Smart piggy back on RV pic

Okiesmrt · 10-14-2009, 02:08 PM

This is my RV with a custom Smart carrier I made. My hitch is rated at 40,000 #s towed and 5,000#'s tongue weight. I installed a dump switch for the air bags which makes loading easier. A pair of 2500 # ramps are stowed underneath. So far I have 40 miles on this setup and this weekend I'm going to get about 10 hrs more drive time. The added weight on the rear really smoothed out the ride taking some of the weight off the front axle. Believe it or not the braking is better too. Before under heavy braking the ABS would kick in on the rear and now it just gets traction and stops fast.

forestacademy · 10-14-2009, 02:22 PM

Nice

I have only seen that done with 450's before

Does it stick out at all?

Okiesmrt · 10-14-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forestacademy

Nice

I have only seen that done with 450's before

Does it stick out at all?

Just a couple inches on each side. It's still more narrow than the awnings, door grab handle etc.

kannonvaggon · 10-14-2009, 03:03 PM

What is the change in effective loading of the pusher axle? I'm thinkin without a tag yer definitely taking a bunch of weight off the steering axle..... That long distance between the center of balance on the Smart and the rotational center of the pusher axle means the EFFECTIVE loading is MUCH higher than the weight of the Smart of course....
Still, if within the rated capacities of your frame and chassis elements like wheels and tires then it's good to have choices. I think the only LEGAL limit is that ya not exceed 20,000lb on any single axle no matter how many wheels it has. The load rating of a given wheel or tire is varied by size and type. It all depends, as they say....

I pondered this type setup for our tag-axle DP which has PLENTY of rear capacity on those axles..... but decided to tow instead. The Smart tows pretty well and leaves room on the rear of the coach for a motorcycle lift. On the other hand.... I can't very well BACK UP !

Okiesmrt · 10-14-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kannonvaggon

What is the change in effective loading of the pusher axle? I'm thinkin without a tag yer definitely taking a bunch of weight off the steering axle.....

Keep in mind my axles are semi-truck axles not typical RV axles. I have a 200 gallon water tank under the bed in the far rear. It's there just to help take weight off the front axle. The 14 liter engine is quite heavy, especially when compared to a typical RV engine. My CAT generator is up front too...just aft of the 200 gallons of fuel. Trust me the front is HEAVY!

Okiesmrt · 10-15-2009, 06:27 AM

I added another, better pic.

Smartdavis · 10-15-2009, 06:48 AM

That's an expensive (but totally cool) way to carry a spare gas can.

Bum-bling-B · 10-15-2009, 07:15 AM

Looks good Okie.

TboneMan · 10-15-2009, 07:21 AM

For piece of mind, I think I'd run it over some Cat Scales the next time you're at a truck stop. Get a reading with the Smart on, and one with the Smart off.

That is the only way you're truly going to know you load situation.

(actually any RV owner should do this, but that's a different subject).

DoraAnderson · 10-15-2009, 07:22 AM

I'm waiting for my daughter to reply to my email, but I think she may have seen this setup on the road recently. She had posted on her facebook page "Haha!! I just saw the funniest thing!!! Huge van, like the ones with the ac built in the back, pulling a smart car!!"