Walk through any parking lot in Franklin or Oak Creek and you will see how much the vehicle landscape has changed. All-wheel-drive SUVs are everywhere, luxury brands are common, and electric vehicles are no longer rare. All of these share an important requirement when they need a tow: they should go on a flatbed, with all four wheels off the ground. Using the wrong method can cause damage that costs far more than the tow itself. This article explains why, and how Lake Front Towing protects these vehicles.
All-wheel-drive vehicles
In an all-wheel-drive vehicle, the front and rear wheels are connected through the drivetrain, often with a center differential or coupling that manages how power is shared. If you tow an AWD vehicle with one axle lifted and the other rolling on the road, the wheels on the ground turn while the others stay still. That can force the center differential or coupling to work in ways it was not designed for, generating heat and wear. Many manufacturers warn against towing AWD vehicles this way. A flatbed eliminates the problem, because no wheels turn at all during the trip.
Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles bring their own concerns. In many EVs, the motors are directly connected to the wheels, so turning the wheels spins the motors, which can generate electricity and heat in the drive system. Manufacturers typically say EVs should not be towed with the drive wheels on the ground. EVs are also heavy, thanks to their battery packs, and the packs sit low under the floor. That means tie-downs must avoid the battery enclosure entirely. Our operators secure EVs by the wheels, using wheel nets or soft straps, so nothing presses against the underside.
Many EVs have a transport or tow mode that releases the parking lock so the vehicle can be rolled onto the bed. If the 12-volt battery is dead, that mode may not be available, and the operator may need to use dollies or skates. Tell the dispatcher what you drive so we come prepared.
Luxury vehicles
Luxury vehicles often combine all-wheel drive, air suspension, low front bumpers, large wheels with low-profile tires, and expensive paint. Each of these is a reason for careful handling:
- Air suspension may need to be raised, or placed in a jack or transport mode, before loading.
- Low front bumpers and parking sensors can scrape or crack if the loading angle is too steep.
- Large wheels scratch easily, so straps must stay off the rims.
- Paint and trim require straps routed away from bodywork.
Hybrids
Hybrids vary widely. Some can be towed like a conventional car with the drive wheels lifted, while others have restrictions similar to EVs. Rather than guessing, we treat hybrids with the same care as EVs and use a flatbed.
How our flatbed process protects your vehicle
- The operator walks around the vehicle with you and notes its condition.
- The bed is lowered to the gentlest practical angle; ramps are added for low vehicles.
- The vehicle is driven or winched onto the bed slowly, with the operator watching clearance.
- It is secured with wheel nets or soft straps at the tires, not chains on the frame or suspension.
- At the destination, the vehicle is unloaded the same careful way, and you check it again.
Common situations in Franklin and Oak Creek
We see these vehicles in all kinds of situations: an EV with a depleted battery on Highway 100, an AWD SUV with a failed transmission on Ryan Road, a luxury sedan with a flat run-flat tire in a parking lot along 27th Street, or a newer vehicle that needs to go to a dealer for warranty work. Whatever the reason, the flatbed approach is the same.
Dealer and warranty considerations
If your vehicle is under warranty, the manufacturer may require that it be repaired at an authorized dealer. Many warranties and roadside programs also specify flatbed towing for certain models. Keep your tow receipt, which shows how and where the vehicle was moved, in case the dealer or warranty provider asks.
What to tell the dispatcher
Call (414) 520-7264 and share the make, model, and drive type, whether it is electric or hybrid, whether it powers on, and whether the air suspension still works. The dispatcher prices the job before a truck is assigned and passes your notes to the operator, so the dollies, ramps, or wheel nets your vehicle needs are already on board.
Breakdowns in parking garages
Luxury and electric vehicles often park in hotel garages, medical center ramps, and office structures where a flatbed cannot fit under the ceiling. In those cases, the operator moves the vehicle out to the street level using low-profile dollies or skates, without dragging it or using the drive wheels, and then loads it outside. Tell the dispatcher the name of the garage, the level, and the posted height limit, so we can plan the approach and avoid wasting time at the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tow my EV to a charging station?
Yes. We can take it to the charging location of your choice, to your home, or to a dealer.
Does flatbed towing cost more?
The dispatcher quotes the full price upfront. For these vehicles, a flatbed is the right method, and it protects you from much larger repair costs.
Can you tow a vehicle that will not shift out of park?
Yes. The operator can use dollies or skates to move it safely onto the bed.
Driving an AWD, luxury, or electric vehicle that needs a tow? Call (414) 520-7264. Learn more about our motorcycle and specialty towing and emergency towing.