The Definitive Answer: Can You Flat Tow A Smart Car

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The Definitive Answer: Can You Flat Tow A Smart Car

Yes, you can flat tow some Smart car models behind an RV, which is also called four down towing. However, it is absolutely crucial to know that this capability depends heavily on the specific year and transmission type of the Smart car. Most early Smart Fortwo models (especially the W450 generation) with automated manual transmissions are generally considered flat towable, but later models, particularly those with traditional automatic transmissions (like many W451 and W453 models), cannot be safely flat towed without causing significant Smart car transmission damage.

Fathoming Flat Towing

Flat towing, also known as four down towing, is a way to tow a vehicle behind another, often a large RV. When you flat tow a car, all four of its wheels stay on the ground as you drive the towing vehicle. Think of it like the car is being pulled along as if it were driving itself, but without a person inside.

Why do people choose flat towing?
* Convenience: It’s simple to connect and disconnect compared to loading a car onto a trailer.
* Accessibility: It lets RV owners bring a smaller vehicle to use for local trips once they set up camp. This means they don’t have to drive the big RV everywhere.
* Storage: A towed car doesn’t take up extra space at a campsite like a trailer might.

Flat towing requires specific setup. You need a tow bar connecting the RV to the car, a base plate attached to the front of the car, safety cables, and often a separate braking system for the towed vehicle.

Smart Car Towing: Model by Model

Smart cars, especially the tiny Smart Fortwo, seem like perfect candidates for towing behind a big RV. They are small, lightweight, and easy to park. But not all Smart cars are built the same way, and this makes a huge difference in whether they can be flat towed safely.

We need to look at the different models and their transmissions to get the definitive answer. The most common Smart car is the Smart Fortwo. Let’s look at its different generations:

First Generation Smart Fortwo (W450) – Roughly 1998-2007 (in Europe), 2008 (in North America)

Many of these early models came with a specific type of gearbox. It’s often called an automated manual transmission or a “softouch” transmission. Even though it doesn’t have a clutch pedal you push, it’s technically closer to a manual gearbox that a computer shifts for you.

• Flat Towing Status: Generally considered flat towable.
• Why: Because of the way the transmission is designed, you can put it in neutral, and the internal parts that would be harmed by towing are not spinning without lubrication. When the transmission is in neutral, the wheels can turn freely without forcing gears inside the transmission to move in a way they shouldn’t without the engine running.
• Key Point: Always confirm with the owner’s manual for your specific car model year.

Second Generation Smart Fortwo (W451) – Roughly 2007-2015

This generation also primarily used an updated version of the automated manual transmission.

• Flat Towing Status: Often considered flat towable, similar to the W450.
• Why: The transmission design is similar enough to the W450 that towing in neutral is usually safe.
• Important Note: Some later W451 models, especially electric versions or specific engine types, might have different rules. Checking the manual is non-negotiable.

Third Generation Smart Fortwo (W453) – Roughly 2014-2019 (Gas Models) / 2017-Present (Electric Models)

This generation saw a big change, especially with the gas-powered models. They switched to a more traditional dual-clutch automatic transmission (often called “twinamic”).

• Flat Towing Status: NOT flat towable for models with the dual-clutch automatic transmission.
• Why: Traditional automatic transmissions (including dual-clutch types) rely on internal pumps driven by the engine to circulate lubricating fluid. When the engine is off, these pumps don’t work. If you tow the car with the wheels on the ground, the transmission’s internal parts spin without lubrication. This causes friction, heat, and rapid wear, leading to serious Smart car transmission damage.
• Manual Transmission: The W453 was also available with a manual transmission in some markets. While manual transmissions are often flat towable, you must verify with the owner’s manual for this specific model. Don’t assume!
• Electric Models (EQ Fortwo): Electric cars have different drivetrains. The general rule is that electric vehicles (EVs) are not flat towable because of how their electric motors and gear reduction work. Again, the owner’s manual is the final authority, but assume EVs cannot be flat towed unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Decoding the Towing Rules

It’s clear that the answer to “Can a Smart car be towed behind RV?” isn’t a simple yes or no for all models. The transmission type is the main factor.

