If you are caught in a Fender Bender or need to transport a prized vehicle, you know that sinking feeling in your heart. The last thing you want is stress or damage from the tow truck itself. That’s where tilt tray towing comes in.
Think of it as a mobile heavy-duty garage for your car. It’s a flatbed truck that gently tilts and slides to the ground and creates a ramp.
You can either drive or winch your vehicle onto the bed where it sits completely flat. It’s ideal for safe towing.
Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Why choose a tilt tray?
When you get a tilt tray you are paying for your peace of mind. Call for a tilt tray if your car is in the following situations.
- If you have a sports car or a modified vehicle that would scrape on a conventional tow truck.
- 4-wheel drives on the ground wreak havoc on the drivetrain. A tilt tray would eliminate the risk.
- For luxury or classic cars you definitely want zero risk of scratches.
- If your car has already been in an accident and can’t be driven, a built-in winch gets it loaded safely.
What to expect from a reliable service?
When you call a reliable company, they might ask you about your vehicle. Here’s what they are trying to figure out.
- The tray starts at around 6m, and for longer rigs it goes up to 13m.
- Light-duty trays handle a standard car, while heavy-duty ones lift trucks or excavators up to 14 tons.
- Ask for a tilt tray with winch power if your car is stuck or won’t roll. A powerful winch makes recovery smooth and safe.
A clear cost breakdown
The cost doesn’t have to be a mystery. Companies generally break down the price so you know what you’re paying for.
The charges
- The hookup fees cover the driver’s time to get to you and the initial loading. It typically starts at $70.
- The per-kilometre rate is the cost to transport your vehicle from A to B, usually $4 per kilometre
When should you pay extra?
- If your car is in a ditch or a muddy spot, add $150 for recovery.
- Nights, weekends and public holidays come with a premium price.
- If your car needs to be taken to the holding yard, daily storage fees might apply.
Tips to save money
- Explore tilt tray towing solutions by asking the right questions. Don’t just ask for the total; get a breakdown of the call-out fees per kilometre. Some companies might charge you a low call-out fee but have a high per-kilometre rate.
- Be honest about your vehicle, tell them if it is low, damaged or won’t start. They would send the right truck.
- Compare fixed versus hourly. For long-distance moves, a fixed quote is better than an open-ended hourly rate.
- Clarify the extras, ask what is included in the quote, is it all inclusive, or are there potential charges for winching or storage.
While a wheel lift-out might be cheaper, a tilt tray is an investment for your vehicle’s safety.
For a car that’s low, luxury or damaged, the extra cost is worth avoiding thousands in potential repair bills. Always get a clear quote. Confirm the truck’s specs and don’t be afraid to call different providers.