Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Andy & Carol Lynn on March 8, 2010 at 1:36pm

Thanks James. That helps a lot. Do you even leave the key in the ignition or just follow the procedure getting transmission into neutral then remove key? Thanks again.

James M. Benson said:

Andy/ Carol
Sorry no one is answering your specific question.
But perhaps the real question is :Do you need a battery shut of switch?
I installed a shut off switch next to the battery terminal - battery under the passenger area on our 2009 passion. We have driven twice from Oregon to VA and I have never used the switch. And no battery or car running problems. We have 3000 miles on the car since Dec 08 and over 15,000 miles on the tires. We pull it behind a 28 ft Allegro MH with ease.
There is the frequently mentioned front wheels shake after sharp turns, particularly after stopping -at a traffic light or even a stop sign. Allowing 15 feet or more of straight pulling before starting the turn avoids most of these . If one occurs- stop 10- 30 seconds and slowly pull straight ahead until Smart car tracks correctly.
happy trails.
Jim Benson
We like to bird watch also Sacramemto valley great in winter.

Mary Jane Hills said:

Andy & Carol Lynn said:

Could you describe where you have the battery disconnect switch? Is it convenient to access? Thanks

Leroy Barnes said:

Ken: I tow my Smart Car with my Roadtrek motorhome and have no problems. I have a battery disconnect from www.roadmasterinc.com - same company that made my base plate and tow bar - Falcon 2.

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Permalink Reply by Louis O. Dewhurst on March 8, 2010 at 1:43pm

I agree with Jim. I have towed my 2009 smart from NY to Ca to Fl and have had no problems with mileage battery drain or any other related problems. I also started useing a bungy in Ca and have had no head shake since. I have asked many dealers why a battery disconnect and none have been able to answer me. I'll keep on towing until I find the answer.
Lou

Andy & Carol Lynn said:

James M. Benson said:

Andy/ Carol
Sorry no one is answering your specific question.
But perhaps the real question is :Do you need a battery shut of switch?
I installed a shut off switch next to the battery terminal - battery under the passenger area on our 2009 passion. We have driven twice from Oregon to VA and I have never used the switch. And no battery or car running problems. We have 3000 miles on the car since Dec 08 and over 15,000 miles on the tires. We pull it behind a 28 ft Allegro MH with ease.
There is the frequently mentioned front wheels shake after sharp turns, particularly after stopping -at a traffic light or even a stop sign. Allowing 15 feet or more of straight pulling before starting the turn avoids most of these . If one occurs- stop 10- 30 seconds and slowly pull straight ahead until Smart car tracks correctly.
happy trails.
Jim Benson
We like to bird watch also Sacramemto valley great in winter.

Mary Jane Hills said:

Andy & Carol Lynn said:

Could you describe where you have the battery disconnect switch? Is it convenient to access? Thanks

Leroy Barnes said:

Ken: I tow my Smart Car with my Roadtrek motorhome and have no problems. I have a battery disconnect from www.roadmasterinc.com - same company that made my base plate and tow bar - Falcon 2.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by James M. Benson on March 8, 2010 at 2:59pm

Andy /Carol,
Key stays in ignition. !)We start car in park. 2)With hand or foot on Brake, 3)move gear shift to neutral, 4) turn key 1 click to left,counter clockwise, its then about at 1:30 on clock face, 5) push in emergency security motion button to right of console so red light is on. Our 2009 model has icon of smart car and OFF S. This turns off motion detector and security system. if this is forgotten- alarm will go off as soon as you try to move car. You won't forget it very many times. It may be located in different place with 2010 models
6) exit and close door but DO NOT lock car unless you are sure you have an extra key available. Good luck. We usually remove key at night or when we are away from MH and car.
Best not to leave valuables within sight in car as easy for thief to quickly remove them during short stops- viewing or rest stops.
Jim

Louis O. Dewhurst said:

I agree with Jim. I have towed my 2009 smart from NY to Ca to Fl and have had no problems with mileage battery drain or any other related problems. I also started useing a bungy in Ca and have had no head shake since. I have asked many dealers why a battery disconnect and none have been able to answer me. I'll keep on towing until I find the answer.
Lou

Andy & Carol Lynn said:

James M. Benson said:

Andy/ Carol
Sorry no one is answering your specific question.
But perhaps the real question is :Do you need a battery shut of switch?
I installed a shut off switch next to the battery terminal - battery under the passenger area on our 2009 passion. We have driven twice from Oregon to VA and I have never used the switch. And no battery or car running problems. We have 3000 miles on the car since Dec 08 and over 15,000 miles on the tires. We pull it behind a 28 ft Allegro MH with ease.
There is the frequently mentioned front wheels shake after sharp turns, particularly after stopping -at a traffic light or even a stop sign. Allowing 15 feet or more of straight pulling before starting the turn avoids most of these . If one occurs- stop 10- 30 seconds and slowly pull straight ahead until Smart car tracks correctly.
happy trails.
Jim Benson
We like to bird watch also Sacramemto valley great in winter.