• Automated Manual (W450/W451): Generally OK for four down towing Smart car.
• Dual-Clutch Automatic (W453 Gas): Generally NOT OK. Risk of Smart car transmission damage.
• Manual (Some W453): Potentially OK, but needs verification.
• Electric (EQ Fortwo): Generally NOT OK.

Why the big difference?
Imagine your transmission is a complex clockwork with gears and moving parts. In a manual or certain automated manuals suitable for towing, when you put it in neutral, the parts that connect to the wheels are disconnected from the parts that would be harmed by spinning without oil. The wheels spin, but the sensitive parts stay still or move harmlessly.

In a typical automatic or dual-clutch transmission, many parts are always moving when the wheels spin. They need a constant flow of oil, pumped by the engine, to stay cool and lubricated. Towing with the engine off is like running a car engine without oil – it will quickly break. This is the primary risk of towing Smart car automatic transmission models incorrectly.

Serious Risks of Towing Incorrectly

Ignoring the rules about which Smart car models can be flat towed carries significant risks. Towing a car that isn’t designed for four down towing can lead to very expensive problems.

Smart Car Transmission Damage

This is the most common and costly issue. As mentioned, automatic and some other transmission types require constant lubrication while parts are moving. Towing a non-towable Smart car with its wheels turning puts stress and friction on the transmission components without the necessary oil flow.

This can cause:
* Overheating of transmission fluid and parts.
* Excessive wear on gears, clutches, and bearings.
* Complete transmission failure.

Repairing or replacing a transmission is a major expense, often costing thousands of dollars. This far outweighs the cost of using the correct towing method.

Other Mechanical Problems

Incorrect towing can strain other parts of the car too:
* Driveline Components: Axles and differential can suffer wear.
* Tires: Improper alignment or pressure during towing can cause tire damage.
* Steering Components: If the steering isn’t properly unlocked (or if it can’t be), it can damage the steering system.

Voiding Your Warranty

Car manufacturers know how their vehicles should be towed. If you tow a Smart car in a way that goes against the recommendations in the owner’s manual, especially if it causes damage, the warranty on the car will likely be voided. This means the manufacturer won’t pay for the costly repairs.

Safety Hazards

An improperly towed vehicle can be dangerous.
* Handling Issues: A damaged transmission or steering system can affect how the towed car tracks behind the RV.
* Braking Problems: If the towed car’s braking system isn’t working correctly (or wasn’t installed), it adds significant weight and stopping distance to the RV.
* Component Failure: Parts breaking during towing can cause the towed car to detach or swerve, leading to accidents.

How to Flat Tow a Compatible Smart Car (If Yours Is Towable)

If you have confirmed that your specific Smart car model is flat towable (like many W450/W451 with the right transmission), here are the general steps for safe four down towing Smart car. Always consult your Smart car’s owner’s manual and the instructions for your towing equipment for exact procedures.

Step 1: Get the Right Gear

Before you tow, make sure you have the necessary equipment for Smart car flat towing. This includes:
* Base Plate: A vehicle-specific bracket that attaches to the frame of your Smart car. This provides the connection point for the tow bar. You need a base plate designed specifically for your Smart car year and model.
* Tow Bar: Connects the base plate on the Smart car to the hitch receiver on your RV. Choose a tow bar rated for the weight of your Smart car.
* Safety Cables or Chains: Backup connections that go between the RV and the Smart car in case the tow bar fails. They should be crossed under the tow bar.
* Towing Lights: Your Smart car’s taillights must work while being towed so following drivers know when you are braking or turning. This can be done with magnetic tow lights, or by wiring the Smart car’s lights into the RV’s system.
* Supplemental Braking System: This is often required by law and is highly recommended for safety. It makes the towed car’s brakes engage when the RV brakes, helping you stop faster and preventing the Smart car from pushing the RV. There are various types, including those that sit on the floorboard or connect to the brake pedal.

