Towing your smart car

[John Deppong]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

There is no torque converter as in an automatic transmission. The ecu shifts the car, actuating a 'clutch', changing gears, and releasing and reapplying fuel to the engine. Placing the vehicles trans "manualmatic" in Neutral is just like placing a manual transmission in Neutral, it disengages the transmission and engine from the drive line.

Correct me if I am wrong, aren't some of the gears in the trans still spinning even though you have it in neutral? So it's not totally disconnected from the drive line.

[John Deppong]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

There is no torque converter as in an automatic transmission. The ecu shifts the car, actuating a 'clutch', changing gears, and releasing and reapplying fuel to the engine. Placing the vehicles trans "manualmatic" in Neutral is just like placing a manual transmission in Neutral, it disengages the transmission and engine from the drive line.

oops double post sorry

[Dunerunner]

Yea, just like a manual trans, I believe. I towed mine 171 miles just two weeks ago without a problem. With the engine running, place the shift selector in 'N' and turn the key as far counter clockwise as it will go without forcing. The key stays in the ignition so carry a spare beccause the doors lock at 15 -20 mph.

Since the trans is right on the drive axel, I would think (having not seen a tech manual) it is dis-engaged. No drive shaft, there may be two half shafts turning some gearing somewhere in the trans but they are bathed in trans fluid. Towed my beetle 4 down nearly 6000 miles without a problem (manual Trans). For all the Auto in the smart the trans is a manual.

[MichaelJ]

Originally Posted by Shane

Most people in Europe have been towing the smart car behind their Motor home on all 4, for years with no problems... Just hook-up the tow bar,
lights put it in neutral with the steering lock off and go...;)

check this:

Cars for towing behind motorhomes

Shane...

This refers to a 450 model - may or may not apply to the 451

[wiloran]

MichaelJ - It's the same thing for a 451. I tow mine 4 down with a Blue Ox base plate and tow bar. Dunerunner has a 451, also. The tranny completely disengages. There's a thread on here with extensive information about towing. Try doing a search for it if you need more information.

[Jim Lofy]

I have pruchased a Triton all aluminum 10ft. trailer 3M capacity with 14" custom wheels on radial tires for approx. $2,000.00 Have the trailer now, still waiting for the car. I will tow it behind my motorhome. Towing the car on a trailer saves wear on the car, keeps it cleaner, and with a trailer you can back up when needed.

[lschmitt]

Great looking trailer, where you you buy them and what is the cost?

Thanks,
Larry

[kleverd1]

It is not a semi automatic. It is a manual transmission with a dry clutch like almost all pre WWII cars. It is automatically shifted. It tows like a standard transmission.

Most automatics cannot be towed. There is no lubrication to the parts that are turned at the rear of the transmission that are turned from the rear differential. The oil pumps are turned by the engine and when you are towing the engine is off.

Kleverd1

[WBSCHWARTZ]

Delighted with my new Smart and intend to tow behind RV (4 wheel flat). I've been advised smart should not be flat towed in excess of 55mph. Is this true? If so, why?
Would appreciate advice from seasoned road warriors.............. thanx

[horbinsr]

We've been towing a borrowed Smart four down for 7 mos. I purchased the British towbar and connectors. Now that we have to return the car I have the towbar up for sale (see the Marketplace) if anyone is looking for something much cheaper than a trailer or baseplate.