When you think of roadside assistance, the first thing that comes to mind is Towing Winnipeg Company for a regular passenger car. But did you know that professional companies transport much more? From small motorcycles to heavy construction machinery, the range of services may surprise you. The key is the right equipment and an experienced team that knows how to transport even the most unusual loads safely. In this article, we’ll show you what vehicles and machinery can be transported on a trailer, what to look for when choosing a service, and what the real limitations are
What vehicles can roadside assistance transport?
Roadside assistance isn’t limited to towing passenger cars. Professional companies have specialized equipment that enables them to transport a wide range of vehicles, from small motorcycles to large construction machinery. Properly equipped tow trucks and properly licensed drivers are crucial.
Passenger cars and vans
These are the basic types of vehicles transported by roadside assistance. Car transporters are suitable for transporting both small city cars and larger vans or delivery trucks. In the case of delivery vehicles, the car transporter must have adequate load capacity – standard models can handle vehicles up to 3.5 tons, while heavier ones require specialized equipment.
Modern tow trucks are equipped with:
- Hydraulic loading platforms
- Vehicle security fastening systems
- Warning lighting
- Extendable ramps for easy loading
Motorcycles and quads
Transporting two-wheelers requires special care. Roadside assistance services use special platforms with individual tie-down points that secure the motorcycle against tipping over while driving. ATVs are often equipped with additional tie-down straps due to their larger size and weight.
When transporting motorcycles, it is important to:
- Secure the steering wheel against turning by itself
- Use soft pads to protect the paintwork
- Secure the vehicle at a minimum of four points
- Secure protruding elements (mirrors, luggage racks)
Remember that even minor damage to a motorcycle during transport can significantly reduce its value, so it is worth choosing proven companies with experience in transporting this type of vehicle.
Trucks and buses
Professional roadside assistance can transport city buses, trucks, and road trains weighing up to 40 tons. These tasks utilize:
- Tugboats with rotating cranes
- Low-bed platforms
- Hydraulic lifting systems
- Special winches with a pulling capacity of up to 30 tons
The key requirement is for the driver to have the appropriate licenses – most often category C+E – and a certificate of professional competence. For international transport, an additional GITD license is required.
Can roadside assistance transport machinery and specialized equipment?
Many roadside assistance companies are expanding their services to include specialized equipment transport. This includes not only roadside rescue services but also full-fledged machinery transport. This requires appropriate equipment and compliance with legal requirements.
Please remember that the transport of some machines may require special permits , especially if they exceed the standard dimensions permitted for road traffic.
Agricultural and construction machinery
Professional roadside assistance companies handle this task with:
- Platforms adapted to irregular shapes
- Load stabilization systems
- Hydraulic platform height adjustment
- Special ramps for tracked machines
When it comes to construction machinery, proper protection of moving parts such as booms and buckets is crucial. Some companies also offer a pre-transport cleaning service, which is especially important when transporting construction equipment after work on the construction site.
Boats and caravans
Roadside assistance often handles the transport of unusual loads, such as boats and caravans . This is a unique type of transport requiring specialized equipment and experience. Due to their design and size, caravans require special care during loading and transport.
The most common methods used to transport boats are:
- Special low-bed trailers
- Hull securing systems
- Surface protection pads
- Additional safety belts
What unusual loads can be transported on a trailer?
Roadside assistance trailers are incredibly versatile tools that can be used to transport a wide variety of unusual loads. The limits are primarily your imagination and legal regulations . In practice, they can be used to transport:
It’s worth remembering that some unusual loads may require special transportation permits, especially if they exceed standard road dimensions. Professional roadside assistance companies not only have the appropriate equipment but also knowledge of the required procedures.
Vintage and luxury vehicles
Transporting classic and luxury vehicles presents a particular challenge for roadside assistance. It requires not only specialized equipment but, above all, extreme precision and attention to detail . For such vehicles, the following procedures are often used:
- Closed trailers for weather protection
- Paint protection materials
- Individual mounting systems
- Monitoring systems during transport
Classic vehicles often have delicate suspension and a unique design , requiring special care when loading.
Electric and hybrid cars
Transporting electric and hybrid vehicles requires a special approach from roadside assistance. High-voltage batteries pose a potential hazard , so operators must undergo appropriate training. It is crucial to properly disconnect the high-voltage system before transport begins —otherwise, there is a risk of electrocution.
Modern tow trucks adapted to EVs and hybrids have:
- Special insulating pads
- Battery temperature monitoring systems
- Warning signs
- Additional fire protection
What are the restrictions on transporting vehicles via roadside assistance?
Despite its extensive capabilities, roadside assistance encounters certain limitations in vehicle transport. The most significant barriers stem from legal regulations and the technical parameters of the equipment. It’s worth understanding these to avoid misunderstandings when ordering the service.
The main limitations include:
- Maximum permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) of the combination
- Dimensions of the transported vehicle
- The technical condition of the transported car
- Specific requirements for certain types of vehicles
Exceeding any of these parameters may result in denial of service or the need to arrange specialized transport. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult with the roadside assistance operator before ordering the service.
Weight and dimension requirements
The primary limitations in road transport are weight and dimension regulations. A standard car transporter can transport vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons, while heavier models require specialized equipment and additional permits.
In terms of dimensions, a standard platform is approximately 5-6 meters long, which is sufficient for most passenger cars. For longer vehicles (e.g., limousines), a special tow truck or inclined transport is necessary. The platform width is usually around 2.3 meters , allowing for the safe transport of even wider SUVs.
Special conditions for damaged vehicles
Transporting damaged vehicles requires special care and a specialized approach. Vehicles with damaged suspension or running gear require special loading techniques. In these situations, operators often use:
- Hydraulic jacks for gently lifting your car
- Special trolleys for transporting vehicles with locked wheels
- Additional belts securing body parts
- Protective pads in places of damage
Correct cargo securing
The technique for securing the vehicle to the platform is crucial for safe transport. Professionals use specialized, adequately strong straps that ensure stable attachment without the risk of damaging the bodywork. It’s important to note that the securing points should be located in structurally reinforced areas , such as towing points or chassis components.
Modern fastening systems include:
- Belts with soft pads to protect the paintwork
- Locks to prevent loosening while driving
- Tensioning systems with pressure control
- Additional protection for moving parts
A properly secured vehicle should not exhibit any play or movement relative to the platform. Even the slightest movement can lead to damage over long journeys . Therefore, always carefully inspect all attachment points before driving.
Required tow truck equipment
A professional roadside assistance Tow Truck Winnipeg is more than just a transport platform – it’s a comprehensive system of safety features and amenities that must meet stringent legal requirements and ensure the safety of the vehicles being transported. According to regulations, every tow truck used for commercial purposes must have certain equipment .
Basic mandatory equipment includes:
- Traffic light system (yellow flashing lights)
- Warning markings on the rear of the vehicle
- Braking system in accordance with the weight of the transported vehicle
- An efficient hydraulic system for lifting the platform