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We just returned from Tampa (about 80 miles) where we had our tow package installed on our 2009 Smart. I came prepared with bungee cords to fight off the 'shakes' I've read about here. The tech, who had completed a few Smart Car installations knew about the problem. When we tested the rig, the bungees were not necessary. The turns were perfect. I suspect the problem may be more common with shorter coaches than mine. At 45', my turning radius is around 50'. I could see where a smaller coach could make a tighter turn and start the wobble. I watched it on my BU camera all the way back. It was perfect.
Another possible explanation could be I don't have power steering on the Smart.
I followed the towing instructions from the manual to a tee, and it pulled fine. No miles added to the odometer, didn't seem to drain the battery (I know, only 80 miles). However, the doors didn't automatically lock. Any one know about that?
While I was waiting, in the parts department I saw a small solar battery charger. It was thin, about 4"X18" and sat on the dash and trickle charges the battery through the cigarette lighter. Does this work? Wouldn't this be the answer to the slight battery drain while towing?
Anyway, we love the Smart!
David & Teresa
Last edited by David & Teresa; 07-31-2009 at 06:53 PM..
Reason: Clarify
I don't think the solar trickle charger would work on the smart because the 12v outlet (cig lighter) isn't hot unless the key is on. Or is the key on when you tow? I'm just starting to think about making my smart a dingy, so I don't know.
The key stays in, turned as far left as it can go but the accessories are not on.
The other thing I thought of was that I need to find a bra that covers the entire front, including the windshield. The smart, being so low to the ground, gets battered. Any one know of such a product?
I've searched everywhere for a bra that covers the entire front of the Smart for towing. No one that I've found makes such a cover.
So I went to a boat canvas guy who is going to make a bra that covers the front from the bumper (leaving a cut-out for the towing connects) all the way to the top of the window. I should have it finished Monday and will post a picture for those interested.
So I went to a boat canvas guy who is going to make a bra that covers the front from the bumper (leaving a cut-out for the towing connects) all the way to the top of the window. I should have it finished Monday and will post a picture for those interested.
That sounds like a good idea. I'm not sure it's really necessary though. I've towed my '08 for over 10,000 miles now with only the regular rock guard on the motorhome with no problems. I was more worried about rocks hitting the rads. To prevent that I fabricated screens that prevent bugs and stones from entering the rad mouth.
By the way, what is the slight battery drain you refer to? Are you using the car's battery to power the stop and turn signal lights?
There's been too much discussion about the "lock to lock" steering issue. It actually happens rarely. If you know how to avoid it then it shouldn't happen at all. By the way, you don't need to be turning a corner for it to happen. The issue is that the car's wheels shouldn't be turned when starting to pull from a stopped position. Once the car is moving in a turn it won't happen. Of course there could always be an exception.
In our short trip from Tampa the car was filthy. It rained on the way and I'm thinking that when we stop to camp I don't want to be washing a car just to use it. I'm hoping the bra will be a 'peel and drive' kinda thing.
The battery drain is something I've read about on this forum. The tail lights on my Smart are hooked up to the coach, so no drain there. I'm thinking those with the power steering (I think it is an electrical steering assist) may have a drain. I don't know really, but I'm watching it just in case.
We're taking a trip soon to the mountains and I'll let everyone know how it worked.
Have my Smart set up for towing (did it myself ) and have towed it twice for a total of 1600 miles with no problems, no front end wobble, no battery drain. I did set it up to use a bungee cord through the steering wheel, but haven't had to use any, and that's with the power steering option, and towing behind a 36' coach. I have started off turning, also with no problems, but in my mirrors i can see the Smart's wheels were not at that much of an angle. It tows great! AND it makes it look like my coach is SO MUCH BIGGER!!! That saved me a few hundred grand! Good luck with your Smart !
Tj
Behind our tag-axle coach the Cabrio will wag it's head like a rabid dog from a DEAD STRAIGHT FULL STOP. Almost EVERY TIME.
With even one wrap of a light bungee all is sweetness and light.
It's a MYSTERY !
We haven't used any sort of cover and the lil bugger gets FILTHY in the rain no doubt about it. I miss my garage coach sometimes for that reason... but not for too many other reasons....
...The battery drain is something I've read about on this forum. The tail lights on my Smart are hooked up to the coach, so no drain there. I'm thinking those with the power steering (I think it is an electrical steering assist) may have a drain. I don't know really, but I'm watching it just in case.
If the key is turned to the off position then there is no unusual power drain. It is the same as if you turn the car off and leave it for the night, except the transmission's in Neutral instead of Park. The only other difference is that you can't remove the key since the selector is not in the Park position.
Our first tow included setting the smart alarm off in the first 6 feet of tow. Have to shift to park, turn the key off, hit the alarm disable button, turn the key on, shift to neutral, turn the key off. Maybe this is why some have the battery disable switch. I'll put up with turning the alarm off, I really don't want to wire in the disconnect switch.
in the first 6 feet of tow. Have to shift to park, turn the key off, hit the alarm disable button, turn the key on, shift to neutral, turn the key off. Maybe this is why some have the battery disable switch. I'll put up with turning the alarm off, I really don't want to wire in the disconnect switch.
Today
Linear Mode
