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12-13-2017, 01:05 PM
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#1
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Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
Posts: 70
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Tow dolly question: lock the steering?
Hi folks,
First time I am going to use my turntable tow dolly to tow my Smart car.
I have the back wheels on the dolly, as it is a rear drive car. My question: should the steering be tied down or left loose?
Thanks for all responses.
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12-13-2017, 01:14 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Orlando, Florida
Posts: 5,819
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You have to lock the steering. Since your "steering tires" are on the ground and at rear or tow vehicle (which is not recommended or allowed by some Dolly manufacturers) you must keep those wheels pointing straight ahead.
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12-13-2017, 01:22 PM
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#3
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Moderator Emeritus
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lone Star State
Posts: 19,203
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WARNING ('cuz we own a 451 - personal experience) WARNING
The ForTwo is SO short, that the car - towed backwards on a dolly can become unstable on rough roads or in a extreme maneuver. For this reason - The maker does not recommend towing the car on a dolly in reverse.
Please be VERY careful.
If you go ahead and do this, secure the steering in a position as close to center as possible. This means using a strap or similar system on the steering wheel. Do not rely on the steering lock.
Best luck
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12-13-2017, 01:25 PM
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#4
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Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
Posts: 70
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Thanks. I have the steerong tied down with a heavy bungee cord, but i started wondering if it should be let loose instead.
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12-13-2017, 01:33 PM
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#5
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Registered User
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 7,114
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Tie it down...
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12-13-2017, 01:41 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Desert Hot Springs Ca.
Posts: 947
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dank1945
Thanks. I have the steerong tied down with a heavy bungee cord, but i started wondering if it should be let loose instead.
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I wouldn't recommend a bungee  Use a tie strap. 
__________________
Mike & Trish Romans 10:9
2011 Mobile Suites 36RSSB3
2014 F-350 6.7L CC DRW
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12-13-2017, 01:52 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Port Charlotte Florida
Posts: 2,721
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Without a doubt, I would have used a drive on trailer for that short/light vehicle.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]2008 Bounder 38P F53 24/30K V10, 2013 Kia Soul Basic 6 speed manual, Ready Brake Elite tow system (previous equipment 1996 Pace Arrow Vision w/Acme Dolly)
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12-13-2017, 01:54 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Solo Rvers Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MTK46
I wouldn't recommend a bungee Use a tie strap. |
Nope, bumgie allows too much movement, use a solid strap.
__________________
2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
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12-13-2017, 01:57 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,424
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They make nice, light, aluminum, single axle trailers for Smart Cars.
Aluma model # 6810-H
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12-13-2017, 02:03 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Orlando, Florida
Posts: 5,819
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twinboat
Aluma model # 6810-H
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You could almost put that car in one of the basement compartments. 
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12-13-2017, 02:16 PM
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#11
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Moderator Emeritus
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lone Star State
Posts: 19,203
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Not in the basement...but pretty close
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12-13-2017, 03:05 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,424
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I would do it this way,
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12-13-2017, 03:35 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
National RV Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba
Posts: 685
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Smart Cars can be towed on all 4 wheels, no dolly, even though it is rear wheel drive, no modifications required, just turn key on, put in Neutral, turn key off, release parking brake, then start towing. It's under 2000 lbs. so in most areas no supplemental brake system is required. A bungee on the steering wheel is recommended in this case as it returns the front wheels to center after towing thru corners.
__________________
Ellen & Greg
08 National Dolphin DL-35Ci, RoadMaster Rear Sway Bar, Rear Trac Bar, Koni Shocks Front,
Workhorse W22, Kelderman Air Ride, Towing 2016 Smart Car
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12-13-2017, 04:06 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,424
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GREGORYJ
Smart Cars can be towed on all 4 wheels, no dolly, even though it is rear wheel drive, no modifications required, just turn key on, put in Neutral, turn key off, release parking brake, then start towing. It's under 2000 lbs. so in most areas no supplemental brake system is required. A bungee on the steering wheel is recommended in this case as it returns the front wheels to center after towing thru corners.
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What you said and a couple thousand dollars worth it towing equipment installed.
He seems to have a dolly.
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Linear Mode
