[09PassionCoup]

I see a cute flip up aluminum trailer....now need a hitch. Monroe quoted $300 just labor, to install this Curt hitch......Smart fortwo is Curt trailer hitch # C11020. Since this vehicle is not supposed to be used to tow, the hitch is a Class I with a 1-1/4 inch receiver. Any accessories, such as bike racks or cargo carriers, will need to be compatible with a Class I trailer hitch.

Smart fortwo Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I ...
https://www.etrailer.com

 

[smark]

 

[jmartinsmart]

Jim in Hollister

 

[09PassionCoup]

Did you both use the Curt trailer hitch # C11020 ? I was told it is the only option for 09 Smart

 

[jmartinsmart]

I'd have to look back in my records, but I'm 99% sure that's what I installed.
Did it myself... a bit of a job, but can be done without a lift... I was on ramps.
I just used a 4-pin flat cable and left it coiled up in behind the side panel where you access the taillights from.

It was mostly for the custom bike rack that I made, but I did tow some lighter loads for some very short distances.
I wish there was a similar option from Curt for the 453, as I would do it again, for sure.

Jim

 

[mloganusda]

This is what I purchased from another SC owner that was selling his car and it was used for towing the car but also made to use as a trailer hitch. The maker I believe has gone out of business but could be made up using the rear eye bolts.

 

[09PassionCoup]

This is what I purchased from another SC owner that was selling his car and it was used for towing the car but also made to use as a trailer hitch. The maker I believe has gone out of business but could be made up using the rear eye bolts. View attachment 66598 View attachment 66599

yes looks like no contact on web for this company. Curt seems the only option. Now to find Reasonable price to install, Monroe was $300

 

[jmartinsmart]

Try a local U-Haul location. Many of them install hitches too.
The installation was not too hard. Only had to drill one new 1/2" hole and hog-out another existing.
They include a couple spiral wires that you spin onto the threads of the bolts you have to pull down through the boxed frame rails.
But that really makes things easy.
It took me a couple hours if I remember. The instructions claim 45 minutes for an experienced installer, and twice that for a novice.
I attached the install instructions in case you or anyone else hadn't seen them.

 

[Boomer_59]

I installed a CURT receiver hitch on my 2009 Pure model just last weekend. My motivation for the hitch, is for the installation of a folding spare tire mount. I doubt the SMART will become my towing vehicle. I purchased a new uninstalled hitch from a private seller on C-list for $105 including shipping. I installed the hitch by myself, in my driveway, with the rear of the car on a set of ramps. I also had to jack up the rear of the car, to drop the rear suspension, so the hitch would slide into place. There isn't enough clearance between the bumper, and suspension components without this step. This is NOT explained in the instructions. I used a hydraulic bottle jack , which I placed at the center of the suspension tube. As for special tools; you will need an E18 Torx socket to remove two frame fasteners. The instructions state you can use a 14mm 12 point socket, but I wouldn't advise it, as you will likely round off the fastener head, socket, or both. I purchased a set of 3/8 drive Torx sockets at Harbor Freight for $8. The most time consuming, and frustrating part of the install was drilling/grinding out two holes to fit the carriage bolts, and anti-rotation plates, for mounting the hitch. This required a drill, with a step bit, and a carbide grinding bit. Here I found the instructions wrong, as it stated the hole diameter needed to be 1/2" with a slot 1-1/8" wide. The hole diameter must be larger, to fit the head of the carriage bolts through. This step took a bit of trial-and-error, and time. I estimate the total time to install was 2-1/2 hours, but I'm slow and meticulous. My biggest problem, and complaint after the install is that the spacers included with the kit do not provide adequate spacing between the muffler, and hitch. I now have a loud annoying rattle when accelerating, from the muffler hitting the hitch. I will be installing universal spacers (flat washers), as needed. On the profanity scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this a 4. Nothing the wife hasn't heard before, but not appropriate in the presence of children. If you have moderate mechanical skills, time, and patience, you can do this. If not; you'll have to pay da' man.
Boomer59

 