Step 2: Get the Smart Car Ready

Prepare your Smart car for towing:
1. Transmission: Put the transmission in NEUTRAL. This is the most critical step to prevent Smart car transmission damage on towable models.
2. Ignition: Follow the owner’s manual exactly regarding the ignition key position. For many cars towed four down, the key needs to be in a position that unlocks the steering wheel but does not turn on the engine or accessories. This is often the first or accessory position. Make sure the steering is unlocked so the wheels can follow the RV around corners.
3. Parking Brake: Release the parking brake completely.
4. Accessories: Turn off the radio, air conditioning, lights, and any other accessories that could drain the battery.
5. Check Tires: Make sure the Smart car’s tires are properly inflated.

Step 3: Connect the Vehicles

1. Attach the tow bar to the RV’s hitch receiver and the Smart car’s base plate following the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Connect the safety cables, crossing them under the tow bar.
3. Connect the towing lights or magnetic lights and test them.
4. Install and connect the supplemental braking system.

Step 4: Do a Quick Check

Before driving, walk around both vehicles:
* Are all connections secure?
* Is the tow bar locked correctly?
* Are safety cables attached and crossed?
* Do the brake lights and turn signals work on the Smart car?
* Is the Smart car’s transmission in neutral?
* Is the Smart car’s steering unlocked?
* Is the parking brake off?

Step 5: Start Driving Slowly

Begin driving slowly to make sure everything is connected properly and the Smart car is tracking straight. Stop after a short distance (like a mile or two) to check connections again, especially the tow bar and base plate bolts.

Step 6: Drive Carefully

Remember you are now much longer and heavier. Allow extra distance for stopping and turning. Be mindful of Smart car towing limitations like speed recommendations from the manufacturer or tow equipment maker.

Step 7: Disconnect at Your Destination

When you arrive, reverse the connection steps:
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Engage the RV’s parking brake.
3. Disconnect the supplemental braking system.
4. Disconnect the towing lights.
5. Disconnect the safety cables.
6. Disconnect the tow bar from the Smart car (it’s often easiest to leave it attached to the RV).
7. Start the Smart car’s engine (if it’s a gas model) and return the transmission and steering to normal operation. Let the engine run for a few minutes to circulate fluids.

Key Equipment for Flat Towing Smart Cars

Having the right gear is not just about convenience; it’s about safety and protecting your vehicles. For Smart car flat towing, several key items are essential.

Smart Car Base Plates

• What they are: These are custom-made steel brackets designed to fit the specific year and model of your Smart car. They bolt onto the vehicle’s frame structure behind the front bumper.
• What they do: They provide the strong, secure attachment points for the tow bar. Without a proper base plate designed for your Smart car, you cannot safely connect a tow bar for flat towing.
• Why they matter: Using a generic or ill-fitting bracket is dangerous and can damage the car’s frame. Smart car base plates are engineered to distribute the towing forces correctly across the car’s structure.

Tow Bar

• What it is: The adjustable metal bar that connects the base plate on the towed car to the RV’s hitch receiver.
• What it does: It creates the physical link that pulls the Smart car behind the RV. Good tow bars have arms that extend and retract, making connection easier, and can pivot to allow the towed car to follow corners.
• Why it matters: The tow bar must be rated to handle the weight of the Smart car safely. Using an underrated tow bar is dangerous.

Safety Cables or Chains

• What they are: Strong steel cables or chains.
• What they do: They act as a failsafe. If the tow bar breaks or disconnects, the safety cables are designed to keep the towed car attached to the RV, giving you time to stop safely.
• Why they matter: They are a legal requirement in most places and a critical safety feature. They should be strong enough to hold the towed vehicle’s weight and should be crossed underneath the tow bar during connection.

Supplemental Braking System

• What it is: A device installed in or connected to the Smart car that applies its brakes when the RV’s brakes are applied.
• What it does: It helps the towed car slow down and stop on its own, reducing the stress on the RV’s brakes and shortening the overall stopping distance.
• Why it matters: It’s a major safety feature, especially for heavier towed vehicles (even lightweight ones add significant momentum). Many states and provinces require them for towed vehicles over a certain weight (often around 1,500 lbs), and the Smart car typically falls into this category. Using one prevents your RV from being pushed by the towed car, which can cause loss of control and increased stopping distance.

Towing Lights

• What they are: A way to make the Smart car’s brake lights, turn signals, and running lights work in sync with the RV’s lights.
• What they do: They make the towed vehicle visible to other drivers and communicate your intentions (braking, turning).
• Why they matter: It’s a legal requirement and crucial for safety. You can use magnetic lights that stick to the car’s body or wire into the car’s existing lighting system.

