Not all tow trucks are the same. In Australia you’ll mostly see two types: the tilt tray (called a flatbed overseas) and the conventional tow truck that lifts one end of the car. Choosing the right one can save your car’s drivetrain, bumpers and your wallet.
How a tilt tray works
The truck’s deck tilts and slides back to the ground to form a ramp. The vehicle is driven or winched up onto the deck, secured with wheel straps or chains to rated anchor points, and the deck levels out for transport. All four wheels are off the road for the whole trip.
How a conventional tow truck works
A conventional truck uses an underlift or sling to raise one end of the vehicle, leaving the other end rolling on its wheels. It’s quick to hook up and handy for some recovery work, but the wheels left on the ground keep turning — along with whatever is connected to them.
Which vehicles should go on a tilt tray?
- All-wheel-drive and 4WD vehicles — many manufacturers advise against towing with any wheels on the ground.
- Automatics — many automatic transmissions aren’t designed to be towed with the drive wheels turning.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles — manufacturers commonly recommend flatbed transport. Check your owner’s manual.
- Lowered, modified and prestige cars — less risk of scraping bumpers and side skirts.
- Damaged or non-rolling vehicles — they can be winched aboard without needing to roll or steer.
Is a tilt tray more expensive?
Not necessarily. For most everyday tows the price is driven by distance, vehicle, condition and access rather than truck type. And avoiding damage to a gearbox or AWD system is worth far more than any small difference.
The short answer
For most modern cars, a tilt tray is the safest way to move a vehicle. If you’re not sure, tell the towing company your make and model and ask what they recommend. Gator Towing operates tilt tray towing across Melbourne.