Not every car is built the same. Sure, a regular sedan or hatchback is pretty straightforward to tow—but what happens when you’re called to move a vehicle with custom modifications, specialised gear, or delicate electronic systems? That’s where things get interesting—and a bit more complex.
At our towing company, we’ve seen just about everything on wheels. From wheelchair-accessible vans to lowered sports cars, and even work trucks with toolboxes, cranes, or refrigeration units attached—no two jobs are ever quite the same. And when a vehicle has special equipment, the stakes are higher. Damage the wrong part and you’re not just dealing with a repair bill—you’re potentially interrupting someone’s work, independence, or way of life.
Understanding What “Special Equipment” Means
Let’s start with what we mean by vehicles with special equipment. These include:
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) with ramps or lifts
- Modified cars with low ground clearance or custom suspension
- Work vehicles fitted with tool racks, cranes, or generators
- Food trucks and refrigerated vans with sensitive internal setups
- Electric or hybrid vehicles with battery systems under the chassis
Each of these has unique towing needs—and treating them like a regular car is a fast track to disaster.
Case in Point: The Wheelchair Van Breakdown
A few months ago, we got a call to assist a family whose wheelchair van had stalled outside a shopping centre. The van had a rear-entry ramp and a built-in floor-lowering system. If we had just winched it up like any other van, we could have easily ripped off the ramp or thrown the entire alignment out of whack.
Instead, our driver used low-angle ramps, soft straps (not chains), and a flatbed truck to load the van slowly and evenly. The vehicle was secured without touching the ramp or sensitive frame points, and we made sure the lift system was supported the whole time. It took a little longer, but the customer was relieved—and so were we.
Knowing When to Slow Down and Ask Questions
Handling specialised vehicles requires a mix of training, common sense, and sometimes… just asking. We don’t assume we know how every modification works. When in doubt, we speak with the owner. Sometimes they’ve got valuable info—like where the air suspension compressor is located, or how to disable a certain system before towing.
We once had a call from a landscaper whose ute had a mounted toolbox and crane system. He told us the stabiliser legs had to be secured manually, or they could swing out during transport. Not something you’d spot at first glance, but crucial to know.
The Right Gear Makes All the Difference
Special vehicles require special tools. That’s why we equip our trucks with:
- Soft tie-downs and wheel straps for delicate frames
- Low-clearance ramps for sports cars and lowered suspensions
- Skate dollies for locked or non-rolling wheels
- Flatbeds with adjustable tilt for safe loading angles
- Safety mats and supports to protect undercarriages
We’ve also trained our drivers on identifying key risks—like towing an EV without proper wheel lift (which could damage the drivetrain) or improperly securing a load that shifts due to uneven weight distribution.
Dealing with Tech-Savvy Vehicles
Let’s not forget modern cars are packed with technology. Lane assist sensors, battery packs, even self-parking systems—they all add complexity. One of our drivers recently towed a Tesla that had gone into shutdown mode. The wheels were locked, the battery was low, and the owner was understandably anxious.
We used a skate dolly system to lift the wheels without dragging, avoided winching onto control arms, and monitored battery temperature using the vehicle’s diagnostic mode. It sounds technical—and it was—but this is what modern towing looks like now. It’s no longer just about muscle. It’s about precision.
There’s a real art to towing vehicles with special equipment. It takes patience, knowledge, and respect for the fact that these machines are often more than just transport—they’re someone’s business, independence, or pride and joy.
At the end of the day, we treat every unique vehicle with the same level of care we’d want for our own. Because towing isn’t just about moving a car—it’s about doing it right, no matter how complex the job gets.
Now Any Car Towing is available in Lyndhurst, Victoria 3975.
Contact Us
Any Car Towing
10 Silvergum Pl, Cranbourne VIC 3977
0413 176 223
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