Towing A 450 Four Wheels Down. Interesting Info.

[John & Angela 16]

Not to sure of the reliability of the info or if it has any credence but the following was posted on a UK website. A fellow RVer found the info.

UK website

"The Americans love towing a fleet of fuel efficient cars behind their 'gas guzzling' motorhomes, it wasn't long until the question appeared and the arguements began. Read on, this is the truth.

The smart manual states you should NOT tow for more than 30 miles at a maximum of 30mph they are just covering themselves as the manufacturer of the gearbox (Getrag) impose no such limits.

As long as you have the car in neutral (N) you can tow as far as you like up to the legal towing speed limit with no problems at all. You can tow front up or back up on a trailer or tow flat (all 4 wheels on the floor) with an A frame. With the ignition off, the mileage will not increase."

Comments????

[Wully 0]

Not to sure of the reliability of the info or if it has any credence but the following was posted on a UK website. A fellow RVer found the info. UK website"The Americans love towing a fleet of fuel efficient cars behind their 'gas guzzling' motorhomes, it wasn't long until the question appeared and the arguements began. Read on, this is the truth.The smart manual states you should NOT tow for more than 30 miles at a maximum of 30mph they are just covering themselves as the manufacturer of the gearbox (Getrag) impose no such limits.As long as you have the car in neutral (N) you can tow as far as you like up to the legal towing speed limit with no problems at all. You can tow front up or back up on a trailer or tow flat (all 4 wheels on the floor) with an A frame. With the ignition off, the mileage will not increase."Comments????

Does anybody have information on installing attachment points for the A Towing frame to a 2006 Diesel? I have been towing my Subaru behind my Itasca and possess all the gear required but need to connect to the Smarty.Bill

[MikeT 744]

I would say if the person who gave that advice will cover your costs in the event of a problem, it is good advice!

[John & Angela 16]

I would say if the person who gave that advice will cover your costs in the event of a problem, it is good advice!

[bilgladstone 13]

My only comment is that of all the people I have come across on the web in the last five years, there are a small handful whose opinions and hands-on technical expertise I would "take to the bank".And of those, the one with the longest experience with smart cars, breadth and depth of technical knowledge, and who has taken considerable time on each related subject to seek out the definitive answer from amongst his network of expert specialists, it is Kane - the man (and Phd) behind the Evilution smart car encyclopaedia - whose publications I regard most highly.IMHO/YMMV, of course.Bil

[Alex 21]

Even if it doesn't lead to severe early damage, you would still be putting wear on parts a lot more expensive than a trailer. All the suspension parts, tires, wheel bearings, tranny output and some internals. Handling is also better with a trailer. I don't like the idea of doing it as a regular practice, but good to know for unusual circumstances.

[John & Angela 16]

My only comment is that of all the people I have come across on the web in the last five years, there are a small handful whose opinions and hands-on technical expertise I would "take to the bank".And of those, the one with the longest experience with smart cars, breadth and depth of technical knowledge, and who has taken considerable time on each related subject to seek out the definitive answer from amongst his network of expert specialists, it is Kane - the man (and Phd) behind the Evilution smart car encyclopaedia - whose publications I regard most highly.IMHO/YMMV, of course.Bil

Thanks for your input and opinion. We are towing ours on a smart car trailer as I want to be able to back up but I routinely have people ask me if they are towable four down. I don't advise them either way except that I have seen them (450 CDIs) being towed 4 down. John

[bilgladstone 13]

Keep in mind as well that distances towed in the UK and EU are far less than in North America, as well as the quality of roadways. So their experience wrt wear-and-tear etc on smart "toads" may be significantly different than here.I'd probably go with a trailer like you, John, for the long haul.B

[John & Angela 16]

Keep in mind as well that distances towed in the UK and EU are far less than in North America, as well as the quality of roadways. So their experience wrt wear-and-tear etc on smart "toads" may be significantly different than here.I'd probably go with a trailer like you, John, for the long haul.B

We have towed enough vehicles behind our motorhomes to no that they also take a beating on the front end. 4 wheels down has its advantages but this time around we are towing on a smart car trailer. Thanks for the input

[waiting 0]

When coming back from a recent camping trip to Cypress Hills I was suprprised to see a motor home on the Trans Canada towing a Smart with all four wheels on the ground. I had always understood that you couldn't/shouldn't do that but this guy was. I guess at least some think it's okay.

[frank 0]

I just purchased a 2005 any more info available out there on towing 4 down?

[John & Angela 16]

The only new info I have is that another person has contacted me and informed that they have towed their 450 four down for a total of about 200 KM. I still tow on a trailer (which for me is a nice change from four down) and I am still reluctant to encourage anyone to tow their 450 four down as I JUST DON'T KNOW. Let us know what you decide and how it goes.

[frank 0]

The only new info I have is that another person has contacted me and informed that they have towed their 450 four down for a total of about 200 KM. I still tow on a trailer (which for me is a nice change from four down) and I am still reluctant to encourage anyone to tow their 450 four down as I JUST DON'T KNOW. Let us know what you decide and how it goes.

I have decided to take a chance and tow it 6 down I,m having the A arm installed tomorrow and will lrt you know what happens afterwards.

[tolsen 630]

I think towing a Smart on its four wheels is better for the wheel bearings. Extended shaking sitting on a trailer can cause fretting in the bearings.