Smart Cabrio in a Damon RV coach

[kannonvaggon]

We just returned home from spending July in the Door penninsula of Wisconsin. Good weather for the most part, but some typical summer storms which always seem to pop up right when I'm ready to head out for a nice dinner someplace.
Having the Cabrio with us again on this trip worked out real nice. My hack monkey is starting to get spoiled and likes to carry the Smart instead of the sidecar rig. She is a sissy, and doesn't like to show up at restaurant with " helmet hair " apparently.

We now have hauled the Smart on three trips without any problems. The car now has 3000 miles and is running better than when new and tight. I'm gettin a bit better at loading the car into the coach garage backwards. The first time was a bit of a challenge but at this point we seem to have it down pretty well and I can load up and be ready to go in just a few minutes without gettin all that sweaty and nasty in the process.

At least we don't get any mileage on the running gear while enroute, and no rock chips or road grunge. Givin up a proper master bedroom at least has SOME advantages ... The running gear would have ANOTHER 3000 miles on it if'n I was towing instead of toting.

The coach still hasn't shown any issues with carrying the load. It drives fine and the fuel " economy " doesn't change enough to to notice it if at all, versus carrying the sidecar rig. We are very pleased with the choice to try this little Smart Cabrio. It has worked out extremely well for us.

latertaters

[comegetmyrv]

Hey kannonvaggon, I'm glad I found your post because I've been thinking about purchasing a Smart Car to do the same thing with my Outlaws. They're the perfect match for each other (not to mention I'll be able to fulfill my boyhood dreams of being able to drive a car out a of "Rig" like a top secrete agent!).

However, I have several concerns/questions you may be able to answer. 1) The dealer said the max weight allowed in the garage is 15000 lbs, but the Smart Car is 1808lbs. Have you had any problems? 2) Does the weight of the SC doesn't damage the garage door or the little wood flap? 3) Does the car scrape as it goes into the garage at all?

I own an RV rental company in San Diego and recently acquired two Outlaws so I'm still learning about them--but I have to consider these options for insurance reasons and the safety of my renters. My plan is to provide [some type vehicle] with the Outlaw so people can drive around once they reach their destination to save on gas. I looked into electric cars by they can only be used in 25mph and under areas, but now I'm excited that you've done what I'm trying to do with the SC. PLEASE KEEP ME POSTED on how it works you...because I think I'm going to reserve a Smart Car tonight! Thanks again!

Al

[race911]

This is starting to become my idea in a few when we cash out of everything and head out to wander. My stacker trailer is fine for a sports racer and a production car, but it might be just better to have one race/track car in a regular enclosed trailer plus the smart.

[kannonvaggon]

The Outlaw works just fine with the Cabrio. The other models of Smart are a bit lighter, probably by almost 300lbs if your loading situation is tight.

BUT.... again, you need the WORKHORSE CHASSIS with the heavier loading ratings. Don't try this with the Ford I'm thinkin....

We have had no problems with the ramp or floor elements at all. The coach doesn't seem to mind having the car in back and actually drives just peachy.

Headin out again in a couple weeks to spend September on Percy Priest Lake in Tennesee and a bit at Dardanelle Lake in Arkansas hunting the wily walleye and do some touristy stuff around Nashville in the Cabrio.

Life is good.

[kannonvaggon]

I forgot to answer part of that.... ;-)

There are several variations in the coach chassis and GVW and capacities even within the several models of Outlaw coach from Damon. If you get the heavy-duty chassis option on the WORKHORSE chassis, then it will carry a Cabrio just fine. MOST of the Outlaw coaches will NOT meet the requirements according to the specification sheets. Check the details of a given coach, and make sure you load the coach within the specs as regards both total loading and also the balance.

If your coach has the 2500 lb garage load limit and a 1000lb per axle ramp weight limit and a garage length of 10.5 feet, then yer good to go ASSUMING you don't exceed the chassis axle load rating which is really a limit on the type of wheel used on the rear axle I'm thinkin. You may need to carry heavy baggage in the FRONT storage areas for balance.
On my own coach, I haven't run into any problems with either load limits or with balance with or without the Smart.

I'm just sayin..... There are several models of coach out there that will carry a Smart with ease. The SMALLEST of these is probably a Damon Outlaw on a heavy-duty Workhorse chassis. The large class-a DP side would be a Travel-Supreme ME garage coach which is in the 43' bracket. The " hauler " types of Super-C would be like a Haulmark, Concept Showhauler or such.. which will fall into the 49' bracket. The haulers are VERY NICE with a nice floor level master bedroom in front of the garage and have a side door to help with loading and such. Ya have to get the heavy-duty electric lift gate though. The Smart is too heavy for the standard 1600lb chain drive lift.

The Travel-Supreme is GREAT, but no longer in production. ( and expensive)

I love the Concept Showhauler with 12' garage and master bedroom... but it's just too freakin LONG to get into most nice campgrounds or parks. Nice for goin to the races or sumthin though... We'll keep the Damon until something better for the money comes along.

YMMV