Why This

[Ray,IN]

That setup is not road-legal IMO. A smart car fortwo has an overall length of 106" = 8' 8"; 8'6" is maximum width per DOT.

[Arizona]

Wow! The bounce it what will break it off. I wonder if he makes his wife ride back there to make sure everything is OK.

[JMonroe]

Originally Posted by arlinv

The Smart Car weighs about 1800#, and the Coach is an Allegro Bus. Too hard to tell from the picture, but I'd assume the lift is chassis mounted rather than hitch mounted. Tow capacity on the '13 Allegro Bus is 10,000, so 1,000 tongue weight. I'd guess this is the same.

You're right, it is a Bus. You can tell from the tail lights. I had American Coach on the brain. Regardless, it would be way over the hitch rating, but as someone pointed out, some of these platforms don't use the hitch. I'd also think all that weight back there would make the steering very "light".

[94-Newmar]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

That setup is not road-legal IMO. A smart car fortwo has an overall length of 106" = 8' 8"; 8'6" is maximum width per DOT.

The 2nd generation Smart ForTwo's are only 98" bumper to bumper. Previous versions were being carried at an angle to get by the width limit.

Those carriers are being built by several manufacturers - they are a ladder bar type system, not unlike what's used on many drag race cars, whereby the load is pivoted from the rear via LONG ladder bars mounted further up towards mid-chassis. This adds the weight closer to the center of the chassis instead of all at the rear. The actual weight with the smart car at the pivot point is less than 600 lbs.

[hogdriver]

I'm suprised any RV/hitch shop would install that rig knowing legal issues these days. I'd be shocked if he is under the max on axle, tire, and GVW limits. I'm sure that lift was made for golf carts or 4x4 ATVs.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by 94-Newmar

The 2nd generation Smart ForTwo's are only 98" bumper to bumper. Previous versions were being carried at an angle to get by the width limit.

Those carriers are being built by several manufacturers - they are a ladder bar type system, not unlike what's used on many drag race cars, whereby the load is pivoted from the rear via LONG ladder bars mounted further up towards mid-chassis. This adds the weight closer to the center of the chassis instead of all at the rear. The actual weight with the smart car at the pivot point is less than 600 lbs.

2014 SMART fortwo specs:2014*smart*fortwo Specifications state 106.1" exterior length.

[IdahoSRT10]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

That setup is not road-legal IMO. A smart car fortwo has an overall length of 106" = 8' 8"; 8'6" is maximum width per DOT.

Thats odd....my new Fleetwood measures 9' -8" wide with the mirrors folded in. (10'-4" wide while driving with the mirrors out)?

[TdogKing]

That's a cool idea, I'm quite sure he spent the money to ensure it was done right. This isn't a Redneck Saturday afternoon brain storm.

[al2ride]

Originally Posted by IdahoSRT10

Thats odd....my new Fleetwood measures 9' -8" wide with the mirrors folded in. (10'-4" wide while driving with the mirrors out)?

I believe maximum is 102.36" and your coach is 102" according to the Fleetwood site.

[RWeigant]

Smart car loader

[ChallengerRN]

Yep that my vote too. Smart Car hauler!!

[PushedAround]

Originally Posted by 94-Newmar

Those carriers are being built by several manufacturers - they are a ladder bar type system, not unlike what's used on many drag race cars, whereby the load is pivoted from the rear via LONG ladder bars mounted further up towards mid-chassis. This adds the weight closer to the center of the chassis instead of all at the rear. The actual weight with the smart car at the pivot point is less than 600 lbs.

I don't understand how that would work based on my rudimentary understanding of pivots, fulcrum points and levers. Regardless of the "pivots" or whatever, unless this contraption directly loads the axles (bypassing the suspension) when you cantilever it out there, it is going to add directly to the back of the coach.

[94-Newmar]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

2014 SMART fortwo specs:2014*smart*fortwo Specifications state 106.1" exterior length.

Yes, I had it backwards... the pre-2008 models (W450) apparently were the smaller ones, here is what I found:

1st generation (W450) 1998-2007
Dimensions Wheelbase 1,810 mm (71.3 in) Length 2,500 mm (98.4 in) Width 1,510 mm (59.6 in) Height 1,500 mm (61 in) Curb weight 1,610 lb (730 kg)


2nd Generation (W451) 2008-present
Dimensions Wheelbase 1,870 mm (73.5 in) (2008–10)
1,867 mm (73.5 in) (2011–) Length 2,690 mm (106.1 in) (2008–10)
2,695 mm (106.1 in) (2011–) Width 1,560 mm (61.4 in) (2008–10)
1,559 mm (61.4 in) (2011–) Height 1,540 mm (60.7 in) (2008–10)
1,542 mm (60.7 in) (2011–) Curb weight 750–795 kg (1,653–1,753 lb) (coupe)
780–820 kg (1,720–1,808 lb) (cabrio)

[Kurtsara]

Originally Posted by IdahoSRT10

Thats odd....my new Fleetwood measures 9' -8" wide with the mirrors folded in. (10'-4" wide while driving with the mirrors out)?

Originally Posted by al2ride

I believe maximum is 102.36" and your coach is 102" according to the Fleetwood site.

That is what I thought also when we looked at them, 102".