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07-19-2019, 01:08 PM
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#21
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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07-19-2019, 07:36 PM
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#22
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 32A
State: Florida
Posts: 1,873
THOR #2829
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
The Missus and I kicked this around quite a bit yesterday afternoon.
(A quiet day in our office!  )
These little cars really do check off the boxes, in our list of important attributes; so we're moving forward on this front... 
We're going to sell our golf cart and "too-small" trailer (She figures that we've owned 100 trailers over the years...), and look for the right car and trailer combination.
This setup has really caught our eye:
The trailer is just large enough to safely do the job, and the overall package can easily be towed by our rig.
We thought about going "four-down"; but were "intimidated" by the new an unfamiliar (to us!) hardware that it required...  |
Of course they showed the easy part - driving up onto the trailer... Securing it is next step. Straps, chains, etc so it stays parked while bouncing down the road...
But looks like the perfect size for it!
__________________
Greg
Not yet retired...
Florida (Michigan transplant)
2014 Hurricane 32A
2000 Infinity (previous)
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07-19-2019, 08:40 PM
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#23
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 30.1
State: Colorado
Posts: 388
THOR #5190
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
We thought about going "four-down"; but were "intimidated" by the new an unfamiliar (to us!) hardware that it required... |
Bob
We tow a Jeep Cherokee 4 down and other than the setup cost, its pretty simple... sort of. I find the set with a trailer to be more scary.
First thing is to get a shop to install the baseplates and wiring to your toad's lights. We also have a battery charger installed near the battery that is powered by the coach. Bring money.
Our procedure is
- Move Jeep to behind the coach and get close enough that the tow bar can reach. DW has her own mysterious method for figuring out when I'm close enough. Success rate about 50%
- Hook up the tow bar to the base plate with the big pins (we keep a couple spare - See #3)
- Install locks on the pins. Some folks use just the locking pins that come with the tow bar, but there are stories about not so helpful idiotsl deciding its funny to pull the pins while you are at lunch Worse yet, some only pull one pin.
- Hook up Safety Cables.
- Plug in the connecting cable - 7 pin at the coach, 6 pin at the toad
- Run through the 11 step proess to get the Jeep Power Transfer Unit (a fancy word for an electronically controlled transfer case) into Neutral. Complexity depends upon your toad. The Jeep is probably as complex as it gets.
- Verify one more time that the parking brake is not set
- Set up the RViBrake 3 braking unit and test. Goes on the floor and clamps to the brake pedal.
- DW watches me pull ahead about 20 feet and makes sure the Jeep wheels are turning (one more verifiation that the parking brake isn't set)
- Away we go - remember to let DW back into the coach before leaving.
Unhooking is about the reverse. Takes about half the time that hookup does.
Whole hookup process actually takes about 5-10 minutes (half hour the first time) You can get brake systems that are permanently installed so you don't have to set up each time.
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Rick
2017 Thor ACE 30.1
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain
RVi Brake 3
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07-19-2019, 10:32 PM
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#24
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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You make the process seem less... daunting to a complete newbie! 
Thanks! I saved and printed copies of your VERY useful information!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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07-19-2019, 11:39 PM
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#25
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,326
THOR #7035
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If you're just gonna throw it on a trailer you might consider a Scion (Toyota) IQ at just a couple hundred pounds heavier than a third generation SmartFor2.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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07-20-2019, 11:25 AM
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#26
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Thanks for pointing this one out to me!
We'll take a peek at them...
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07-20-2019, 04:01 PM
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#27
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 KC's Big Box
State: Kansas
Posts: 2,171
THOR #3510
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
Perhaps I need to better explain my parameters...
We're in a Sprinter, with about 188 horses, and 325 lb/ft of torque...
car: the less chance I have to stuff them into something expensive. 
5. Lots of them are available for not much money.
Based upon these factors: we're investigating the Smart....
So how do drag one behind you? |
Hi Bob...I researched the Smart Car too. We thought we just needed something to scoot around in having set up camp. One of Rons concerns was...towing it 4 down, if possible, would be tire wear on those tiny tires...however, we thought about putting it in our 6x10 trailer....no...
I did learn...that, if I remember correctly, in 2009 they changed from gas to electric ...something to take into consideration if looking at them...
However, that is history now...as we opted for the older Jeep TJ...so we could take off on dirt roads etc if we wanted to. … and understanding, we are comparing apples and oranges when it comes to our Axis and your Sprinter.
In addition...I read Ricks step by step on hooking up his Jeep....
We, being seniors, were concerned about the procedure....our TJ is a considerably easier when it comes to the transfer case (manual transmission)...and surprisingly, we found the step by step hookup and precautions a person should take to make sure you are lined up correctly behind the rv....etc...it went well and is not a daunting as we thought it would be.
We just wish we were on the road right now !!!
Keep us posted !
__________________
Ron & Kay n KC too !
