Toad Vehicle...I’m so confused...help me please

[EdFla]

Originally Posted by Duckogram

I tow a 2011 Smart Fortwo. It has been to 48 States, over 30,000 miles towed.
It weighs 1,410 lbs, gets 40mpg (91 octane) and does not require a supplemental
braking system except in Manitoba Provence. It dinghy tows and my DW hooks it up
by herself in 5 minutes. We use a battery disconnect switch for safety. The lights are
wired to work off the coach plug. And the best part; When we go out to dinner with
friends, they drive!

Edit: New 2800QS tomorrow. Will tow Smart home.

Question is there anything else besides the battery disconnect involved with towing the Smart Car? I just bought one and looking for advice.

[Duckogram]

Originally Posted by EdFla

Question is there anything else besides the battery disconnect involved with towing the Smart Car? I just bought one and looking for advice.

The switch is the only add-on specified in the owners manual.

[CA Fisherman]

I tow a Smart Car. I installed a battery cutoff switch slightly under the dash on the passenger side so I can reach it while sitting in the driver seat preparing the Smart Car for towing. I elected to add a secondary braking system. Be sure to use a bungie cord to keep the steering wheel orientation correct while towing. Necessary due to the vehicles light weigh front end.

This is a link to a previous discussion of Smart Car four down towing
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-a-109666.html

[Duckogram]

I dont use a bungee. It’s not that I would not like to but I have the Pure which has a different steering wheel. So I put up with the steering “hunting” for straight. That only happens when you are turning sharp then the front wheels go through the transition of a driveway or damaged pavement on a sharp right turn. It’s very noticeable. All I have to do is stop. Then it straightens out when I restart. It can be a bit awkward in traffic.

[Gumpster808]

I would check the dinghy towing guide for your year smart car to verify. I read that the new ones are no longer towable 4 down.

[TNshawn]

Very frustrating finding a TOAD that can carry 7 people. The list is getting smaller and smaller. I saw one of the new Traverse and was disappointed to find it is no longer rated to be towed. I do not want to pull a full sized SUV but it is looking like that is becoming my only choice.

[ScottBrownstein]

Originally Posted by TNshawn

Very frustrating finding a TOAD that can carry 7 people. The list is getting smaller and smaller. I saw one of the new Traverse and was disappointed to find it is no longer rated to be towed. I do not want to pull a full sized SUV but it is looking like that is becoming my only choice.

I think you are right. We tow a 2013 Buick Enclave. Heavy, but comfortable for 7 even with bags. 2008 through 2017 Tow flat...but not the 2018 model!

[Duckogram]

Tow a 2 seater and let your buddy with the exxon valdez drive to dinner. Then you can partake in the festivities.

[DrJMB]

A friend tows a Flex. We tow a Miata...

[TNshawn]

Originally Posted by ScottBrownstein

I think you are right. We tow a 2013 Buick Enclave. Heavy, but comfortable for 7 even with bags. 2008 through 2017 Tow flat...but not the 2018 model!

I think the main problem with the new vehicles is the 6-9 speed transmissions they are starting to use for better MPG. They are not mfg to handle being towed.

[PenJoe]

Originally Posted by TNshawn

Very frustrating finding a TOAD that can carry 7 people. The list is getting smaller and smaller. I saw one of the new Traverse and was disappointed to find it is no longer rated to be towed. I do not want to pull a full sized SUV but it is looking like that is becoming my only choice.

You may want to search CL or other sites for good used with towable capability.
Example: we found our 3 yr old Jeep Liberty on Craigslist with 8.007 original miles. It was a true old lady story. She bought it new, then found out she couldn't drive any more. The car had everything we wanted along with the new car smell.

[lacrawgator]

Our toad is a 2014 Ford Edge. It is so comfortable and love using it as an everyday car. Easy set up too.

[johnlantz]

We tow a 2016 Jeep Compass behind our RV. It’s a manual transmission so nothing needs to be done other than put it in neutral. Beware, Jeep changed the transmission mid-year. The newer version of the compass can not be flat toad.

[Alan F]

I flat tow a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, automatic, 4X4. I already had the Jeep when I purchased the Forester; however, when it gives out, I will probably buy another. We love the Jeep. Great ride and versatile. Jeep has 170,000 miles on it, and has been towed 21,000 more. Recently took a 8,500 mile cross country trip with no TOAD problems. It has an electronic switch that disengages the transfer cases. Love it.

[Fishtexx]

We currently have a travel trailer, but if we do get a MH, i have this for our toad. This has been my hunting vehicle for the last 10 years, I love it! 1991 Suzuki Samurai.