Trailer Hitch ----- News Flash

[KP4 smart]

Here's the link to download the installation instructions (sorry -- link removed... see next post from donnyonee) for the new U-Haul/Curt hitch for the 451 smart.

I hope someone with previous mounting experience can shed some light on this different approach. The rep at Curt Manufacturing knew about the smart hitch, but couldn't believe they had gone ahead and designed a class 1 hitch. She warned me no to exceed the capacity and reminded me that the tongue weight was only 100 pounds.

[donnyonee]

why do you have to have all that stuff with the download? personally i wont look. keep it for yourself.

[wrumbarger]

Howdy all
Could someone download the u-haul/curt installation pdf to the gallery?
I was looking at it last night (at home) but now I am at work and can't get the link ($#%^$* blocking software)?

[wrumbarger]

Howdy all
I called Curt Hitches and they sent me a copy of the install instructions.

Anybody know how to post a jpg in the gallery (or save it to the forum somehow)?

[sheureka]

I just uploaded the instructions - Hitch Installation - uHaul hitch installation instructions. Smart Car of America Gallery - sheureka

[delcabrio]

Does the hitch receiver emerge below the rear valence?

That seems a bit low relative to the hitch configurations where folks were taking the receiver out through a hole cut in the top of the rear valence.

I've been eagerly following the hitch threads, since I'd just like to mount a bike rack, and I can't see getting over a speed bump with something mounted that low.

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by delcabrio

Does the hitch receiver emerge below the rear valence?

That seems a bit low relative to the hitch configurations where folks were taking the receiver out through a hole cut in the top of the rear valence.

I've been eagerly following the hitch threads, since I'd just like to mount a bike rack, and I can't see getting over a speed bump with something mounted that low.

The smart bike rack is available from your dealer, it mounts in the tow holes. You need the "base" and the bike rack. You can always check with Paul at smartcenterroundrock .

[delcabrio]

The smart bike rack is available from your dealer,

Not at Smart Center, Devon PA... and not at roundrock either since...

You need the "base" and the bike rack.

...which is the rub, since the "base" is not available. Why he's selling the bike rack to go onto a non-existent part is something of a mystery.

With a reasonably-priced trailer hitch, then I can justify buying a good hitch-mounted bike rack which can be used on other vehicles, instead of dropping $XXX for a rack which will only go on this car, to carry a $300 bicycle.

(on edit, make that $XXXX for a bike rack, since the lowest I've seen for the Smart rack config for two bikes is $1280)

[nonuro]

OK, I give up!!!!!!! I just got off the phone with U-Haul. The hitch they are selling for the smart car is approx. $270.00 installed.Fine, that is reasonable,the problem is the receiver is round not square as is shown in the install guide. All I want is a bike rack that costs less then 2 new crappy leave'm outside bikes! Everything I find that mounts solidly is $600+. I don't know if I can truely trust a strap on rack for a 300 mile drive on some of the 2 lane highways I'll be on. There are going to be some serious dips and crowns that are going to give the little bugger a jolt and I don't want to risk popping out the back window when the nearest dealer is 250 miles away.
Ok, I'm done ranting.

[scdaf]

Originally Posted by nonuro

OK, I give up!!!!!!! I just got off the phone with U-Haul. The hitch they are selling for the smart car is approx. $270.00 installed.Fine, that is reasonable,the problem is the receiver is round not square as is shown in the install guide. All I want is a bike rack that costs less then 2 new crappy leave'm outside bikes! Everything I find that mounts solidly is $600+. I don't know if I can truely trust a strap on rack for a 300 mile drive on some of the 2 lane highways I'll be on. There are going to be some serious dips and crowns that are going to give the little bugger a jolt and I don't want to risk popping out the back window when the nearest dealer is 250 miles away.
Ok, I'm done ranting.

Don't know who you talked with at U-Haul but they SHOULD have told you the cross tube of the hitch is round tube which looks more stylish, but the receiver tube is 1 1/4" square, fitting all accessories designed for this hitch size.

To answer a question farther up the thread: the receiver does exit just below the valance, but is designed to be used with an up swept ball mount. (only applies if you are using the hitch for towing, as opposed to accessory carrying)