Battery switch (towing) - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

donschweika · 01-04-2009, 04:45 PM

Why does the battery need to be disconnected when towing 4 down? Where do I get the switch that the manual talks about?
I am going to tow behind a 5th wheel. Anyone done this?

Dunerunner · 01-04-2009, 07:20 PM

DO NOT disconnect your battery when towing. The manual refers to towing by a tow truck, not towing with your RV. As far as I know, no accessory manual has been made available that describes the flat tow procedure.

donschweika · 01-04-2009, 08:10 PM

Under Flat Towing in manual (page 225) "..........installing a matching on/off switch on the battery.

(page 226) "Turn the battery off using the previously installed bttery switch"

The above is the basis for my question?

Dunerunner · 01-04-2009, 10:11 PM

The manual for 2008 smarts does not discuss flat towing by RV's. It discusses flat towing by tow services. This thread Towing four wheels down has loads of information about towing by RV's if you can weed through it. Motorhome magazine and the entire RV world has been informed by smart Daimler that the fortwo is flat towable behind an RV and at no time while I was setting my car up to flat tow did the dealer or any installer mention anything about a battery disconnect. I have never disconnected the battery while towing and see no practical reason to do so.

fortow · 01-05-2009, 01:02 AM

"If the battery is disconnected or discharged the gear selector lever will remain in park position."

This is a quote from the 2008 manual. I have not read the 2009 manual - is this the manual you are referring to?

I doubt that the 2009 is any different for flat towing than the 2008. I've been towing my 2008 car without need to disconnect the battery. What could be the possible reason for disconnecting the battery?

To tow, the key is inserted in the ignition lock and turned to position 1 without starting the engine, gearshift moved to neutral position, then key turned back as far as it will go which turns off power. The key cannot be removed from the ignition lock with the gearshift in neutral but that is not an issue. Carry an extra key just in case the door becomes locked.

whalewatcher · 03-12-2009, 12:27 AM

The 2009 manual definitely recommends a shut off switch when towing 4 wheels down -ie. behind a MH. Has anyone asked Smart Car HQ why a cut off switch is needed?? for 2009 models and perhaps not earlier models.
Whalewatcher

Smart Bob · 03-12-2009, 12:54 AM

It is my understanding from a smart service seminar that I attended at Universal City Smart, that we are all going to get a new owner's manual that addresses flat towing and will correct the errors that are in the current owner's manuals for '08 & '09. The will be part of the 2.0 update.

whalewatcher · 03-13-2009, 11:39 PM

Smart Bob.
Good news about revised manual as there is completely different info in 08 and 09 manuals on this topic, particularly about need for battery cutoff switch. Any idea of date to be released?? Will it be online??
Whalewatcher

gsdunn · 01-05-2011, 12:38 PM

I have an 09 Convertiable. Should I get the battery disconnect or not. Iwant to tow behind 38' Motor Home. I love the car and my wife and I kind of fight over it a couple time a week to see who gets to drive it for the day. Our Smart is an extra car and our other two are a Jag and BMW. Go figure they sit in the garage and the Smart is always on the move.

Kermit · 01-05-2011, 01:12 PM

The majority of the people, including myself, do not use a battery disconnect for towing.