Alternatives to Flat Towing a Smart Car

If your Smart car model cannot be flat towed, or if you prefer a different method, you have other options for Smart car towing.

Smart Car Dolly Towing

• What it is: Towing a vehicle with only two wheels on the ground (usually the front wheels) while the other two wheels rest on a trailer-like device called a tow dolly.
• How it works: The Smart car’s front wheels are driven onto the dolly and secured. The rear wheels remain on the ground.
• Pros:
  • Less expensive than a full car trailer.
  • Can often be used for vehicles that cannot be flat towed, as the drive wheels (which connect to the transmission) are off the ground. This might make it suitable for some automatic Smart car models, but you must check the Smart car owner’s manual to ensure the rear wheels are safe to rotate freely while being towed. Some vehicles require the driveshaft to be disconnected even for dolly towing if the rear wheels are the driven ones or if certain transmissions require it.
  • Doesn’t require a custom base plate on the car.
• Cons:
  • The dolly itself must be stored when not in use.
  • Hooking up takes more time than flat towing.
  • You have to consider the weight of the dolly plus the car.
  • Reversing is difficult or impossible with a dolly attached.
  • Requires securing the car properly to the dolly each time.

Car Hauler or Trailer

• What it is: A full trailer with a platform onto which the entire car is driven. All four wheels of the Smart car are on the trailer, not touching the ground.
• How it works: You drive the Smart car onto the trailer and secure it with tie-down straps on all four wheels. The trailer is then connected to the RV’s hitch.
• Pros:
  • Safest option for any vehicle, regardless of transmission type. Since all four wheels are off the ground, there is no risk of transmission damage from towing.
  • Allows you to tow non-towable Smart car automatic transmission models safely.
  • The towed vehicle accumulates no mileage or wear on its tires or drivetrain while being transported.
  • Can often be reversed (though requires practice).
• Cons:
  • Most expensive option (trailer purchase or rental).
  • Requires more space for storage of the trailer.
  • Adds significant length and weight to the RV setup.
  • Loading and securing the car takes time and effort.
  • Requires maintenance for the trailer itself (tires, brakes, bearings).

For Smart cars that cannot be flat towed (like most later automatics or electric models), using a full car hauler is the safest and recommended method to avoid expensive damage. Dolly towing might be an option for some models if the rear wheels can safely spin, but this must be confirmed with the owner’s manual.

Interpreting Smart Car Towing Limitations

Beyond whether a specific model can be towed, there are other important Smart car towing limitations to keep in mind.

• Weight Limits: Your RV has a maximum towing capacity (how much weight it can pull) and a tongue weight limit (how much weight pushes down on the hitch). While Smart cars are light, you must ensure the Smart car’s weight (plus dolly weight if used) is within your RV’s limits.
• Speed Limits: Tow bar and base plate manufacturers, as well as state/provincial laws, may have speed limits for towing. It’s common to recommend not exceeding 65 mph when towing. High speeds put more stress on the towed vehicle’s components, especially tires.
• Distance Limitations: Some tow bar manufacturers might have recommendations on maximum continuous towing distance before needing to stop and check connections or let components cool (though this is less common for flat-towable setups designed for long distances).
• Legal Requirements: As mentioned, supplemental braking systems and working tow lights are often legally required. Make sure you comply with the laws in all the places you will be traveling through.
• Tire Pressure: Ensure the towed car’s tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Under-inflated tires can overheat and fail during towing.
• Maintenance: The towed car, even when not being driven, is undergoing stress. Ensure it is properly maintained, especially brakes and wheel bearings.
• Pre-Trip Checks: Before every trip, perform a thorough check of all connections, safety cables, lights, and the towed vehicle itself.

Adhering to these Smart car towing limitations helps ensure a safe and smooth journey for you and other drivers.

The Importance of Your Smart Car’s Owner’s Manual

I cannot stress this enough: the single most important source of information about whether your specific Smart car can be flat towed is the car’s owner’s manual.

