How much can the Smart pull?

[MP3SMART]

What do you think the issue would be? Too much stress on the hitch? Can a modification be added to use the hitch and the tow hooks? 219 pounds doesn't seem like something that should be completely out of the question. You have me thinking about that Wheelie thread.

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by MP3SMART

What do you think the issue would be? Too much stress on the hitch? Can a modification be added to use the hitch and the tow hooks? 219 pounds doesn't seem like something that should be completely out of the question. You have me thinking about that Wheelie thread.

The wheelie is kind of what I was thinking. On my Class B (motorhome) forum there was talk of something similar and those guys brought up some good reasons (with math formulas to back them up) of why not to put that much weight at the very rear of a car.

While I don't think it would do a wheelie, the steering would be effected. 220 pounds at the very rear while the front axle weighs in at around 840 just seems like the the steering would take a hit. Now that is a dry weight, with you and occupants it would weigh in more. Now you have me second guessing myself. (I know there isn't an axle at the front, figure of speech for how much weight the tires are on a scale)

You almost have me thinking of sitting on a hitch basket and have someone drive me around to see what it is like. That'd be crazy though and here publicly on the forum I will say I don't do things like that.

[MP3SMART]

I think a mini trailer is probably a smarter choice for sure but I use to have a jet ski that I pulled with an Explorer Sport Trac and I hated the way trailer bounced on crappy roads.

[bigcritter]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

Yes, but I won't tow THAT much weight with a Smart. The max I'd even consider would be 1,000lbs.

Is this your rig?? I actually have a 17' Horizon Van that's real similar, and I was thinking of maybe getting an enclosed trailer to take my smartie along!! :>) How does this tow behind your van?? Any problems??

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by MP3SMART

I think a mini trailer is probably a smarter choice for sure but I use to have a jet ski that I pulled with an Explorer Sport Trac and I hated the way trailer bounced on crappy roads.

I think the mini trailer is a better idea. As mentioned earlier in this thread, a torsion suspension might help out some of that bounciness.

It was also brought to my attention that by having something that heavy attached to the rear of the car and lightening the front end substantially would effect the way the car reacts to crosswinds. Thanks jwight.

bigcritter - you guessed it, it was my old rig that I have since sold. Took it out on one trip, didn't like it so I stripped it of anything I found useful (generator and 3000 watt inverter) and sold it. It towed great with that cheapo utility trailer. I had the 360 and not the 318.

[a2jack]

I'm pulling about 400lbs with a tongue weight of 20lbs (with a full cooler).
The car hardly feels it. 400 mile round trip coming up tomorrow, some hills. I'll run gas mileage check and post how it's doing. A2Jack

[Karl Roth]

Could this be the cause of the mystery tire wear?
Things that make ya wonder
karl
Or would thot be one wonder

[SmartDigger]

I say no. The set up of the tires would be the cause of that. If that was true, our heavier drivers and riders would all see this issue. And, they are not.