[09PassionCoup]

y motivation for the hitch, is for the in

I installed a CURT receiver hitch on my 2009 Pure model just last weekend. My motivation for the hitch, is for the installation of a folding spare tire mount. I doubt the SMART will become my towing vehicle. I purchased a new uninstalled hitch from a private seller on C-list for $105 including shipping. I installed the hitch by myself, in my driveway, with the rear of the car on a set of ramps. I also had to jack up the rear of the car, to drop the rear suspension, so the hitch would slide into place. There isn't enough clearance between the bumper, and suspension components without this step. This is NOT explained in the instructions. I used a hydraulic bottle jack , which I placed at the center of the suspension tube. As for special tools; you will need an E18 Torx socket to remove two frame fasteners. The instructions state you can use a 14mm 12 point socket, but I wouldn't advise it, as you will likely round off the fastener head, socket, or both. I purchased a set of 3/8 drive Torx sockets at Harbor Freight for $8. The most time consuming, and frustrating part of the install was drilling/grinding out two holes to fit the carriage bolts, and anti-rotation plates, for mounting the hitch. This required a drill, with a step bit, and a carbide grinding bit. Here I found the instructions wrong, as it stated the hole diameter needed to be 1/2" with a slot 1-1/8" wide. The hole diameter must be larger, to fit the head of the carriage bolts through. This step took a bit of trial-and-error, and time. I estimate the total time to install was 2-1/2 hours, but I'm slow and meticulous. My biggest problem, and complaint after the install is that the spacers included with the kit do not provide adequate spacing between the muffler, and hitch. I now have a loud annoying rattle when accelerating, from the muffler hitting the hitch. I will be installing universal spacers (flat washers), as needed. On the profanity scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this a 4. Nothing the wife hasn't heard before, but not appropriate in the presence of children. If you have moderate mechanical skills, time, and patience, you can do this. If not; you'll have to pay da' man.
Boomer59

ty I'll have to pay 'da' man' A local shop quoted me $150 labor They are a U-Haul affiliate installer.

 

[09PassionCoup]

Try a local U-Haul location. Many of them install hitches too.
The installation was not too hard. Only had to drill one new 1/2" hole and hog-out another existing.
They include a couple spiral wires that you spin onto the threads of the bolts you have to pull down through the boxed frame rails.
But that really makes things easy.
It took me a couple hours if I remember. The instructions claim 45 minutes for an experienced installer, and twice that for a novice.
I attached the install instructions in case you or anyone else hadn't seen them.

Today UHaul shop quote $150 labor

 

[jmartinsmart]

Today UHaul shop quote $150 labor

Well... that's certainly better than $300.
Jim

 

[Boomer_59]

They'll be earning every penny of that $150. Having installed one, I wouldn't install another for $150 (and neither will they). 😮

 

[RDMaysJr]

I put one on my 2010; I use it to pull a 4x8 Harbor Freight folding trailer with 2 recumbent trikes (my wife's ICE QNT and my Greenspeed Magnum XL, they're a lot of fun to ride!) on it - it's easier to park the Smart & trailer than it is to park my F250 crew cab when we haul the trikes in that. With the trailer folded, it's shorter than the F250, and the ForTwo is much more maneuverable. I think it took me 2 to 3 hours to install the hitch and wiring harness, but there wasn't anything particularly difficult involved. And my wiring harness is just running from side to side under the rear carpet when it's not in use.

 

[Janko]

Spare tire folding DIY rack on 2014 ED ( now goner). Rack uses bumper frame tow hook inserts, w/two s-steel bolts to hold cross bar. Seen this idea for towing small super light trailer.
Have no need for this setup... ED replaced w/BMW I3.

 

[Janko]

Here are special bolts for such project, not cheap, threads cutter on these bolts are hard to find.
Not to mention these are Stainless steel. Do not overload that rear bumper bracket (under rear bumper skin) with your DIY projects.

 

[jmartinsmart]

Here are special bolts for such project, not cheap...

You know what? I've got a set of these somewhere from my 451.
I think I'll dig them up and put them in the For Sale section (along with the factory radio I have).
I used them to build a bicycle rack, but by themselves they couldn't handle the weight, that's why I ultimately installed the hitch. It made a bulletproof three point attachment that could hold a horse.

Jim

 

[Janko]

Had no issue with single bike, Novara bike ~ 35 lbs, rack worked fine. Problem surfaced trying to add rear tire DIY spare tire carrier to bike rack. Too much load on OEM weld on insert in rear bumper bracket.

 

[jmartinsmart]

I tried two bikes, but too heavy (especially when adding my wife's heavy steel beach cruiser):

So I installed the hitch and had some fabrication done:

I'll have to dig around my laptop when I get home (I'm at work) to see if I have a photo of the end result.
But you're right... the weak link is the weldment of the threaded insert at the bumper. Seems odd, as they consider that strong enough to pull the car up a flatbed tow truck.

Jim

 

[den458]

I self-installed the Curt hitch many years ago on my 2008 Cabrio, for using a bike rack.