Franklin has more room than most Milwaukee County suburbs, and that space has a way of filling up. Older properties on the city's southwest side may have a pickup that hauled hay decades ago, a sedan parked behind the barn when it stopped running, or a project car under a tarp that never got finished. In newer subdivisions, it is more likely a car that failed after a long life, or a wreck that came back from the body shop as a total loss. Lake Front Towing removes junk and non-running vehicles across Franklin. Here is what you need to know.
The vehicles we see most in Franklin
Old farm and work trucks. Pickups and utility vehicles that served for years and then got parked. They may have flat tires, seized brakes, or missing parts.
Project cars. Vehicles that were going to be restored "someday." Many are partially disassembled, which affects how they are loaded.
End-of-life daily drivers. High-mileage cars where the repair estimate is more than the car is worth.
Accident wrecks. Cars declared a total loss that ended up back at the owner's house.
Is it really junk?
Before removing a vehicle, it is worth asking whether it has value as something other than scrap. A classic or collector car, even in rough shape, might be worth more to a restorer than to a salvage yard. A late-model vehicle with a single major problem might sell to a mechanic or a parts buyer. If the car is simply old, worn out, and expensive to fix, junk removal is usually the most practical choice. Our dispatcher can talk through the vehicle with you when you call (414) 520-7264.
Getting vehicles out of barns, fields and long driveways
Larger properties create their own challenges. A truck parked in a field for years may have sunk into the ground. A car in a barn may be behind equipment or hay. A long gravel driveway may be too soft in spring for a loaded flatbed. Our operators plan for these situations:
- We use long winch cables to pull vehicles from fields or buildings to firm ground.
- Dollies or skates move vehicles with locked wheels or no tires.
- We may schedule removal for a dry or frozen day if the ground is too soft.
- We avoid driving heavy trucks across lawns or septic fields when possible.
Describe the location in detail when you call, and send photos if you can.
Paperwork: titles and inherited vehicles
The title is the main document for transferring the vehicle. Have it signed by the titled owner, along with photo ID. Inherited vehicles are common on older Franklin properties. If the titled owner has passed away, the person handling the estate typically needs to provide documentation showing their authority. If the title has been lost, apply for a replacement through the Wisconsin DMV before scheduling removal. The dispatcher can explain what we will need to see on pickup day, so you can prepare ahead of time.
Clearing out multiple vehicles
When families clean up a property — before a sale, after an estate settlement, or simply to reclaim space — there are often several vehicles to remove. We can schedule multiple pickups on the same day, and the dispatcher will plan the order based on where each vehicle sits. Let us know the total number, their condition, and whether all the titles are available.
Environmental considerations
Old vehicles contain oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and batteries, all of which can harm soil and groundwater. Removing them from your property prevents ongoing leaks. If you see stains where a vehicle sat, clean them up or ask a local environmental service about proper disposal of contaminated soil. Never drain fluids onto the ground before a pickup.
Selling the land? Clear the vehicles first
When a Franklin property goes on the market, old vehicles parked around the house or barn can affect how buyers see it, and some buyers ask for them to be removed before closing. Handling it early avoids a last-minute scramble. Walk the property with a list: every vehicle, its location, whether a title can be found, and whether anything else — tires, parts, batteries — is stacked around it. Bring that list to the dispatcher, and we will plan the removals in one or two visits. Loose tires and batteries generally need to go to a recycler or a facility that accepts them, so set those aside rather than leaving them in the vehicles.
What happens on pickup day
- The operator confirms the vehicle and reviews the paperwork with you.
- They assess the best way to reach and load the vehicle.
- The vehicle is winched onto the flatbed and secured.
- You remove the license plates if still attached, and we haul the vehicle away.
Frequently asked questions
Can you remove a vehicle without wheels?
Yes. Tell us, and we will bring the equipment to load it safely.
Do you remove old trailers or farm equipment?
Our service focuses on cars, pickups, SUVs, and vans. Ask the dispatcher about other items.
How soon can you come?
Often the same day or next day, depending on our schedule and the property's access.
Clearing out an old vehicle in Franklin? Call (414) 520-7264. Learn more about our junk car removal.