Mary Jane Hills said:

Andy & Carol Lynn said:

Could you describe where you have the battery disconnect switch? Is it convenient to access? Thanks

Leroy Barnes said:

Ken: I tow my Smart Car with my Roadtrek motorhome and have no problems. I have a battery disconnect from www.roadmasterinc.com - same company that made my base plate and tow bar - Falcon 2.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Deborah Eason on March 8, 2010 at 3:05pm

Hi Ken,

We've been towing our Smart behind our RV for the last year and a half. The only problem we had was the front wheels of the smart jumping from side to side. With the wheels straight, we now attach a bungee from the base of the steering wheel to the frame under the driver's seat. This allows the wheel to turn but the bungee pulls it back straight. No problems since then. We don't have a battery diconnect switch and have had no problems. Milage does not accrue. Once the car in in neutral, turn the key to the left as far as it will go. You have to leave the key in the ignition. When we stop for the night if we are not disconnecting the car, we just put the smart in park, remove the key and lock the car. But have a system to remind you to put it back in neutral before you set out again! It has been great to have our Smart with us on the road.
Good Luck,
Deborah Eason

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Permalink Reply by Andy & Carol Lynn on March 8, 2010 at 3:10pm

Thats great Jim. We have a 2009 Cabrio but do not have the alarm, so that will not be an issue. We have base plate on the way so can take to road soon. By the way, we love the Oregon coast and for that matter the whole region. When we traveled in the area several years ago our toad (66 VW bug) was in shop for major repairs. We have since taken it on a number of trips including one to Newfoundland. We made it to Jasper, Alberta this past summer/fall but broke a clutch cable while there. I had a spare but was not a real fun way to spend the day. We do look forward to using the new toad. Thanks again for the information.

James M. Benson said:

Andy /Carol,
Key stays in ignition. !)We start car in park. 2)With hand or foot on Brake, 3)move gear shift to neutral, 4) turn key 1 click to left,counter clockwise, its then about at 1:30 on clock face, 5) push in emergency security motion button to right of console so red light is on. Our 2009 model has icon of smart car and OFF S. This turns off motion detector and security system. if this is forgotten- alarm will go off as soon as you try to move car. You won't forget it very many times. It may be located in different place with 2010 models
6) exit and close door but DO NOT lock car unless you are sure you have an extra key available. Good luck. We usually remove key at night or when we are away from MH and car.
Best not to leave valuables within sight in car as easy for thief to quickly remove them during short stops- viewing or rest stops.
Jim

Louis O. Dewhurst said:

I agree with Jim. I have towed my 2009 smart from NY to Ca to Fl and have had no problems with mileage battery drain or any other related problems. I also started useing a bungy in Ca and have had no head shake since. I have asked many dealers why a battery disconnect and none have been able to answer me. I'll keep on towing until I find the answer.
Lou

Andy & Carol Lynn said:

James M. Benson said:

Andy/ Carol
Sorry no one is answering your specific question.
But perhaps the real question is :Do you need a battery shut of switch?
I installed a shut off switch next to the battery terminal - battery under the passenger area on our 2009 passion. We have driven twice from Oregon to VA and I have never used the switch. And no battery or car running problems. We have 3000 miles on the car since Dec 08 and over 15,000 miles on the tires. We pull it behind a 28 ft Allegro MH with ease.
There is the frequently mentioned front wheels shake after sharp turns, particularly after stopping -at a traffic light or even a stop sign. Allowing 15 feet or more of straight pulling before starting the turn avoids most of these . If one occurs- stop 10- 30 seconds and slowly pull straight ahead until Smart car tracks correctly.
happy trails.
Jim Benson
We like to bird watch also Sacramemto valley great in winter.

Mary Jane Hills said:

Andy & Carol Lynn said:

Could you describe where you have the battery disconnect switch? Is it convenient to access? Thanks

Leroy Barnes said:

Ken: I tow my Smart Car with my Roadtrek motorhome and have no problems. I have a battery disconnect from www.roadmasterinc.com - same company that made my base plate and tow bar - Falcon 2.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ron H on March 31, 2010 at 11:59pm

sure helped me. thanks.

Louis O. Dewhurst said:

Hi Ken. My name is Lou. We've towed our smart from NY to WY with only minor head shake twice. It appears to be when a tight turn is followed by another. Simply slow down or stop and center the steering wheel. I tie a white handerchef on the steering wheel so I can watch it in the backup camera. I dont have a battery disconnect and dont feel the need for one. The mileage does not accumulate when the car is towed. I have talked to many people about the necessity for a battery disconnect and no one can provide a reason. My car is a 2009 Cabriolet. Give me a shout if this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Andy & Carol Lynn on April 1, 2010 at 9:03am

Thanks for the input. By the way, how is your wiring set up?

Ron H said:

sure helped me. thanks.

Louis O. Dewhurst said:

Hi Ken. My name is Lou. We've towed our smart from NY to WY with only minor head shake twice. It appears to be when a tight turn is followed by another. Simply slow down or stop and center the steering wheel. I tie a white handerchef on the steering wheel so I can watch it in the backup camera. I dont have a battery disconnect and dont feel the need for one. The mileage does not accumulate when the car is towed. I have talked to many people about the necessity for a battery disconnect and no one can provide a reason. My car is a 2009 Cabriolet. Give me a shout if this helps.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bill Frank on April 23, 2010 at 7:59pm

I just purchased a battery disconnect from Roadmaster but am curious as to how it works. After installation do you have to do something before and after towing. Also the installation instructions are a little vague. Appreciate any help. Bill Frank

Leroy Barnes said:

Ken: I tow my Smart Car with my Roadtrek motorhome and have no problems. I have a battery disconnect from www.roadmasterinc.com - same company that made my base plate and tow bar - Falcon 2.

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