Smart Car on Trailer

Johnandcarols · 09-02-2023, 04:13 PM

Hi! Been while since we've posted, but still going strong.

Finally this summer we decided to join the gang and tow our Smart Car. Actually, we are going to put it on a trailer, since ours is not towable alone. There is the question: We have found a perfect trailer, the Karavan 5x9 model. Only question we have is how do you know what the ramp capacity for the trailer is. Any ideas? I called to manufacturer but they are closed for the weekend, and the TSC Sale is over Monday evening! :-( I plan to secure the car to the trailer using ratchet straps through the wheels and wrapping them around the bed.

Maybe another question is this: The trailer comes with a 4 pin plug. The receptacle on the back of our 26' Freedom Elite is round. Is there an adapter that works for this?

Thanks...waiting for the smart folks to hop in!

John

**16ACE27** · 09-02-2023, 04:52 PM

Yes, there are 7 pin to 4 pin adapters - that's the good news.

Questions for you:

I assume you mean the 5.5 x 9 Karavan trailer?
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...75-00004-bt-fa

What year is your smart car and how much does it weigh? That trailer weighs 825 lb and has a GVWR or 2990 lb. That means your smart car can't weigh more than 2165 lbs but 2018 and above weigh over 2300 lbs empty.

Once you drive the car onto the trailer how are you going to get out with the doors blocked from opening by the trailer side rails?

IMHO that trailer is far from the "perfect trailer" for your smart car.

Johnandcarols · 09-02-2023, 05:12 PM

Thanks!! Our Smart Car weighs 1800 pounds so that’s ok. And the trailer we are looking at has foldable side rails so it’s a good way to get out.

**EA37TS** · 09-02-2023, 05:15 PM

Talk to the trailer manufacturer for the ramp capacity.

Those trailers are built for lawn mowers not cars.

HMCSW · 09-02-2023, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Yes, there are 7 pin to 4 pin adapters - that's the good news.

Questions for you:

I assume you mean the 5.5 x 9 Karavan trailer?
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...75-00004-bt-fa

What year is your smart car and how much does it weigh? That trailer weighs 825 lb and has a GVWR or 2990 lb. That means your smart car can't weigh more than 2165 lbs but 2018 and above weigh over 2300 lbs empty.

Once you drive the car onto the trailer how are you going to get out with the doors blocked from opening by the trailer side rails?

IMHO that trailer is far from the "perfect trailer" for your smart car.

Plus many states require trailer brakes based on weight. I would make sure on that. Also, I have a similar trailer and that ramp will not hold the car. Easy solution is remove it and use car ramps then replace the original or just leave it at home.

HMCSW · 09-02-2023, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Talk to the trailer manufacturer for the ramp capacity.

Those trailers are built for lawn mowers not cars.

Have you seen a smart car?? ;-)

**EA37TS** · 09-02-2023, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HMCSW

Have you seen a smart car?? ;-)

I’m not an idiot!

Have you ever owned one of those style trailers and looked at the ramp. Mine got grooves from the weight of a Toro zero turn and that’s less than 1/3 the smart of a Smart car.

**16ACE27** · 09-02-2023, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnandcarols

Thanks!! Our Smart Car weighs 1800 pounds so that’s ok. And the trailer we are looking at has foldable side rails so it’s a good way to get out.

So the last unresolved issue is loading. I have a similar TS trailer, 5x8, which I have used to carry my 500+ lb motorcycle. I had to beef up the center of the ramp with deck boards to handle the loading. You may be able to do the same thing with 2x6s at the appropriate wheel locations on that tail gate. They may also need to be braced in the center with some metal angle iron strips running horizontally. The tail gate as is would not be suitable for car loading.

HMCSW · 09-02-2023, 06:21 PM

43 states require the trailer to have brakes if total weight is 3,000 pound or more. CA,ID, OR and a couple others it is 1,500.

HMCSW · 09-02-2023, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA37TS

I’m not an idiot!

Have you ever owned one of those style trailers and looked at the ramp. Mine got grooves from the weight of a Toro zero turn and that’s less than 1/3 the smart of a Smart car.

Sorry, was a feeble attempt at a joke.

Johnandcarols · 09-02-2023, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

So the last unresolved issue is loading. I have a similar TS trailer, 5x8, which I have used to carry my 500+ lb motorcycle. I had to beef up the center of the ramp with deck boards to handle the loading. You may be able to do the same thing with 2x6s at the appropriate wheel locations on that tail gate. They may also need to be braced in the center with some metal angle iron strips running horizontally. The tail gate as is would not be suitable for car loading.

Thanks for some good info. Based on your comments and others, looks like a trailer with brakes is more appropriate. I’ll start that search now!!

Dry Yachtie · 09-06-2023, 06:34 PM

According to my search (PLEASE DO YOUR OWN) a Smart car can be flat towed. Therefore, you could tow it on a dolly that had electric brakes. A bit safer than on a trailer at its max capacity without brakes.

Just thinking out loud....

**16ACE27** · 09-06-2023, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dry Yachtie

According to my search (PLEASE DO YOUR OWN) a Smart car can be flat towed. Therefore, you could tow it on a dolly that had electric brakes. A bit safer than on a trailer at its max capacity without brakes.

Just thinking out loud....

SOME smart cars can be flat towed, but that is not the same as dolly towed.

herzog301@comcast.net · 09-06-2023, 08:40 PM

Glad my 2005 French Canadian Smart Car (99 inches, 1750 lbs) fits like a glove inside my Outlaw 29 H toy hauler. When it comes out down the ramp, the garage becomes our bedroom. Been all over the country with it, never a problem.

The Gritz Carlton · 09-06-2023, 09:07 PM

Get a 6x12. Trailers are much better than dollies. It will allow you to haul bikes, grills to special events, chairs, ladder more coolers...lots of stuff...in addition to the car. You can back up with a trailer.if you get jacked into a tight place.

Jimbo56 · 09-06-2023, 09:22 PM

I’ve got a 12 ft tandem axle trailer with a 10,000lb gvwr. I pulled it for 3 years with a 2099 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet. I also welded steel brackets to it so I could carry 2 kayaks above the car. Bike rack for 2 bikes on the front

Jimbo56 · 09-06-2023, 09:22 PM

I’m willing to sell it as I really don’t need it any more

10scDust · 09-12-2023, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herzog301@comcast.net

Glad my 2005 French Canadian Smart Car (99 inches, 1750 lbs) fits like a glove inside my Outlaw 29 H toy hauler. When it comes out down the ramp, the garage becomes our bedroom. Been all over the country with it, never a problem.

I wonder and have to ask:

Once the car is loaded into the RV's garage, what is it like getting out of the vehicle? Do you climb out the window, hit your head on the wall cabinets?

I know just getting off of my Harley, w/sidecar, is challenging for me, in our Outlaw 29H's garage.

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