2001 Scamp 13'
'KC's Little Box'
Jeep Wrangler TJ
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07-20-2019, 04:24 PM
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#28
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,326
THOR #7035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vkb
Hi Bob...I researched the Smart Car too.
I did learn...that, if I remember correctly, in 2009 they changed from gas to electric
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Nope, they just added an electric model to the second generation line-up in Europe in 2009. Electric models didn't come to the USA until third generation in 2014.
Did you know the first generation had a .8 liter turbo diesel model?
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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07-20-2019, 04:43 PM
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#29
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 KC's Big Box
State: Kansas
Posts: 2,171
THOR #3510
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16ACE27
Nope, they just added an electric model to the second generation line-up in Europe in 2009. Electric models didn't come to the USA until third generation in 2014.
Did you know the first generation had a .8 liter turbo diesel model?
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NO !! I did not know that !! and thank you for the clarification !
__________________
Ron & Kay n KC too !
2001 Scamp 13'
'KC's Little Box'
Jeep Wrangler TJ
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07-20-2019, 10:23 PM
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#30
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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The last version of the gassers had an 1-3 turbo gas engine that was all of 900 cc...
My last two bikes were 1330 triples that were normally aspirited, and made about 25 more horsepower than tha! 
We've found a car, and have entered into the serious part of the "negotiations"... 
A 2016 Smart Passion with only 7400 miles on it.
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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07-25-2019, 01:31 PM
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#31
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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UPDATE: We found two possible other Smarts... and a different trailer!
Aluma's UTR12 is a bit wider, so the car's tires won't hang off it's sides... 
The two other Smarts are in a whole lot better shape, and cost about $5,000 less!
The both look identical, so we'll make a decision on which car today!
http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1564061501
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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07-25-2019, 08:15 PM
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#32
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 KC's Big Box
State: Kansas
Posts: 2,171
THOR #3510
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
UPDATE: We found two possible other Smarts... and a different trailer!
Aluma's UTR12 is a bit wider, so the car's tires won't hang off it's sides...
The two other Smarts are in a whole lot better shape, and cost about $5,000 less!
The both look identical, so we'll make a decision on which car today!
http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1564061501 |
when we were thinking about a SmartCar…...I really liked the
Cabriolet ! that thing as a semi convertible is cute !!
__________________
Ron & Kay n KC too !
2001 Scamp 13'
'KC's Little Box'
Jeep Wrangler TJ
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07-25-2019, 10:07 PM
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#33
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Believe it or not: I've never been a fan of convertibles...
(Although theses things DO make a really nice drop-top... )
The soft top is retracted, and the two side-beams for the roof just un-clip. 
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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07-27-2019, 06:26 PM
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#34
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Texas
Posts: 44
THOR #10043
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Our toad doubles as my daily commuter - it’s a tiny ‘08 Toyota Yaris that we’ve owned since new. I had a falcon tow set up installed right after we made our RV purchase (‘17 Windsport). The little car is so light, you hardly know it’s back there.
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07-27-2019, 06:29 PM
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#35
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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How about a picture of "Little Yari" in action?
(By the way: "Bumper" is about 44" shorter than "Yari".)
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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07-27-2019, 06:41 PM
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#36
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.2
State: Oregon
Posts: 272
THOR #6934
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Everyone I have talked to, that has a smart really like it. Personally I would trailer it, so much easier to back up. I would be concerned about getting parts in a few years, as I understand they quit the gas powered completely.
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07-27-2019, 07:53 PM
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#37
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Freedom Elite 28H
State: Georgia
Posts: 32
THOR #14365
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
The Missus can't drive a stick...  |
We are in the market for a toad and what we've learned is the only vehicle you can flat-tow that's an automatic is a Jeep. Good luck trying to find a reasonably priced one.
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07-27-2019, 08:13 PM
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#38
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Gemini 23TB
State: Georgia
Posts: 13
THOR #10886
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Bob, we recently bought a Sprinter Isata 3 and are pulling a Honda Fit automatic. 2013 is the newest you can flat tow so that’s what we got. 3000 + miles and its been easy so far. Check them out!
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07-27-2019, 08:30 PM
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#39
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Massachusetts
Posts: 1
THOR #14230
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New to RVing have Kia Soul behind 24 foot class c so far 8500 problem free towing with the Kia. Ours is 6 speed manual 2015. Four down with road master hitch
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07-27-2019, 08:34 PM
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#40
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 29M
State: British Columbia
Posts: 22
THOR #10751
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Our Smart experience
Soooo I have a 2010 Smart Convertible automatic. We flat tow it with Blue Ox equipment (RoadMaster was an option but the BLue Ox was a slightly easier install.) We absolutely love the set up. Under 2000lb we don’t even know it’s there behind our 2018 Thor Hurricane. It is a small car but great for my wife and I and our 2 Bostons. We do our Costco runs, excursions, etc... without issue. Easy to park at RV sites, great on gas... I can go on! I also use it as my commuter vehicle on occasion.
Feel free to ask me any further questions!
Rob
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