Forum Discussion

Goldencrazy's avatar
Goldencrazy
Explorer
Dec 06, 2016

2016 Smart Car towing setup

I have been practicing going through the routine of getting the transmission set to tow. By placing the selector in mannual and holding the down shift lever until it reaches 6 and then disconnecting the battery using the pressure switch I had installed it is set to tow. The base plate from Blue OX is installed and lights wired. On Thursday I will connect to motorhome and take it for a nice test drive. The pegs are about 17 inches wider than my 2009 and three inches higher. The three inches should get me to nearly level which is nice as I use a 10 inch drop and am within three inches on the 2009. I expect the bid wider stance of the connection will produce a bit more stability although that has not been an issue with me. For those thinking about a Smart the new one has really improved in many ways. The ride is so much better and I do like the great HP which makes it very zippy.
Class A
  • Goldencrazy's avatar
    Goldencrazy
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2016
    nice there are so many options. I like the Smart for running around town and parking. The new one is great to drive. I also considered the Fiat as many have praised them but we really wanted to stay with automatic if possible
  • Jim's avatar
    Jim
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2016
    I like the reasoning for having a smart car, but I use my sedan to carry my spare 22.5" tire. :)

    I prefer this Saturn to carry the tire & lots of extra stuff for my RV.



    Great thing is that it's been designed for towing so just hook it up, turn on the key, step on the brake, put it in NEU, and off I go. Gets 34 MPG too. Tows like it's not even there.
  • John___Angela's avatar
    John___Angela
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2016
    RWjSIM2003 wrote:
    For the cost of a Smart Car we were able to get a new Kia Soul with Manual Trans. More room and less cost than a Smart Car and you can hardly tell it is back there. Soul also has more Ground clearance so no dragging the front spoiler.


    Yah.... but its not a smart car. :)



    Just kidding. KIA did a nice job of the soul. We looked at the Soul EV before we bought our Nissan Leaf. Nice car and functional.
  • RWjSIM2003's avatar
    RWjSIM2003
    Explorer
    Dec 07, 2016
    For the cost of a Smart Car we were able to get a new Kia Soul with Manual Trans. More room and less cost than a Smart Car and you can hardly tell it is back there. Soul also has more Ground clearance so no dragging the front spoiler.
  • crasster's avatar
    crasster
    Explorer II
    Dec 07, 2016
    I've looked at a Smart to tow behind the bounder. It seemed "like a lot more to remember" due to the process to get it to tow. I went with a standard shift Toyota Yaris hatchback and LOVE it. Can't even feel it back there.
  • fpresto's avatar
    fpresto
    Explorer
    Dec 07, 2016
    jrpend wrote:
    When I called Mercedes and asked, they told me that it could not be towed.

    Mercedes has recently released instructions on towing the 2016 Smart Link. Note this only applies to the Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission (DCT). The standard 5-speed manual transmission and smart electric coupes and cabrios are not approved for flat-towing."
  • jrpend's avatar
    jrpend
    Explorer
    Dec 07, 2016
    I have a 2013 Smart and I'm very interested in your review. When I called Mercedes and asked, they told me that it could not be towed.

    We love our smart, but its getting quite a few miles on it.

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