• It has the definitive answer: The manual will clearly state if the vehicle is approved for recreational towing (flat towing) and under what conditions.
• It details the procedure: If approved, it will outline the exact steps needed to prepare the car for towing (e.g., key position, transmission setting).
• It lists limitations: It may include information on speed limits, maximum towing distance, or other special instructions.

Do not rely solely on what someone tells you or information found online (including this article, though it aims for accuracy). Models change, and specific years or even VINs can have variations. Find your manual and read the section on “Recreational Towing,” “Towing the Vehicle,” or similar. If you don’t have a physical copy, you can often find a PDF version online on the manufacturer’s website using your car’s year and model.

Talking to an Expert

If you are unsure after checking your owner’s manual, or if you need help setting up a towing system, talk to professionals.

• RV Dealerships: They specialize in towing setups and can advise on the right equipment (base plates, tow bars, braking systems) for your Smart car and RV. They often perform installations.
• Towing Equipment Specialists: Companies that manufacture and sell towing gear have expertise in vehicle compatibility.
• Certified Mechanics: A mechanic familiar with Smart cars can help you understand the transmission type and potential towing implications.

Getting expert advice can prevent costly mistakes and ensure your towing setup is safe and legal.

Conclusion: Towing a Smart Car – The Simple Truth

The simple truth is that towing a Smart car behind an RV is possible, but only for certain models and generations, specifically those with the compatible automated manual transmission (mostly early W450 and W451 Fortwo models). Later models, particularly those with traditional automatic or dual-clutch transmissions (like many W453 gas models) and electric models, generally cannot be safely flat towed without risking severe Smart car transmission damage.

Always check your specific Smart car’s owner’s manual first. If it says your model is flat towable, make sure you use the correct equipment, including Smart car base plates, a suitable tow bar, safety cables, and a supplemental braking system. If your model is not flat towable, consider alternatives like Smart car dolly towing (with careful verification) or, most safely, a full car hauler.

By understanding the differences between models and transmissions, checking your manual, and using the proper procedures and equipment, you can safely bring your Smart car along on your RV adventures, provided it’s a model that allows for it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Smart car models can I flat tow?
Generally, many first-generation (W450) and second-generation (W451) Smart Fortwo models with the automated manual transmission are considered flat towable. Later models, especially third-generation (W453) gas models with the dual-clutch automatic transmission and electric models, are typically not flat towable. Always check your specific car’s owner’s manual to be certain.

Can I flat tow a Smart car with an automatic transmission?
For most people, the answer is no. Traditional automatic transmissions and dual-clutch automatics used in later Smart cars cannot be safely flat towed because they require engine power for lubrication. Towing them with the wheels turning and the engine off will cause severe Smart car transmission damage. Only specific types of automated manual transmissions found in earlier models are suitable for flat towing.

What is ‘four down towing Smart car’?
Four down towing is another term for flat towing. It means towing a vehicle with all four of its wheels on the ground behind another vehicle, usually an RV. This term is often used when discussing towing compatibility.

What equipment do I need for Smart car flat towing?
You need a vehicle-specific base plate (Smart car base plates), a tow bar rated for the car’s weight, safety cables, a supplemental braking system for the towed car, and towing lights.

Can I use Smart car dolly towing instead?
Dolly towing (two wheels on the ground, two on a dolly) can be an alternative, especially if your Smart car cannot be flat towed. However, you must check your Smart car’s owner’s manual to ensure that the wheels that remain on the ground can safely rotate over long distances without causing damage (like to the transmission if it’s a rear-wheel-drive car). Dolly towing is often suitable for front-wheel-drive cars, but the Smart Fortwo is rear-wheel-drive.

Will flat towing damage my Smart car?
If your Smart car model is approved for flat towing by the manufacturer and you follow the correct procedure (especially putting the transmission in neutral and having the steering unlocked) with the right equipment, it should not cause damage. However, towing a model that is not approved for flat towing, or doing it incorrectly, will likely cause significant Smart car transmission damage and could void your warranty.

How can I find out for sure if my specific Smart car can be flat towed?
The only definitive way is to consult the owner’s manual for your exact year, make, model, and transmission of the Smart car. Look for sections on “Recreational Towing” or “Towing the Vehicle.”