Towing the smart

[kloudking]

Is there a stock type wishbone tow frame made for the smart?? If so are there any restrictions as to towing one?? Has anyone had any experience towing a smart for extended distances??? I live in ME and would like to tow it to FL in the fall... Thanks Jack Groves

[JPaul]

kloudking, you can find lots of posts at:
Flat Tow ?? YES!!!

[Old smart]

"We tow a smart four-two behind the motorhome and for a while have been confused with the comments about damage to gearboxes. Today I think I may have found an answer. As people have stated the Smart has a manual gearbox which is changed electronically, but what I did not realise is that if the ignition is switched off BEFORE the gear-lever is moved into neutral, the gearbox remains in gear even though the gear-lever appears to be in neutral. Fortunately we always fit the A frame and then manually pull the Smart up to the motorhome to ensure it runs freely. Today it would not move - it was still in gear!!! If I had driven the Smart to the motorhome instead of pulling it manually, I would now require a new gearbox. Hope that this helps. "

[kleverd1]

How do you do that? When I hook up my Smart to the motorhome I put it in neutral after I pull up to the rear of the motorhome. If it is not perfectly level I may put on the Hand Brake until I get at least one side of the tow bar connected. (SAFETY!!! The motor is usually still running at this point in case I missed the center point or I am not yet close enough and may still need power to move the vehicle.) If I cannot connect the other towbar because I may not be perfectly aligned, the brake is released and I can connect the other side because of the telescoping tow bars. I may have to push the Smart a bit to get the slack to pin the second tow bar. Once they are connected (remember I am still in Neutral) I turn the key to the OFF position. How could I possibly be in gear?

Remember to make sure the telescoping locks are set on both sides of the tow bar. you may have to move the motor home a short distance to have them both lock in. Always recheck. Also check all lights and inspect your hookup to be sure you did not miss anything. (Breakaway chains, brake breakaway connection etc.)

Recheck every time you stop for a break. You will probably talk to many people about the Smart. Your battery will not discharge. Your mileage will not accumulate.

Happy RVing
Kleved1

[57bebop]

Has anyone had issues with Smart regarding towing and warrenty issues after the tow package was installed?

[BlueDragonfly]

we are going to be pulling a Smart car behind our motor home.......what "tow package" are you referring to that you had installed?

[happycarz]

RVupgrades.com is where I bought my baseplate. They also sell the towbar, safety cables and light kit.
I don't have enough post to include the link.

[rvhogue]

I have a question regarding flat towing of the Smart that I have been unable to locate an answer to in the forum.

On pages 187/188 of the Smart manual regarding flat towing the instructions are as follows:

Turn ignition on, engage parking break, engage break pedal then move the gear selector to neutral, release break pedal. Move the key to the left to off. Wait until multifunction display is blank, turn the battery off then release the parking break.

My question is at this point. Should the key be removed from the ignition or left in during the tow?

The manual instructions only address removing the key after the tow.

Should the manual instructions be followed to the letter to insure no damage is done to the Smart during a tow?

I appreciate your expertise in this matter.

RVHOGUE

[Kermit]

Here's how I do it:

1. Turn key on (don't start the car)
2. Move shifter to "N"
3. Turn key as far left as it will go
4. Ensure parking brake IS NOT SET
5. Install bungee cord on steering wheel

It's that simple. You will not be able to remove the key and also make sure you disarm the alarm if you have one. I need to research my camera for pics. I am making up a booklet (with pictures) for someone on how to set up the car for towing.

[rvhogue]

Hello Kermit

Thank you so very much for the information. You make it sound so simple. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I look forward to your booklet - you might consider calling it Smart for Dummies. rvhogue