[Grammy]

Of everyone here that tows their Smart, who uses a supplemental brake system? What brand?

 

[Lowell]

Using a Roadmaster invisabrake, happy with it so far

 

[mloganusda]

Here in the next couple of weeks I will be installing my ReadyStop Break-away system to meet requirements for emergency stopping of Smart Car. I have towed my Smart several times without extra braking installed and had no problems stopping. On checking all states rules, under 2000# does not require extra brakes. I will be taking photos during installation for others to follow. To install, your remove the undercarriage to see where the cable will come out of the firewall. The whole front end must be removed to be able to locate where to mount the release button unit on a solid metal frame. Waiting for good weather and no rain to do the work myself.

MLogan
Smyrna, TN

 

[Grammy]

Its a lot of work taking the front end off these cars!

 

[Lowell]

I think there are states that require brake system over 1500 lbs.

 

[Grammy]

There are a few states that require brakes for anything being towed.

 

[mloganusda]

Breakaway System

Just finished my Ready Stop Breakaway install and have photos of what & how I did it. You removed the front clip and bottom pan. Run the cable thru the firewall to the front of the car. See photos attached.

MLogan
2014 Smart Car
Smyrna, TN

 

[mloganusda]

Breakaway System

Here are more photos of my install. I have even more photos that I can send to other members by email. Send me a PM for my email.

MLogan
2014 Smart Car
Smyrna, TN

 

[Grammy]

You show a picture of a power brake booster. I didn't think we had power brakes or steering.

 

[Smart Bob]

In the last photo on the right, the brake booster is to the left which looks like a large black drum. The arrow is pointing to the housing that surrounds the master cylinder and protects it from the elements.

 

[ManchVegas]

Just finished my Ready Stop Breakaway install and have photos of what & how I did it. You removed the front clip and bottom pan. Run the cable thru the firewall to the front of the car. See photos attached.

MLogan
2014 Smart Car
Smyrna, TN

The image of the car with the front clip removed is MY car that I posted to Flickr on July 28, 2011.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gotsmart/albums/72157631099285922

I don't mind people linking to images that I have posted online, but copying and presenting any as your own does not sit well with me.

 

[mloganusda]

Breakaway System

In all my experience the large drum is a vacuum assist for brakes. I did not see the vacuum hose running to this drum, must be hidden. The Smart Car uses a rack & pinion (R&P) steering system and (is not powered?). The R&P steering acts just like power assisted that does not need assistance.
On looking at photo, I am not sure if the r&p has an electric pump. My 2006 Mini Cooper had electric pump r&p steering.

MLogan
2014 Smart Car
Smyrna, TN

 

[mloganusda]

To ManchVegas; Sorry if you are upset. I apologize in not giving you credit for the photo. I was only using your photo as an illustration of what the front clip looks like removed. My car is silver and the rest of the photos are my own. I posted my photos for other members to review if they want to install an emergency brake system.
I removed your photos from my messages.

MLogan
2014 Passion
Smyrna, TN