Should one haul the Smart in PARK ?

[kannonvaggon]

OK, I've got a quick question....

When hauling a Smart, on a flatbead or enclosed trailer or in an RV or whatever:

Should one tie down the bugger and leave the gearbox in PARK... or would it be better to have it in NEUTRAL and just let the handbrake help keep it in place along with the tie-downs??

Just wondering on this gearbox if the Parking dogs in the transmission might not like the wear and tear of either being pulled on by the straps or the shaking and stuff goin on back there....

Talk amongst yerselves....

[jwight]

The owner's manual makes it pretty clear "P" in this transmission is not like "P" in a real automatic; it strongly recommends using the parking brake to keep the car in place when parked.

[Dunerunner]

Originally Posted by kannonvaggon

Should one tie down the bugger and leave the gearbox in PARK... or would it be better to have it in NEUTRAL and just let the handbrake help keep it in place along with the tie-downs??

I would bet that when shipped by truck to the dealer, they are in 'Park' with the hand brake applied.

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by jwight

The owner's manual makes it pretty clear "P" in this transmission is not like "P" in a real automatic; it strongly recommends using the parking brake to keep the car in place when parked.

most cars with "real" make the same request. Pretty much all the cars out there with manuals as well all ask you to set the parking brake when you park.
A car on a trailer should only be moving around on the suspension not rolling around at all. Hope that helps
karl

[kannonvaggon]

I think I'm gonna start using neutral and set the brake. I just don't like the idea of the thing maybe nibbling at the pawl in park.

I will be hauling the Smart on most long trips, in the garage of our motorhome. It should arrive at each destination relaxed and ready to go exploring... A good attitude is very important ....

Now I have to figure out a rack for the Port-A-Bote ...

I don't wish to " camp " without having all the proper toys handy...

[BigWarpGuy]

Originally Posted by jwight

The owner's manual makes it pretty clear "P" in this transmission is not like "P" in a real automatic; it strongly recommends using the parking brake to keep the car in place when parked.

I had not been using the parking brake but see the above makes me use it in the future. Thank you for the information.

[smartcarpurchaser]

While my 4 year old child was seated in her carseat, in the passenger side of course, with her seatbelt, she put down the handbrake and the car started to move on its own, increasing in speed until it hit an object. All the while I watched a few feet away and ran to her trying to open her door to pull her out. The key was never in the ignition, and it was placed into the park position.