Forum Discussion

RustyMacIntosh's avatar
RustyMacIntosh
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2020

Towing or packing a Smart Car on the back of a Class A

OK, I bought a Smart Car. Love it actually. Hella a gocart that haul ass.

Three ideas being floated on how to pack this baby. Either, build a rack for the back of my Class A--glorified handicapped scooter type carrier that connects to the hitch, etc.

The Smart weights about 1800.

A trailer. I looked at Lowes. Since the Smart weights about 1800, and is about 5x8ish, a 6x9 or so flatbed type would work. Maybe.

Or tow bar. Roadmaster builds for about $400 a setup that mounts to the subframe of the front of the Smart. I'd then have to buy the tow bar setup, but that is extra.

My inclination is to build a rack. Such as in this picture that is attached.



https://imgur.com/f9b08Wb
  • Seattle_Steve's avatar
    Seattle_Steve
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2020
    I considered it at one point. Kendon makes a trailer specifically for the Smart car that can be stood on end to take up less space when not being used.
  • RedRollingRoadb's avatar
    RedRollingRoadb
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2020
    The 106" length to the Smart Car loaded like the picture would be over width. Standard is 102".
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 14, 2020
    valhalla360 wrote:
    A dolly or swivel wheel trailer would likely make more sense and be a heck of a lot cheaper.
    I was wondering about the swivel wheel cost comparison considering it was a DIY project.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jun 14, 2020
    Is there a way to test 2000 pounds on the very rear of your MH? Otherwise a smart car is an interesting idea.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jun 14, 2020
    What's the Class A and how much excess payload do you have? CoG for 1800lb 15ft behind the rear axle might add 3000lb to the rear axle(s). Plus a lift for something that big is going to be at least a few hundred pounds more.

    If you have a big bus based diesel pusher with 2 rear axles, that might be viable. If you have a lower end gas MH with a single rear axle, that gets iffy.

    A dolly or swivel wheel trailer would likely make more sense and be a heck of a lot cheaper.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 14, 2020
    Did you consider a swivel wheel dolly which would place most of the weight on the dolly wheels?

    Just curious but nice job!
  • ferndaleflyer's avatar
    ferndaleflyer
    Explorer III
    Jun 14, 2020
    Dolly is a lot simpler than a trailer and since smart is so light you don't need brakes on the dolly
  • RustyMacIntosh's avatar
    RustyMacIntosh
    Explorer II
    Jun 14, 2020
    I looked at ToyHaulers (or am looking at ToyHaulers) since I upgraded my Suburban to an Excursion V-10, but the motorhome, I think its best to buy a Lowes trailer...some of the other stuff I saw online is pushing 5-8grand for a platform.
  • ferndaleflyer's avatar
    ferndaleflyer
    Explorer III
    Jun 14, 2020
    I have had a Smart since 2014 and have towed it all over the country on a dolly. This works for me as I can also tow our Honda CRV or DWs Camry if I choose. Last year I bought a Featherlite trailer so I can now take our Mercedes or F-150. You will never know the Smart is there unless you look. I originally bought the Smart to take with me to the Drag Races because it fits in the same space in my 32ft enclosed trailer as a golf cart and unlike the golf cart has a/c and tags so I can drive it to town if I wish.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,103 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 21, 2025