How much can the Smart pull?

John Deppong · 06-14-2008, 08:26 PM

Iam curious about how much the smart car can pull assuming you can get a hitch for it? I have a little utility trailer and just want to pull light stuff in the trailer?

marck · 06-18-2008, 06:29 AM

This is a very basic calculation to give you an idea of what you can tow.

Find the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GWVR). This is the max total of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, fluids, options, etc. It is usually located on the door pillar. Sorry, I don't have my smart yet, and I couldn't find it in a search. You can never exceed this rating!

Now, subtract the Base Curb Weight (BCW) from the GVWR. The BCW for the smart is just over 1600 lb. Whatever is left over is the weight you can tow.

I don't have information on the tongue weight. This is simply the force it takes to hold the tounge of the loaded trailer level. It should never be negative! I'd keep it to under 100#.

I have a friend that tows a small popup trailer with his Honda Gold Wing M/C. Seeing his setup, I would think a small trailer would be no problem for a smart.

Flashman · 06-18-2008, 06:32 AM

What I am wondering, is... can a smart flattow another smart, in order to achieve four seats?

marck · 06-18-2008, 06:37 AM

OK, I found a site that list a GVWR for the smart of 2,156 lb.

If this is correct,

2,156 lb - 1,600 lb = 556 lbs.

If you add a couple of 200# passengers, you are down to:

556 lbs - 400 lbs = 156 lbs.

Not very much!

I'm not the final authority on towing with a smart. These are just rough numbers. I'd like someone else to verify my calculation, but this should give you a VERY rough idea of what you can do.

Towing puts extra stress on the tires, wheels, brakes, transmission, frame, motor, etc.

Tow safe!

mike-in-sa · 06-18-2008, 08:12 AM

In another thread it was pointed out that in europe a smart is approved to tow 700#. I am going to test my new hitch I put on last night. The small flat trailer holds two motor scooters. Total weight is about 470#. Only took a couple of hours to put on the hitch, really easy.

wrumbarger · 06-18-2008, 08:16 AM

Howdy
from smartusa.com the weight specs are as follows

ECE weight without driver 1,808 lbs (cabriolet: 1,852 lbs)
ECE Payload 507 lbs (cabriolet: 463 lbs)
ECE permissible maximum weight 2,315 lbs

ladyguenivere · 06-18-2008, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike-in-sa

In another thread it was pointed out that in europe a smart is approved to tow 700#. I am going to test my new hitch I put on last night. The small flat trailer holds two motor scooters. Total weight is about 470#. Only took a couple of hours to put on the hitch, really easy.

Where did you get your hitch? Have you already posted pics? I would like one similar to the European ones - but those cost too much. I am not keen on putting holes in the back when there are already something to hook up to.

LadyG
still waiting, now hoping