smart for two car

J

jane field

New member
Apr 25, 2013
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We are looking for a new toad. Sold our Ural sidecar motorcycle in
December. We used it as a toad for 14 years, but are at a point in our
lives that maybe a small car would be a better bet. We looked at smart car
by Mercedes today and wonder if any GMC folks have had experience in the
use of the Smart For Two car as a toad. Would like to know how it is
working. I know that you can tow it four down, but can't see how a tow bar
rig would work on this car. Thanks for your input.

Chuck Field
77 Royale with 454 Chevy.
 
Paul Hoge and Sandy Brooks towed a smart car with their GMC. It worked well
for their needs. Paul was handicapped and used a scooter which folded up
and went in the rear of the car. Sandy could hook it up with no problem.
Camping World in Wilsonville did the install. I believe D.J. Eberhart also
is equipped to tow a smart car. Both coaches were from the GMC Cascaders.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> We are looking for a new toad. Sold our Ural sidecar motorcycle in
> December. We used it as a toad for 14 years, but are at a point in our
> lives that maybe a small car would be a better bet. We looked at smart car
> by Mercedes today and wonder if any GMC folks have had experience in the
> use of the Smart For Two car as a toad. Would like to know how it is
> working. I know that you can tow it four down, but can't see how a tow bar
> rig would work on this car. Thanks for your input.
>
> Chuck Field
> 77 Royale with 454 Chevy.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Only haules 2
P

> Paul Hoge and Sandy Brooks towed a smart car with their GMC. It worked well
> for their needs. Paul was handicapped and used a scooter which folded up
> and went in the rear of the car. Sandy could hook it up with no problem.
> Camping World in Wilsonville did the install. I believe D.J. Eberhart also
> is equipped to tow a smart car. Both coaches were from the GMC Cascaders.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>

>
> > We are looking for a new toad. Sold our Ural sidecar motorcycle in
> > December. We used it as a toad for 14 years, but are at a point in our
> > lives that maybe a small car would be a better bet. We looked at smart
> car
> > by Mercedes today and wonder if any GMC folks have had experience in the
> > use of the Smart For Two car as a toad. Would like to know how it is
> > working. I know that you can tow it four down, but can't see how a tow
> bar
> > rig would work on this car. Thanks for your input.
> >
> > Chuck Field
> > 77 Royale with 454 Chevy.
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
 
That's all they needed, but, think about a mini cooper wagon or a Fiat like
Jerry and Sharon Work had.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> Only haules 2
> P

>
> > Paul Hoge and Sandy Brooks towed a smart car with their GMC. It worked
> well
> > for their needs. Paul was handicapped and used a scooter which folded up
> > and went in the rear of the car. Sandy could hook it up with no problem.
> > Camping World in Wilsonville did the install. I believe D.J. Eberhart
> also
> > is equipped to tow a smart car. Both coaches were from the GMC Cascaders.
> > Jim Hupy
> > Salem, Or
> > 78 GMC ROYALE 403
> >

> >
> > > We are looking for a new toad. Sold our Ural sidecar motorcycle in
> > > December. We used it as a toad for 14 years, but are at a point in our
> > > lives that maybe a small car would be a better bet. We looked at smart
> > car
> > > by Mercedes today and wonder if any GMC folks have had experience in
> the
> > > use of the Smart For Two car as a toad. Would like to know how it is
> > > working. I know that you can tow it four down, but can't see how a tow
> > bar
> > > rig would work on this car. Thanks for your input.
> > >
> > > Chuck Field
> > > 77 Royale with 454 Chevy.
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> --
> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> -------
> http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
> Alternator Protection Cable
> http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Smart for two 14K and change
Kia Soul 16K and change
Fiat Abarth 18K and change
Mini Cooper wagon 23k and change

Smart is the lightest, then Fiat then Kia, Clubman last.

I've seen several Smarts being used as toads. I'll stick with the Kia. It is however heavier if that matters. ?They're all under 3K pounds.

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
Ask Smart owners about Mercedes part prices for their Smart Car. Friends towed one for several years and were very happy tp let it go. Cost more to
maintain than their GMC, even with him doing most of the work.
Nissan Versa (manual) or older Honda Fit is also an excellent choice. My Fit weighs at 2335 pounds.
If I was going to purchase new, Kia Soul would be first choice. Easy for my Senior bones to get in and out of, including the rear seat. Quite the
small hauler.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
 
Chuck,
I have had a Smart toad for over 8 years and have towed it from Florida to Nova Scotia and many other places, up and down mountains etc. At around 1600 # it barely effects the MPG,and doesn't require add on braking system. When not being towed it is a fun car to drive and if you want to meet people it's better than a puppy as people are constantly asking about it.
As for your question about the tow bar setup, I have modified the tow hooks that screw in the front frame and modified a standard tow bar. Stick on a pair of magnetic tail lights, hook up the safety cables, put the tranny in neutral and you're good to go.
HTH,

Nelson Wright
Belle Isle Fl.
78 Royale Rear Bath

> We are looking for a new toad. Sold our Ural sidecar motorcycle in
> December. We used it as a toad for 14 years, but are at a point in our
> lives that maybe a small car would be a better bet. We looked at smart car
> by Mercedes today and wonder if any GMC folks have had experience in the
> use of the Smart For Two car as a toad. Would like to know how it is
> working. I know that you can tow it four down, but can't see how a tow bar
> rig would work on this car. Thanks for your input.
>
> Chuck Field
> 77 Royale with 454 Chevy.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Jerry work may not have sold his 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and tow dolly yet.

