Smart cars - using them, towing them

[Deleted member 9237]

I was looking at towing via A frame or trailer a few years ago. From memory the AA or RAC used to do a multi-language document in all European languages explaining that it was legal for a UK registered vehicle to tow with an A frame in Europe. Hope that helps.

Tried that to but still done no good.

 

[garwatts]

Well sir today is your lucky day i was fined in 2009 100 euros for towing on a Spanish road with an A frame.

As I said I still haven't met anyone who has.............

 

[Deleted member 2636]

Right, that's it; a trailer it is then. I have a spare twin axle trailer kicking about. It's got over-run brakes, fully galvanised and I was going to use it for a small boat.

 

[Deleted member 3011]

Need to also carefully consider the very hard-luck stories of a few who have flat-towed the smart car strictly (they thought) according to the instructions only to end up with a vehicle with a totally trashed transmission.

 

[winchman]

That explaines why I have seen a few for sale with no engine and gear box

 

[kenjones]

I wondered if anyone could give me some pointers on what to look out for? ie what model, obviously full service history if possible etc.

It's more the practical problems that one comes up against like is there a particular model to avoid.

If you talk to the Smart dealers they would have you believe there are no problems at all

I want a Smart to tow behind our Motorhome. I will be towing it on a Caratow A frame

I own a Smart 84 cabrio 2009 and I love driving it, especially with the top down, Surprisingly fast on acceleration and handles well. The suspension is a bit stiff on rough roads and speed bumps.Pre 2007 cars had smaller engines but were better on fuel economy. Avoid high mileage cars as repairs to worn turbos can be expensive
Whenever towing is mentioned it becomes clear that there will never be agreement between the trailer or A frame enthusiasts.
I was going to have an A frame fitted to mine but decided against as it can't be reversed and I also worried about the extra wear on the car.
I am also a member of The Smart Club (see link below). It is free to join and no annual fee. There is a wealth of good information available on line. Some insurance companies will allow a discount for being a club member.
Good luck
Ken


thesmartclub : the world's largest club for smart car owners and enthusiasts

 

[Admin]

I would like to add a couple of Smart car links as well.

Smart Mania - Smart Car Forums

Smaller but very friendly Smart community (that I run)

Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia

Kanes amazing Smart sites that tells you everything about smarts and how to fix them. If you have a Smart you need this site.

 

[Brian Magill]

Towing smart cars

I have just been reading the comments about A frames and towing on a trailer. I recall reading sometime back about towing a smart car and there was a speed limit and a distance limit due to the automatic gear box. It would be best checked out with smart car dealer, it may not apply to all smart cars but worth checking. Going from some of the postings it would appear some people have had problems. I know my own motorhome with an automatic gearbox has a speed and distance limit on towing.


Brian

 

[Deleted member 2636]

Again, thanks for the replies. The Evilution site has some interesting stuff on it