Smart Cars Forums

coryton

Hi all,

As I am new here please be patient!

I have seen many arguments and comments about towing Smart cars (I know "not that old chestnut again" you are thinking). My wife and I are buying a new one anyway, mainly due to the cost of motoring.
However, it would be useful to tow behind my Autotrail Cheyenne. The dealers have told me there is no reason whatsoever for not towing a smart car. It must be in neutral and the gearbox is electronic not hydraulic so it does not damage anything. I would have to use an A Frame to tow it as I have no place for a trailer.
Now this is where it gets tricky, in the UK it seems ok to use an A Frame. However, as we are part of the EU nothing is ever uniform, ( I thought that was what the EU did....make it easier for us all but their too busy deciding the maximum curve in the Bananas I buy!!) does anyone know what countries do not allow an A Frame?
It would be of immense help if someone can help me.

Thanks,
Kevin

geraldandannie · Moderator

Hi Kevin

Welcome to MotorhomeFacts, and thanks for subscribing!

I've taken the liberty of moving your post to Motorhome Towing, where you'll find a load of threads about towing, and especially

GerryD

Kevin,
Welcome to MHF. We are getting our new Smartie tomorrow.
The simple answer is that there is no simple answer. You will find lots of people on here that will tell you that it is perfectly legal, and you will find just as many that argue the other way. You will also find those that like me believe that it is a grey area.
The retailers of the A Frames will show you documentation that you can carry with you that allegedly states that an A Frame is legal within the eyes of the DoT, but the Construction and Use regulations seem to say otherwise.
The fact is that the use of an A Frame has never been tested in Court, and until it is there will always be some doubt.
Certainly the inference for the EU is that if a vehicle is legal for use in the member state that it is registered in, then it will be deemed as legal whilst it is a temporary import in another member state.
This hasn't helped you at all.
Regards,
Gerry

autostratus · Moderator

cabby

welcome to you
There is a whole host of info here just do a search for now and then ask if there is anything you wish to know about.

cabby

NEV3

Hi Kevin,

We've towed a Smarty for a few years now with no problems whatsoever. Just remember the usual, hand brake, Neutral, etc.. No steering lock makes life a little simpler too.
Before we got the Smarty we towed a Panda and a 206 through Spain, France & Portugal, again with no problems from the authorities. It does seem to be a grey area though, untill such time as it is put to the test in a court of law.
Best of luck
NEV3

curly4393

have TOAD a Smarty for a couple of years and as mentioned no probs with car damage or police. I did speak to one of my mates who is in charge of traffic, and he said that they are waiting for a test case. No probs in France for the last 2 years

DJP

Again not wanting to open another great debate. I would just offer one piece of advice after towing a Smart for over 10,000 miles (about 6,000 in most countries in Europe, without any problems.
My advice,.... use a BRAKED A frame rather than an unbraked. It just makes it a bit more towards the "legal" side of the argument.
Good luck and enjoy your Smarty! Smile

WingPete

There are trailers made just for a SMART car, and do not take up much room. If the SMART is to be parked up between trips, leave it on the trailer ready for next time.
As to this question of "equivalncy" in the EC, it has been tested often, but without a definitive answer.
It is true to say, any vehicle from an EC country, complying with the standards of the originating country regulations for vehicles, is to be allowed free passage during any journey undertaken in the EC, as being "Deemed to be in compliance" .
The problem is having that regulation of compliance with you in the many languages of the EC, to show to the "authorities" who may decide you do not comply with "their" regulations.
This has been the case with motorcycles towing baggage trailers in Denmark & Spain, now resolved after persistant lobbying of the Brussels beaurocrats.

wobby

Just read this thread and as I have just bought in France a new, well ex demo diesel cabrio for my wife's 60th birthday which is going to remain in France. I suppose I'll have to buy a trailer. So if there is any suggestions as to who to buy one from or has anyone got one for sale? I would be most interested.

Wobby

In the Dordogne having a great time weather hot and dry.