If I were not 2000+ miles away from him, I would have bought that combo.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ Since 30 November '53 ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ Member GMCMI and Classics ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~~ k2gkk + hotmail dot com ~~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
|[ ]~~~[][ ][]\
"--OO--[]---O-"
 
Anything associated with Mercedes has horrific depreciation in the first few years. And bend over for parts. I think the alternator access is a real
issue on Smart. What about a Spark for 4 down?
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
Paul Doane from Halifax, Nova Scotia had a Smart car for a towed and said it had problems. Again and again. Maybe he still has it and can give more up
to date advice.

Carey
--
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
 
You guys will go to great lengths to drag some foreign piece of iron and
plastic around with your coaches. Be careful what you wish for, you are
just liable to wind up with it. Drive your coach where you want to go, rent
a car when you get there. Save a bundle.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403.

> Ask Smart owners about Mercedes part prices for their Smart Car. Friends
> towed one for several years and were very happy tp let it go. Cost more to
> maintain than their GMC, even with him doing most of the work.
> Nissan Versa (manual) or older Honda Fit is also an excellent choice. My
> Fit weighs at 2335 pounds.
> If I was going to purchase new, Kia Soul would be first choice. Easy for
> my Senior bones to get in and out of, including the rear seat. Quite the
> small hauler.
> Tom, MS II
> --
> 1975 GMC Avion
> KA4CSG
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Jim, by THAT logic maybe we should all just drive where we want to go and rent lodging. It would probably be cheaper!

One thing to keep in mind for 'Toads" is how useful will it be as a second [or whatever ] car when not RVing?

I considered getting several vehicles i wanted to play with anyway including a dune buggy, and older jeep, and a mini cooper

Ended up with a 99Tracker 4WD and use it more than the GMC lately.
--
76 Glenbrook
 
I'm with Chris - the Kia is my car, Paula has a T&C minivan. That it's the toad is a bennie I wanted when I got it. Just rolled it over 100K, so far
oil changes a set of tires. Still on original hoses belt and brakes. Change the oil every 5K miles, it will usually be a half quart down at that
point. It needs the drivers' side doors which I ruffled, I'm looking. Need a wreck hit on the pass side with 1D paint code.

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
And lemme point out, as Bounds notes, use of the GMC - and toad - is individual. I use mine to get to dog shows, and the toad is necessary when the
venue doesn't have RV spaces. Otherwise, it's a lifeboat.
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
Rental vehicles may not always be available in a popular area such as a GMC
convention or in a smaller market away from airports. The toad you bring in
behind your GMC is available for your usage when it's needed in any market
you go too without restrictions. If it's new it also comes with a warranty.
If not depending on mileage, an aftermarket warranty can be had. If you
want a toad, use it.
 
Quite a few members of the GMC CASCADERS are into playing in the sand dunes
with a variety of equipment towed behind their coaches. Stuff like quads,
sand rails, jeeps, Suzuki Samurai's, VW things, etc. One has a Meyers Manx
street legal buggy that he trailers, and uses it for a toad as well. I am
not saying "don't tow with a GMC" Just carefully plan why you do it. I see
lots of coaches towing stuff that never gets used enough to justify
dragging them behind. I have a Ford Bronco II that I have rigged up to tow
behind my coach, and never do. I prefer to tow an enclosed cargo trailer
with my vendor stuff and camp kitchen. It is lightweight. Less than 800
pounds loaded. Never know it is there. Some guys tow enclosed trailers with
thousands of pounds of race bikes or corvairs. To each his own, I guess.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> Rental vehicles may not always be available in a popular area such as a GMC
> convention or in a smaller market away from airports. The toad you bring in
> behind your GMC is available for your usage when it's needed in any market
> you go too without restrictions. If it's new it also comes with a warranty.
> If not depending on mileage, an aftermarket warranty can be had. If you
> want a toad, use it.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I talked to Nancy at the GMCMI rally a few days ago. They sold the Smart car and got a Nissan Versa.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
Car provides lots more storage and a lifeboat.

We will likely have my Honda fit as a toad.

Pete
--
Cary, NC

No Coach yet but likely center kitchen, dry side bath Royale, 78, 403, hopefully with good original white Imron paint.
 
James

That's not a white Bronco that I would have seen in a low speed chase a few
years ago is it?

Mike in NS

> Car provides lots more storage and a lifeboat.
>
> We will likely have my Honda fit as a toad.
>
>
> Pete
> --
> Cary, NC
>
> No Coach yet but likely center kitchen, dry side bath Royale, 78, 403,
> hopefully with good original white Imron paint.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS

Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
 
Mike, that was a full size Bronco that O.J. was in. Mine is the small one
that was discontinued in 1991 and replaced by the Ford Exploder. Whoops,
Explorer.
How are you doing?
Jim Hupy

On Sat, Apr 1, 2017 at 3:22 PM, Kingsley Coach
wrote:

> James
>
> That's not a white Bronco that I would have seen in a low speed chase a few
> years ago is it?
>
> Mike in NS
>

>
> > Car provides lots more storage and a lifeboat.
> >
> > We will likely have my Honda fit as a toad.
> >
> >
> > Pete
> > --
> > Cary, NC
> >
> > No Coach yet but likely center kitchen, dry side bath Royale, 78, 403,
> > hopefully with good original white Imron paint.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Michael Beaton
> 1977 Kingsley 26-11
> 1977 Eleganza II 26-3
> Antigonish, NS
>
> Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
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