slidebed

A slidebed, also known as a tilt-and-slide or rollback, is a type of recovery vehicle or trailer equipped with a flatbed that can be tilted and slid backward to facilitate the loading of vehicles. This design is particularly useful for transporting vehicles that are disabled, have low ground clearance, or are otherwise difficult to load onto a standard flatbed.

The mechanism typically involves a hydraulic system that allows the flatbed to tilt downwards towards the ground, creating a gentler ramp. Simultaneously, the bed slides backward, extending its length and lowering its rear edge. Once the vehicle to be transported is driven or winched onto the bed, the hydraulic system reverses, tilting the bed back to its horizontal position and sliding it forward to its original towing position. This process secures the transported vehicle for safe transit.

Slidebeds are commonly used by towing companies, breakdown services, and for the transportation of classic cars, race cars, and other specialized vehicles. They offer a safer and more efficient method of vehicle recovery compared to traditional towing methods, which can sometimes cause damage to the towed vehicle's undercarriage or bumper. The hydraulic system allows for precise control during loading and unloading, minimizing the risk of accidents.