Stranded on the Road? Follow These Tips for Tilt Tray Towing in Perth

Just imagine: It’s a sunny afternoon. And you’re driving through Perth. Suddenly, your car breaks down. Or worse, you’re involved in a minor accident. It’s stressful and frustrating right? Now, all you want is to get your car to safety.

But here’s the problem; standard towing might not cut it. Your car might be too damaged, stuck in a tricky spot. Or it might be too low to the ground for a regular tow truck.

So, what now?

That’s where tilt tray towing steps in.

A tilt tray tow truck is the perfect solution for moving vehicles that can’t be hauled using traditional methods. A tilt tray makes sure no additional damage is caused when recovering a wrecked car.

But, how that tilt tray towing goes smoothly? How can you avoid costly mistakes that could cause more damage to your vehicle?

That’s exactly what we’re going to cover in this guide.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about tilt tray towing Perth. Let’s make your you have a smooth, hassle-free experience.

What is Tilt Tray Towing?

Tilt tray towing is a type of towing that uses a tilt tray tow truck, which features a flatbed that can tilt at an angle.

The concept is simple. The bed of the truck is lowered to the ground level, making it easy to drive or winch the cars onto the flatbed. After the car is loaded securely, the bed raises back to its horizontal position. And your car is ready to be hauled.

Let’s step through the entire towing process to provide you with a better idea of the mechanics at work.

How Tilt Tray Tow Trucks Operate: A Step-by-Step Process

Tilt tray towing incorporates advanced mechanics and hydraulics to safely load and carry the vehicle. The following is a simplified explanation of how a tilt tray tow truck works:

Step #1. Positioning the Tow Truck

The driver positions the tilt tray in line with the towed vehicle. The truck is placed slightly at an angle. This improves the loading process and makes it safer.

Step #2. Tilting the Tray with Hydraulic Power

Through its hydraulic system, the flatbed of the truck tilts down, lowering the back of the tray to the ground. This does away with the use of lifting the vehicle. Besides, it keeps both the vehicle and the truck free from unnecessary strain or damage.

Step #3. Loading the Vehicle onto the Flatbed

If the car is still running, the car can be driven directly onto the angled flatbed. In the case of non-running cars, the vehicle is carefully winched onto the tray. The tilt tray method is designed so that the car remains stable during this process.

Step #4. Leveling the Tray and Securing the Vehicle

As soon as the car is loaded onto the flatbed, hydraulics lower the tray back to horizontal. Next, the car is strapped in securely using heavy-duty restraints such as chains or heavy-duty straps. This keeps it stationary while it’s being shipped.

Step #5. Transporting the Vehicle Safely

Once the car is securely fastened to the flatbed, the tilt tray truck carries it to the desired destination. As the car is totally removed from the ground, this process doesn’t harm the tyres, suspension, or drivetrain.

Step #6. Unloading the Vehicle

When the destination is reached, the reverse process is undertaken. The flatbed tilts once more. And the vehicle is driven or winched off the tray, ready to proceed with no added strain or risk of damage.

So, Why Choose Tilt Tray Towing?

Here are a few reasons why tilt tray towing is the best choice:

• Ideal for Damaged or Immobile Vehicles: Regular tow trucks rely on dragging or lifting your vehicle by the wheels. Whereas, tilt tray towing can safely transport vehicles that are immobile, heavily damaged, or low to the ground.
• No Scraping or Dragging: The tilt tray system prevents any contact between the vehicle’s tyres and the ground, avoiding any potential damage that could be caused by dragging the car.
• Versatility: Tilt tray tow trucks are incredibly versatile. They can tow everything from everyday cars to heavy-duty vehicles, motorcycles, and boats.
• Easy Access in Tight Spaces: Tilt tray trucks are also ideal for accessing tight or hard-to-reach areas where traditional tow trucks might struggle to operate.

Now, let’s make sure your vehicle is towed safely and without issues.

Top 11 Tilt Tray Towing Tips for Safe and Quality Vehicle Transport

Tilt tray towing is the best way to get your vehicle from point A to point B without further damage. Here are some expert-backed tips that will guide you through the process with ease.

1. Ensure Proper Vehicle Alignment

Before your car gets loaded onto the tilt tray, make sure its tyres are aligned in the opposite direction of the desired movement. This small step makes a big difference. Proper alignment helps with smooth loading and unloading. Plus, it reduces the risk of damage or any shifting that could occur during the process.

