When Do You Need Tilt Tray Towing?

Quick answer

Tilt tray towing is often the better option when a vehicle should be fully carried rather than driven or dragged. It is useful for breakdowns, non-running cars, prestige vehicles, lowered cars, machinery, motorcycles, private sale pickups and planned vehicle transport.

What is tilt tray towing?

A tilt tray truck lowers the tray so the vehicle or equipment can be loaded onto the truck. The vehicle is then carried on the tray during transport. This can be more suitable than other towing methods when ground clearance, stability or vehicle condition matters.

When tilt tray towing makes sense

• The vehicle does not start or should not be driven.
• The vehicle is unregistered or defected.
• The car is lowered, prestige, classic or has limited clearance.
• The vehicle needs to go to a workshop, dealer, storage yard or home.
• The job is a planned private sale, auction or dealer transfer.
• The vehicle has mechanical problems that could get worse if driven.

Non-running cars

Tilt tray towing is commonly used for non-running cars. The job is easiest when the car rolls, steers and brakes. If the wheels are locked, tyres are flat, the car has no keys, or it is stuck in park, explain that before booking.

Lowered and prestige vehicles

Lowered cars, prestige cars and vehicles with body kits may need extra care during loading. A tilt tray can be a good option, but the loading angle, driveway slope and front clearance still matter. Send photos if the car is very low or has a front lip.

Workshop and dealer moves

Tilt tray towing is also useful for planned moves between homes, workshops, dealerships, auctions and storage locations. These jobs work best when contact people, release instructions and drop-off details are confirmed in advance.

What affects the quote?

The quote depends on pickup and drop-off locations, distance, vehicle size, condition, access, timing and loading difficulty. A running car on a wide street is different from a non-running car in a tight apartment car park.

Details to provide before booking

• Pickup and drop-off address.
• Vehicle make, model and registration if available.
• Whether it starts, rolls, steers and brakes.
• Whether keys are available.
• Whether the car is low, damaged or blocked in.
• Access photos if the area is tight, steep or underground.

Frequently asked questions