towing backward!

[shop hermit]

has anyone investigated the possibility of 4-wheel-towing a Smart backward??? There are already two threaded holes there....are they sufficiently sturdy enough to be hitch points for a tow bar? Are there any reasons why you can't tow a car backwards as well as forwards? Maybe steering geometry is a factor if the car is going backwards....I don't know. I just read through the Blue Ox baseplate installation procedure and it sure would eliminate a lot of hassle if it's possible. How about it....some of you knoledgeable people out there....engineers and such....could this be a posssibility? Not trying to start a big argument...just thinking outside the box a little.

[forestacademy]

I would consider those tow hook holes for temporary emergency towing (out of a ditch) not for long haul towing.

Their are two tow bolt threads in the front two, but one is under cover and made for Right hand drive cars.

Stick with the Blue OX IMHO

[shop hermit]

I have to go to K.C. monday. I think I'll drop by the dealership and run it by them and get their reaction .

[John_H]

I'm disappointed nobody else has responded about reverse travel.

Keep in mind the alignment is designed to center the steering for a forward-traveling wheel; a turned wheel will try to return to center. A wheel in reverse will tend to try to swing out of the way, or at least that's my recollection.

Drive the Smart in reverse (in an empty lot without lamp posts nearby) and turn the wheel slightly. What happens? Does it return to center or does it diverge, wanting to turn more?

[Godfather]

10 X 6 trailer, pick your tow vehicle, but don't try backwards.........unless on the trailer.

[fortow]

Originally Posted by John_H

I'm disappointed nobody else has responded about reverse travel.

Keep in mind the alignment is designed to center the steering for a forward-traveling wheel; a turned wheel will try to return to center. A wheel in reverse will tend to try to swing out of the way, or at least that's my recollection.

...

You are absolutely correct. It is foolish to think that you could tow a car 4 wheels down backwards. It will be a disaster.
Cars that are towed backwards need the rear wheels lifted and the steering locked at center.
Also, the rear wheels will not turn if left on the ground so there will be considerable strain and wear on tires and other components.

Too much is being made of problems towing 4 wheels down. It is not a big issue at all. The precautions have been presented and they are simple to implement.

[Godfather]

Wow......... it only took me 14 words.....

[jimvw57]

Another possible problem would be the back window. it might not be designed to handle the forces generated from a higher speed wind, stones etc. like the windshield is.

There is mention somewhere on here about the tow hole threads being torn loose from the bumper by mounting a bike rack to them. as I recall, he ended up re-welding them and reinforcing the mounting on the bumper.

[sunnyokanagan]

DO NOT use the crashbar holes for towing! It's made of malleable aluminum and will NOT take the load.

[shop hermit]

Thanks for the input guys. I suspected the steering thing might be a problem. Looks like I'll just have to bite the bullet and invest a day or so to installing a Blue Ox base plate.