Rider oriented and operator oriented improvements in tow trucks

A tow truck for towing a stranded vehicle comprising:

• a frame;
• a driver cabin attached to the frame for accommodating a tow truck driver;
• a boom mounted on the frame for lifting an end of the stranded vehicle;
• a lifting unit movably attached to the frame for engaging wheels of the stranded vehicle;
• an enclosure attached to the frame, surrounding at least a portion of the boom and defining an enclosed storage space, the enclosure including at least one boom opening for allowing use of the boom therethrough, and at least one utility opening for accessing the storage space;
• at least one rider cabin distinct from the driver cabin attached to the frame for accommodating a former occupant of the stranded vehicle, the rider cabin including a passenger door;
• a wheelchair lift means movably coupled with the frame for serving a first level associated with the rider cabin and a second level lower than the first level, the wheelchair lift means including a platform that is deployable for use and retractable for stowage;
• a ladder movably coupled with the frame, the ladder including at least one step that is deployable for serving a third level associated with the rider cabin and a fourth level lower than the third level, the ladder step further being retractable for stowage;
• and
• a mechanism for preventing the platform from being deployed at the same time as the ladder step,
• wherein the ladder and the passenger door are coupled such that, if the ladder step is retracted when the passenger door is closed, when the passenger door is opened the ladder step is automatically deployed.