Flat Tow ?? YES!!!

[Evilution]

OK, the only thing you should be concerned about is getting a decent fixing for your flat towing rig. An A bar frame would be ideal but there is only 1 fixing point on the front of the car.

Put the car into neutral so it shows N on the dash and remove the key. The car will stay in neutral and roll quite easily. There is no fluid pump in the transmission it just runs through a pool of fluid.

The new transmission is a 1x5, the old one was a 2x3 but this makes no difference.
Smart decided on the speed limit and range but I have contacted Getrag (the maker of the gearbox) and they said they imposed no such restrictions and said that towing is fine for unlimited mileage at legal towing speeds.

Anyway, don't tow it, drive it. Get the other half to drive the big vehicle.

[Lgaruti]

This may be of some help. The Smart USA website under the FAQ states:Can I tow my smart fortwo?
The smart fortwo is designed to be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. Your smart center can assist you with the procedures to allow for flat towing. In addition, the car can be carried on a flat bed.

http://smartusa.com/smart-car-faq.aspx

[Dave777]

Originally Posted by Lgaruti

This may be of some help. The Smart USA website under the FAQ states:Can I tow my smart fortwo?
The smart fortwo is designed to be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. Your smart center can assist you with the procedures to allow for flat towing. In addition, the car can be carried on a flat bed.

http://smartusa.com/smart-car-faq.aspx

If that doesn't end this debate, I don't know what will.

[smokey]

I have talked to Roadmaster and Blue Ox and both told me that they weren't. A smart representive told me that Smart wasn't. You gotta have a towbar and base plate before you can tow.

[dmwery]

Originally Posted by smokey

I have talked to Roadmaster and Blue Ox and both told me that they weren't. A smart representive told me that Smart wasn't. You gotta have a towbar and base plate before you can tow.

Blue Ox shows a base plate on their website (blueox.us).
Go to base plate, search Mercedes 2008, and the part number link brings up the installation guide. Nifty surgery required.

{Sorry I can't post the link with <3 posts.}

[24-42]

Originally Posted by dmwery

Blue Ox shows a base plate on their website (blueox.us).
Go to base plate, search Mercedes 2008, and the part number link brings up the installation guide. Nifty surgery required.

{Sorry I can't post the link with <3 posts.}

The Blue Ox baseplate, part #BX1983 (For the 451, dont know abour the 450)
The wiring kit, part # BX8848

[smokey]

Why does Blue Ox list the base plate under Mercedes and then when you call up #BX 1983 the instructions says for a Chrysler Smart Car? I don't see the connection.

[wa6cmj]

Hey RVers, just got a message from Blue Ox that they have added a towing baseplate to their product line for the 2008 smart car. It is part number BX1983, and full installation instructions, with many explicit photos, are on their website.

I am not affiliated with them and cannot vouch for the product, but it is a good sign! If only there will be a smart car under my christmas tree in December!!!

Bill in San Angelo TX
2008 Winnebago View

[wa6cmj]

Sorry readers,
Didn't read the whole thread before posting. This is my first Forum to participate in. I'll learn!

Bill, #....1150 and waiting.

[dmwery]

Originally Posted by smokey

Why does Blue Ox list the base plate under Mercedes and then when you call up #BX 1983 the instructions says for a Chrysler Smart Car? I don't see the connection.

Well, it is neither a Mercedes nor a Chrysler. It's not surprising they don't know what it should be called, since there is no advertising to the general public. At least the pictures show they have the right model!