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Can A Smart Car Be Flat Towed Safely?
Yes, a Smart car can be flat towed safely, but it requires specific preparation and the correct equipment. Unlike many vehicles, Smart cars, particularly those with automatic transmissions, have unique driveline engagement considerations that must be addressed to prevent damage. Recreational vehicle towing, often referred to as dinghy towing or flat towing, involves attaching a towed vehicle directly to a motorhome or RV without the use of a trailer. This method offers convenience, allowing RVers to have a smaller vehicle for exploring once they reach their destination. However, not all cars are designed for this type of towing, and Smart cars present a particular challenge due to their powertrain.
Fathoming the Fundamentals of Flat Towing
Flat towing a vehicle means all four wheels are on the ground. This is the simplest method of towing as it doesn’t require a trailer. However, for this to be safe and prevent damage to the towed vehicle, its driveline must be disconnected or placed in a neutral state. This is where Smart cars, especially those with automatic transmissions, become complicated. Many automatic transmissions, when towed with the drive wheels still connected, can suffer severe internal damage due to the transmission pump not receiving lubrication or the gears being spun in an unintended manner.
Smart Car Drivetrain: A Closer Look
Smart cars are known for their compact size and innovative engineering. However, their powertrain, particularly the “Softip” or semi-automatic transmission found in many models, presents a unique challenge for flat towing. This transmission operates somewhat like an automated manual transmission, meaning it has a clutch that is actuated automatically. When you shift gears in a typical manual or automatic, a physical connection is made or broken within the transmission. In a Smart car’s semi-automatic, this process is automated.
The Heart of the Matter: Driveline Engagement
The primary concern when considering flat towing a Smart car is the driveline engagement. If the transmission and drive wheels are not properly disengaged from the engine, the rotation of the wheels while the engine is off can cause significant damage. For many automatic transmissions, this means the transmission needs to be shifted into neutral, and often the driveshaft needs to be disconnected. However, Smart cars’ unique transmission design complicates this.
Recreational Vehicle Towing and Smart Cars: The Compatibility Question
The ability to flat tow a Smart car depends heavily on the specific model and its transmission type.
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Manual Transmission Smart Cars: If your Smart car has a true manual transmission (often found in earlier models or as a less common option), flat towing is generally more straightforward. The procedure typically involves shifting the transmission into neutral, engaging the clutch (often by pressing the clutch pedal), and then securing the vehicle with a tow bar. The vehicle weight limits of the tow bar and RV must also be considered to ensure safe towing.
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Automatic/Semi-Automatic Transmission Smart Cars: This is where the complexity arises. Many Smart cars use a transmission that is best described as an automated manual. This system relies on hydraulic actuators to operate the clutch and shift gears. Simply putting the “gear selector” in “N” (Neutral) might not be enough to completely disengage the driveline. If the clutch remains partially engaged, or if the internal mechanisms are not isolated from the rotation of the wheels, damage can occur.
Deciphering the “Neutral” Position
What does “Neutral” really mean in a Smart car’s semi-automatic transmission when it comes to flat towing? It’s not as simple as in a traditional automatic. Some sources and manufacturers have historically advised against flat towing Smart cars with automatic transmissions altogether due to the risk of driveline damage. The concern is that even in “N,” the transmission’s internal components could still be subject to the rotational forces from the wheels, leading to wear or failure.
Towed Vehicle Setup: Essential Steps
If you are determined to flat tow a Smart car, meticulous towed vehicle setup is paramount. This isn’t a process to be rushed or taken lightly.
Crucial Preparations:
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: This is the absolute first and most important step. Your Smart car’s owner’s manual will contain specific instructions regarding towing. If it explicitly states that flat towing is not permitted, you must heed that warning.
- Transmission Procedure: If your manual permits flat towing, it will detail the exact procedure for the transmission. This might involve shifting into neutral, turning the ignition to a specific position (often accessory mode), and potentially performing other steps to ensure the driveline is fully disengaged.
- Steering Wheel Lock: For safe towing, the steering wheel must be unlocked. This usually means the ignition key needs to be in the accessory (ACC) or ON position, but the engine should not be running. This also often powers essential accessories like the supplemental braking system.
- Brake Activation: The Smart car’s brakes will need to be activated by a supplemental braking system. This system applies the towed vehicle’s brakes in sync with the RV’s brakes, which is crucial for safe stopping and to prevent excessive strain on the RV’s braking system.
- Lighting: Ensure all necessary lights on the towed Smart car are operational and synchronized with the RV’s lights. This typically requires an RV towing adapter and a wiring harness.
- Tow Bar and Safety Cables: Use a compatible tow bar designed for the weight of your Smart car and the towing capacity of your RV. Always connect safety cables between the RV and the Smart car. These cables are a critical safety measure in case of tow bar failure.
Tow Bar Compatibility and RV Towing Adapters
Selecting the correct tow bar and an appropriate RV towing adapter is vital. Not all tow bars are designed to accommodate the unique front-end design of a Smart car, which might require specific base plates or mounting brackets.
Key Considerations:
- Base Plate: A base plate is a custom-fit component that attaches directly to the Smart car’s frame, providing attachment points for the tow bar. Ensure the base plate is specifically designed for your Smart car model.
- Tow Bar Receiver: The tow bar connects to a receiver hitch on the RV. Ensure the RV’s hitch has sufficient towing capacity for the combined weight of the Smart car and any towing accessories.
- RV Towing Adapter: If the tow bar’s connection points don’t directly match the base plate, an RV towing adapter might be needed. These adapters come in various forms and can help bridge connection gaps or adjust height differences.
