Carrying large packages?

dsweiner · 08-06-2008, 08:21 PM

I need to get a piece of furniture from my local IKEA. However, shipping costs are overpriced, and it's also irritating having to wait at home for the item to arrive. Does anyone know how much interior length the smart has with the front seat down? Alternatively, has anyone ever tried driving with the hatch open (just the glass, not the whole back)? The IKEA is only about 20 minutes away, so I'm tempted to wager that the 70lb bed frame won't fly out with the hatch open. I just want to see if anyone else has risked this before trying it myself.

chieftmc · 08-06-2008, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsweiner

I need to get a piece of furniture from my local IKEA. However, shipping costs are overpriced, and it's also irritating having to wait at home for the item to arrive. Does anyone know how much interior length the smart has with the front seat down? Alternatively, has anyone ever tried driving with the hatch open (just the glass, not the whole back)? The IKEA is only about 20 minutes away, so I'm tempted to wager that the 70lb bed frame won't fly out with the hatch open. I just want to see if anyone else has risked this before trying it myself.

Just spend the $20 and rent a UHaul pickup for the day!

**Suze** · 08-06-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsweiner

I need to get a piece of furniture from my local IKEA. However, shipping costs are overpriced, and it's also irritating having to wait at home for the item to arrive. Does anyone know how much interior length the smart has with the front seat down? Alternatively, has anyone ever tried driving with the hatch open (just the glass, not the whole back)? The IKEA is only about 20 minutes away, so I'm tempted to wager that the 70lb bed frame won't fly out with the hatch open. I just want to see if anyone else has risked this before trying it myself.

Not sure about length, width, etc. I know the boot has 8 cubic feet and 120 lbs is the maximum. (geeze, I can do that with a trip to costco!). I did have a pretty big area rug from a closeout at Linen N Things the other day. It fit fine with the passenger seat down, but blocked the right side mirror thoroughly!

Shopping and smart - we should have our own forum!!

For a 20 minute trek from Ikea I would do it with hatch open, if I could stay off the freeway.

Good luck and post pics!

Suze

dbwill · 08-07-2008, 08:56 AM

I have hauled 8 foot lenghts of wood with the seat back down and about 2 feet stick out of the open hatch. I am on all city streets, no high speed but all went well.Make sure you protect the cloth on the dash.

DFWehman · 08-07-2008, 01:49 PM

I have referred many folks to use Home Depot trucks to move stuff, I think the time limit is 90 minute before they charge you more. And you do not have to buy anything there..

Old smart · 08-07-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsweiner

I need to get a piece of furniture from my local IKEA. ...

Just for perspective (albeit the smaller W450):

YouTube - The New Driver's Seat - Smart Car vs....

jefferios · 08-07-2008, 02:00 PM

Yea, or rent a car from Enterprise for the day. But the Home Depot or Uhaul is cheaper. (Until, you get to the pump

)

Dougg · 08-08-2008, 08:07 PM

The manual specifically warns against driving with the hatch open, as it can draw-in exhaust gasses, very dangerous.

Dave777 · 08-08-2008, 08:25 PM

Go to the store and try it. If it fits, drive home. If it doesn't, they'll hold it.

Drive with the windows open if you worry about exhaust.

SylenThunder · 08-09-2008, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dougg

The manual specifically warns against driving with the hatch open, as it can draw-in exhaust gasses, very dangerous.

I have a tendency to open the rear hatch glass if I plan on driving faster than 25mph with the windows down. I suppose that would hep... haven't noticed any fumes in cabin.

P.S. Cool video Old smart!