towing a smart car

[Papa lazaroo]

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone has any tips or advice on towing a smart car with a motorhome?

 

[Spriddler]

My son towed an automatic Smart Cabrio with his 2018 Chausson Welcome 530 without any problem but has just changed it for a brand new Smart with manual transmission. He said that before towing the new auto models they require a lot of 'faffing about'. I did't ask him what the faffing about was.

 

[The Dotties]

My son towed an automatic Smart Cabrio with his 2018 Chausson Welcome 530 without any problem but has just changed it for a brand new Smart with manual transmission. He said that before towing the new auto models they require a lot of 'faffing about'. I did't ask him what the faffing about was.

If your son has a new (smart 453) with a manual 5speed gearbox IT CANNOT BE TOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
The only exception is up to 3 miles at a max speed of 25 mph.
The 453 auto can be towed after adjustments have been made. Not as straightforward as the earlier models but doable.

 

[Spriddler]

Thanks The Dotties It was just a brief 'by the way' comment from him in general conversation without any detail except that the new one is a manual. I'll check next time we speak.

 

[Ninjabob]

Buy one of the pretty (451) models before the (453) "Uglylift" models came in .

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[The Dotties]

Buy one of the pretty (451) models before the (453) "Uglylift" models came in .

I want to take exception to that remark!

But Im forced to agree

 

[tonyidle]

I want to take exception to that remark!

But Im forced to agree

I'd accept any state of ugliness to get rid of the horrible robotic gearbox. Our 453 has the DSG box which is brilliant.

 

[The Dotties]

I'd accept any state of ugliness to get rid of the horrible robotic gearbox. Our 453 has the DSG box which is brilliant.

Definitely agree on that. just a shame they have become that bit heavier and bigger, but yes, a lot more comfy

 

[fat haggis]

My little 452 tow car saved my life after the engine decided it didn’t like me anymore I was driving it on a narrow Scottish road.

 

[Spriddler]

I'd accept any state of ugliness to get rid of the horrible robotic gearbox. Our 453 has the DSG box which is brilliant.

For six weeks I had a Citroen Cactus with a robotic gearbox and four of those were spent looking for something to replace it.
A complete failure in design and practicality. A seven year old could do better with a Meccano set.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Gaston aires]

We have had a Smart for two passion for years now and frequently tow it behind our van with an A frame ( tow a car). It is easy to tow and has never been a problem. It’s 10 years old now and has never missed a beat.
I would recommend it to anyone.
Phil

 

[Bailey58]

My little 452 tow car saved my life after the engine decided it didn’t like me anymore I was driving it on a narrow Scottish road. View attachment 495018View attachment 495019View attachment 495020

A good panel beater would soon get that back on the road.

 

[tonyidle]

We have had a Smart for two passion for years now and frequently tow it behind our van with an A frame ( tow a car). It is easy to tow and has never been a problem. It’s 10 years old now and has never missed a beat.
I would recommend it to anyone.
Phil

We've had three now. Not a single problem with any of them. None bought new.

 

[fat haggis]

A good panel beater would soon get that back on the road.

What’s his name Jesus. I thought he was a carpenter

 

[Wikky]

We have had a Smart for two passion for years now and frequently tow it behind our van with an A frame ( tow a car). It is easy to tow and has never been a problem. It’s 10 years old now and has never missed a beat.
I would recommend it to anyone.
Phil

I've just bought a 2005 Smart for two passion. I want to get an A-frame installed on it. When towing it I presume it needs to be in neutral but does the key need to be installed and turned to position 1?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Ninjabob]

No there is no need for the key but you must make absolutely sure the car has gone into neutral otherwise catastrophic damage can occur to the gearbox. Ensure your foot is on the brake when you put it into neutral and rock or move the car forward towards the towbar to make sure it really is in neutral.

 

[Gaston aires]

I've just bought a 2005 Smart for two passion. I want to get an A-frame installed on it. When towing it I presume it needs to be in neutral but does the key need to be installed and turned to position 1?

It needs the key to be in pos 1 to unlock the steering lock.
Phil

 

[Ninjabob]

It needs the key to be in pos 1 to unlock the steering lock.
Phil

Only the new 453 (2014 onwards) have any kind of steering lock.

 

[Gaston aires]

Only the new 453 (2014 onwards) have as any kind of steering lock.

Ours is a 2011 passion model and has one.

 

[Ninjabob]

Ours is a 2011 passion model and has one.

Really - ours is a 2012 Passion Cabrio and that definitely does not have a steering lock. You can lock the car in reverse.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Gaston aires]

Really - ours is a 2012 Passion Cabrio and that definitely does not have a steering lock. You can lock the car in reverse.

When we get home I’m going to look into this for my own gratification.
Phil

 

[Wikky]

Ours being a 2005 doesn't have a steering lock as the key is next to the gear stick. The gear stick cannot be moved unless the key is in position 1. I suppose it relies on the aforementioned and the immobiliser fir security.
It seems the 451 model has some changes from my 450 model.
Thank you v much for your replies.