Supplemental Braking System: Non-Negotiable Safety
A supplemental braking system is absolutely essential for safely flat towing any vehicle, including a Smart car. This system works by activating the towed vehicle’s brakes when the RV brakes are applied.
Types of Systems:
- Proportional Braking Systems: These systems apply the towed vehicle’s brakes with the same force as the RV’s brakes.
- Simulated Pressure Braking Systems: These systems use air pressure or electric signals to simulate brake application.
- Breakaway System: Most supplemental braking systems include a breakaway system. If the towed vehicle becomes detached from the RV, the breakaway system automatically applies the towed vehicle’s brakes.
Vehicle Weight Limits: A Critical Safety Factor
Every tow bar, RV hitch, and RV itself has specific vehicle weight limits. It is imperative that the weight of your Smart car, along with the weight of the tow bar, base plate, and any other towing equipment, does not exceed these limits. Smart cars are known for their light weight, which is an advantage in towing, but you must still verify these limits to prevent accidents or equipment failure.
Transmission Protection: The Ultimate Goal
The primary goal of proper towed vehicle setup for a Smart car is transmission protection. If your Smart car has an automatic or semi-automatic transmission and the manufacturer does not explicitly approve flat towing, attempting to do so can lead to costly repairs or complete transmission failure.
Safeguarding the Drivetrain:
- Disconnecting the Drivetrain: In some vehicles, the solution is to physically disconnect the driveshaft. However, for many modern Smart cars, this is not a practical or recommended procedure for the average owner.
- Lubrication Issues: When a vehicle is flat towed, the transmission’s internal components, particularly the pump, might not receive the necessary lubrication if the engine is not running and the transmission is not in a specifically designed towing mode. This can lead to overheating and wear.
- Internal Gear Spinning: Even in neutral, certain gears or components within the transmission might still be in contact and spinning. Without proper lubrication or with incorrect engagement, this spinning can generate heat and damage.
The “Trailer vs. Flat Towing” Debate for Smart Cars
Given the complexities, some Smart car owners opt for trailer towing instead of flat towing.
- Trailer Towing: This involves placing the Smart car onto a trailer. While this requires more effort to load and unload the vehicle and takes up more space at campsites, it completely eliminates the concerns about driveline engagement and transmission protection. The trailer’s wheels bear the load, and the Smart car’s drivetrain is not engaged.
Can You Flat Tow All Smart Cars?
No, you cannot flat tow all Smart cars. The ability to flat tow is highly dependent on the specific model, year, and crucially, the type of transmission.
- Earlier Models with Manual Transmissions: Generally more amenable to flat towing, provided the correct procedures are followed.
- Later Models with Automated Manual Transmissions (Softip/AMT): These require extreme caution. Many manufacturers advise against flat towing these configurations. Always check your owner’s manual and consult with Smart service centers.
Alternatives to Flat Towing a Smart Car
If flat towing your Smart car is not recommended or feasible, consider these alternatives:
- Trailer Towing: As mentioned, using an open or enclosed trailer is a safe and reliable method.
- Dolly Towing: Some vehicles can be dolly towed, where the front wheels are lifted off the ground and the rear wheels are on the ground. However, this is rarely suitable for Smart cars due to their unique drivetrain and often front-wheel-drive configuration. Again, consult your manual.
- Enclosed Trailer: For maximum protection and convenience, an enclosed trailer can be used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q1: Can I flat tow my Smart Fortwo with an automatic transmission?
A1: It is generally not recommended to flat tow a Smart Fortwo with an automatic or semi-automatic transmission. Consult your owner’s manual and Smart service for definitive guidance. Damage can occur if not done correctly, and many models are not designed for it. -
Q2: What is the safest way to tow a Smart car with an RV?
A2: The safest method, especially for automatic transmission models, is to use a trailer. If flat towing is an option for your specific model, ensure you have the correct towed vehicle setup, a supplemental braking system, and follow all manufacturer guidelines precisely. -
Q3: Do I need a special tow bar for a Smart car?
A3: You will likely need a specific base plate designed for your Smart car model to safely attach a tow bar. Ensure the tow bar’s capacity matches the Smart car’s weight and your RV’s towing capacity. -
Q4: What happens if I flat tow my Smart car incorrectly?
A4: Incorrect flat towing can lead to severe damage to the transmission, drivetrain, and potentially other components. This can result in expensive repairs or the need for a complete transmission replacement. -
Q5: Does the ignition need to be on when flat towing a Smart car?
A5: Yes, typically the ignition needs to be in the “Accessory” (ACC) or “ON” position, but not running, to unlock the steering wheel and power the supplemental braking system. Check your owner’s manual for the exact procedure. -
Q6: What is “dinghy towing” a Smart car?
A6: “Dinghy towing” is another term for flat towing, where all four wheels of the towed vehicle are on the ground behind an RV. -
Q7: Are there any Smart car models that are explicitly approved for flat towing?
A7: While some older manual transmission models might have been more commonly flat towed, specific approval varies by year and model. Always refer to the official Smart owner’s manual or contact Smart customer support for the most accurate information for your particular vehicle.
In conclusion, while the allure of easily towing a Smart car behind an RV is strong, the technicalities of its powertrain, particularly the automated manual transmission in many models, demand careful consideration. Prioritizing the vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations and ensuring the correct towed vehicle setup with appropriate safety equipment like a supplemental braking system are non-negotiable. For many Smart car owners, trailer towing remains the most secure and worry-free method of transporting their vehicle behind a recreational vehicle.