Towing Eye hooks -1 hook 3 holes??

[rawlus®]

why tow? just do this.

[Dave777]

Originally Posted by Andrewlcox

Does anyone know where I can get a different kind of tow bolt. One without an eye on it. I saw one online somewhere but can't find it now. I was custom machined and useful for other projects like a rack or something.

Thanks,
Andy

Smartieparts.com
Stainless Steel Bumper Bolts - US$32.73 : SmartieParts, Smart Parts for Smart Cars

[Andrewlcox]

to Dave777

Thanks! That is exactly what I was looking for. I had shopped them there before but couldn't remeber where I had seen them.

Andy

[jmartinsmart]

Those "Tow Eyes" are only to be used for the loading and unloading of the vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck. They are not to be used to secure the vehicle to the bed. Although I do not have my ForTwo yet (is is in transit right now) I expect you will find some small oval holes (about 5/8" wide and 1-1/4" long) in the underside of the chassis. These are called "T-Slots" and are designed to allow a T-Shaped hook to slip inside, then turn sideways and secure the vehicle.

Do not use the Tow Eye except for horizontal loading and unloading, as it is designed to be pulled in a striaght line forward and not down.

I currently manage a fleet of 12 tow trucks and know of what I speak!

Jim

[rawlus®]

Originally Posted by rawlus®

actually, there are NO tie-down areas on the bumper. the tow eye bolts are for towing, not lashing. it is not recommended to use those eye bolts for lashing the vehicle to a dolly or flatbed or whatever. the eye bolt is not designed for the shear forces that come into play. my recommendation would be to use another method.

agree.

[Turbo42]

now that is the way to tow a smart lol

[peg leg]

if you buy additional tow bolts be advised that 450 and 451 differ.

[mike-in-sa]

jmartinsmart, you will find when you get your smart and want to tow it that there are no such T-slots. The underside bellypan is smooth. No holes or access to the chassis. If you think the tow eyes are wimpy, wait till you see the suspension arms. My guess is your average tow truck operator is going to hook to the lower a-arms with his J-hooks and winch it down possibly bending those a-arms in the process.

[chuck_irwin]

I asked the Smart Salesman how the tow operator was supposed to secure the Smart to a flat bed. He said that they feed should their equipment through the wheel spokes and hold the card down by the rims. I expected them to use something like a basket strap that goes over each tire and holds the tires to the bed. see towpartsnowdotcomslashtowingslashbasketstraps
YMMV

[angel]

I don't know but ...

welcome to the forums.