7 | 365 Days Per Year
Website: Visit Gardner Towing
Our Towing Services:
- Emergency Towing – Fast response 24/7
- Flatbed Towing – Maximum vehicle protection
- Heavy-Duty Towing – Powerful equipment
- Long-Distance Towing – Safe cross-distance transport
- Motorcycle Towing – Specialized bike safety
- Winch-Out Recovery – Professional extraction
- Accident Recovery – Accident scene assistance
Gardner Towing LLC | Covert, MI 49043 | Serving Van Buren County & Berrien County | USDOT #4045375 | Fully Licensed & Insured | Professional Towing You Can Trust
Learn More About Safe Towing
Read more articles from Gardner Towing about towing safety and professional services:
- Roadside Assistance vs Full Towing Service – Know your options
- Emergency Towing Services in Benton Harbor – Local emergency help
- Long-Distance Towing in Benton Harbor – Safe distant transport
- 24/7 Emergency Towing Tips – What to do when stranded
- Your Complete Guide to Roadside Emergencies – Emergency preparedness
- Professional Towing in Covert – Local towing expertise