2. Inspect the Tow Truck Regularly

Before any tow, take a moment to inspect the tilt tray tow truck to make sure it’s in good working condition. Check the hydraulics, brakes, and safety mechanisms. This small check can prevent larger issues from popping up during transport.

3. Verify Towing Capacity

Not all tow trucks are built the same. And your tilt tray tow truck has its limits. Before starting, confirm that the truck can handle the weight of your vehicle. Towing a car that’s too heavy for the truck can cause mechanical issues and compromise safety. So, it’s always best to double-check the capacity.

4. Remove Unnecessary Weight

Less is more when it comes to towing. Before loading your car, clear out any non-essential items. Like heavy bags, gear, or personal belongings. By lightening the load, you reduce strain on the tilt tray and towing equipment.

5. Secure the Vehicle Properly

Once your vehicle is on the flatbed, make sure it’s properly secured. This means using strong straps, chains, or restraints to prevent any movement during transit. Don’t forget about the trailer hitch. It’s important to make sure everything is tightly secured to avoid any accidents while on the road.

6. Check Tyre Pressure

Before getting your car towed, take a quick moment to check the tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres can make the towing process difficult and could cause issues. Properly inflated tyres ensure stability. It’s a simple but important step to avoid potential problems.

7. Use the Right Equipment

It’s vital to use the correct towing equipment, especially when it comes to winches, ramps, and straps. The right gear ensures that loading and unloading is safe and smooth. Make sure the equipment is fit for the vehicle and the job at hand. This helps prevent any unnecessary damage or delays.

8. Put the Transmission in Neutral

Once your vehicle is lifted off the ground, place the transmission in neutral. This ensures that the vehicle won’t shift or move unexpectedly during transport. Especially when driving out of a tight spot or parking the vehicle after unloading.

9. Maintain a Safe Speed and Avoid Sudden Braking

While driving the tilt tray tow truck, always maintain a safe, controlled speed. Sudden braking or sharp turns can make the vehicle shift or cause instability. Especially with a loaded flatbed.

10. Ensure Sufficient Space & Caution When Tilting Your Vehicle

When the tilt tray lowers, make sure there’s enough room to maneuver. Tilting the flatbed too far without enough space could expose the wheels. This leads to potential damage. Always approach the tilting process with caution to ensure everything goes as planned.

11. Hire Professional Towing Services When Needed

Sometimes, it’s best to call in the professionals. Not sure about how to load or secure the vehicle? Situation seems complicated? Don’t hesitate to call a specialised towing & tilt tray service. Professionals are trained to handle all kinds of towing situations safely and efficiently. This saves you time and stress in the long run.

While tilt tray towing is generally safe and efficient, there are common mistakes people make. Let’s go over what to watch out for so you can avoid costly errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Tilt Tray Towing

Is your vehicle stuck or damaged and in need of towing?

Get Your Vehicle to Safety with Expert Tilt Tray Towing in Perth

At South City Towing, we offer reliable, specialised tilt tray towing services to transport your vehicle without additional damage.

Our tilt tray tow trucks are fully equipped to handle all types of vehicles, from sedans to 4WDs and luxury cars. We provide fast response times and professional service, all at competitive prices.

Don’t wait! Call us at 0492 013 846

Request Your Tilt Tray Towing Now

FAQs for Tilt Tray Towing in Perth

Q1: How much weight can a tilt tray truck carry?

Rigid tilt tray trucks typically carry loads up to 10 tonnes. Whereas, semi-trailer tilt tray trucks can carry loads up to 24 tonnes or more, depending on the truck and trailer specifications.

Q2: How much does hiring a tilt tray cost in Perth?

Tilt tray towing service cost in Perth depends on factors like distance, vehicle size, and any additional services required. For an accurate quote, contact us directly, and we’ll provide a transparent and competitive price.

Q3: What types of vehicles can be towed using a tilt tray?

A tilt tray tow truck is perfect for towing a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even boats. It’s ideal for vehicles that are damaged, immobile, or have low clearance, ensuring safe transport without dragging or scraping.

Q4: How do I prepare my vehicle for tilt tray towing?

Before tilt tray towing, ensure your tyres are inflated. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle and ensure the vehicle is in neutral.

Q5: What size is a tilt tray?

The standard tilt tray truck has a tray length of 7.5 to 9.5 meters and a width of about 2.5 meters. Larger super tilt trays can have lengths up to 14 meters and a width of 2.4 meters, capable of carrying up to 18 tonnes.