When you’re out on the open road, part of the thrill for many of us is the flexibility to bring along another vehicle for those local jaunts 🚗. Smart cars have become a popular choice for flat towing behind RVs due to their compact size and ease of maneuvering.
Yes, you can flat-tow certain models of Smart cars, specifically the 2008 Smart Fortwo and the 2016-2017 Smart Fortwo models equipped with the twinamic Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission.
There’s nothing quite like effortlessly towing your Smart car to your next travel destination, setting up camp, and then exploring the local sights. With the right setup, the process is relatively straightforward. Our experiences, along with insights from fellow enthusiasts, confirm that when properly prepared, these lightweight vehicles make a great travel companion.
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Smart Car Flat-Towing Overview
Flat-towing a Smart Car 🚗, often referred to as dinghy towing, is a popular solution for RV enthusiasts. This compact car is exceptionally lightweight and easy to maneuver. However, there’s a specific procedure we must follow to flat-tow a Smart Car properly.
For those with a Smart Fortwo, we need to consider the transmission type. Manual transmissions are usually more straightforward. Automatics, on the other hand, require extra steps to ensure they don’t incur damage during the tow.
Steps for Flat-Towing a Smart Fortwo:
- Engage the parking brake.
- On automatic models, ensure the transmission is in neutral.
- Turn the ignition key to the first position to unlock the steering wheel.
- Connect the tow bar 🛠️.
- Attach the safety cables and check the connections.
It’s crucial to use a high-quality tow bar. We have found the Blue Ox tow bar to be reliable. Costs can add up, with setups ranging around $1000 to $2000, including installation.
We’ve had questions about battery requirements 🏁. A 7-pin connection might be necessary for some braking systems. Smart cars benefit from the Blue Ox Patriot braking system that works even when the battery switch is in disconnect mode.
Traveling with your Smart Car flat-towed behind your motorhome 🏞️ can make your trips more versatile. From maneuvering tight city streets to parking in spots RVs can’t fit, the Smart Car is a great companion for those who love to explore.
Questions about weight limits are common. This tiny car fits well within the limits for most RVs and motorhomes. Always double-check your RV’s towing capacity 🛠️ against the car’s weight.
By following these steps and precautions, flat-towing a Smart Car becomes a smooth, worry-free experience.
Preparing Your Smart Car for Flat Towing
Getting your Smart Car ready for flat towing involves a few essential steps, making sure to follow proper guidelines to prevent any damage and ensure safety. Let’s go over the most important aspects, from adhering to the owner’s manual to installing crucial components.
Following the Owner’s Manual Guidelines
First thing’s first: we need to follow the guidelines in our Smart Car owner’s manual. Even though specific models like the Smart Fortwo 451 and 453 have unique instructions, the basics are usually the same.
For instance, the manual mentions proper lubrication of the car’s drivetrain.
We should ensure all maintenance checks are up-to-date to avoid mechanical failures during the tow.
Ignoring these guidelines could lead to serious damage to the car.🔧
Battery Disconnect Switch Installation
The installation of a battery disconnect switch is vital. This is essential to prevent the battery from draining while the car is in tow.
Here’s what we do: install the disconnect switch on the negative battery terminal. This step helps in preserving battery life and ensures that our car’s electrical system remains off during the towing.
We might need a wiring kit to make the installation easier. This ensures that we don’t tamper with any existing systems in the vehicle. 🛠️
Supplemental Braking System
One crucial component for towing any car is the supplemental braking system. This system is especially handy and sometimes required by law, to control the Smart Car’s braking while being towed.
The supplemental braking system must be compatible with our Smart Car’s braking mechanics.
Many users opt for the Blue Ox Patriot system, which has gotten good reviews. This braking system integrates well with the existing brake systems, ensuring that we have smooth control even when the Smart Car is in motion. 🚨
Ensuring these systems are in place not only protects our Smart Car but also aids in the safe and efficient flat towing process.
Essential Towing Equipment and Accessories
When flat-towing a Smart car, it’s crucial to have the right equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. Below, we detail the key components you’ll need and vital safety measures to consider.
Choosing the Right Tow Bar
Selecting the appropriate tow bar is a fundamental step. Tow bars link your Smart car 🚗 to the towing vehicle, and it’s essential to choose one that matches your vehicle’s specifications. Blue Ox and Roadmaster are popular brands known for their reliability and sturdiness.
Pay attention to the tow bar’s mounting type and compatibility. Some models come with easily removable arms or “invisible” bracket designs, which can be a great fit for Smart cars. Ensure that the tow bar you choose has adequate towing capacity and is compatible with Quick Disconnects.
Safety Considerations
Safety should always be our top priority. First, we need sturdy safety cables. These cables act as a backup trail if the tow bar disconnects, providing an extra layer of security.
Proper chains and bungee cords to secure the Smart car are a necessity. Make sure to use safety-rated gear to prevent mishaps. Additionally, installing magnetic trailer lights ensures that other drivers can see the braking and turning signals clearly, which is crucial for highway safety.
Never compromise on quality when it comes to safety equipment. Inferior products can lead to accidents.
By ensuring that our towing setup includes robust and compatible gear, we can tow our Smart cars securely and efficiently.
Troubleshooting Common Flat Towing Issues
Flat towing our Smart Car can sometimes feel like we’re trying to unravel a complex puzzle. Let’s tackle some common issues and their solutions to keep our journey smooth.
Steering Wheel Wobble
Ever taken a corner and felt the front wheels wobble? We have too. It’s frustrating and a bit scary.
- Solution: Use bungee cords to secure the steering wheel. This trick often helps in keeping the wheels aligned, preventing that unnerving wobble.
Ignition and Neutral
Leaving the ignition in the wrong position can mess up the towing process.
- Tip 🔧: Ensure the ignition is turned to the correct position, and the car is in neutral before towing. This simple check can save us a lot of headaches.
Battery and Electrical Systems
Electrical issues can be a common snag in the towing process.
- Quick Fix: Disconnect the battery if necessary. A battery cut-off switch can be a handy addition to our setup. This might cost some extra, but it can prevent bigger issues.
Always check if modifications like battery disconnects affect our warranty.
Cost Factors
Towing equipment and modifications can add up quickly.
| Component | Approximate Cost |
| Tow Bar | $300 – $700 |
| Base Plate | $400 – $900 |
| Battery Cut-off Switch | $50 – $150 |
Safety First
Let’s stay safe by ensuring all connections are secure and double-checked.
- Pro Tip 🛠️: Regularly inspect tow bars and base plates for wear and tear. Safety first, always!
By addressing these common issues with our Smart Car flat towing, we’ll have a much smoother experience on the road.
We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked.
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