Community Forums

Lionhouse75 · 04-19-2019, 11:51 AM

We have had our Class A Bounder for 4 years now and have only taken our electric bikes with us. We have never towed any vehicle and would like to avoid it if possible. However, we are considering the possibility of buying a small car such as a Smart Car, and finding some kind of lift for it to put on the back similar to the way you might carry a motorcycle, golf cart or other small vehicle. Has anyone done this? If so, what's the best approach to finding the right kind of lift to haul it? Are they commercially available or is it a total custom build approach? Thanks for any advice.

MSHappyCampers · 04-19-2019, 11:54 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I've never seen that done, but it may be possible. Just noticed that you are kinda new on IRV2 and wanted to say hello! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

kenandterry · 04-19-2019, 11:59 AM

So.....

Your Bounder.....Class A Bounders can be gas or diesel. What’s yours?

Regardless.....don’t think I’ve EVER seen a car on an RV lift. The strength and design factors are humongous. Only the biggest 5th Wheel Trailers towed by a Transport unit (like Freightliners, Volvo, Kenworth) have had platforms added to transport Smart Cars across their backs.

A toad for a motorhome is going to be flat towed, dollied or trailered depending on your preferences and the type of toad you want or can accommodate.

whalepirot · 04-20-2019, 02:55 PM

Had a gas Bounder years ago; tow a (MT) Pathfinder. The simplicity of hook/un

hook and no need for storing a dolly or trailer was core to my decision to do the same when we reentered the MH game. That minimal chore may be easier than the e-bike's.

We have an '08 Smart cabrio but wanted more than 2 seats, some off-road and all weather capability. The Smart has been the least trouble of any cars owned in 50 years. I see no way, however, to tote it on a lift. The frame is amazingly strong and there are plenty of online assets to aid front panel removal for baseplate install, if you DIY (I did on our Jeep).

777 Driver · 04-20-2019, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lionhouse75

We have never towed any vehicle and would like to avoid it if possible. However, we are considering the possibility of buying a small car such as a Smart Car, and finding some kind of lift for it to put on the back similar to the way you might carry a motorcycle, golf cart or other small vehicle.

Just curious why you want to avoid towing a vehicle behind your Bounder?

The motorcycle lifts that I've looked at have had a 1,000 pound limit. (https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/...Lit%202017.pdf) A SmartCar curb weigh is listed as 1,984 pounds.

Not trying to be negative, but, I'm pretty sure that you're going to have a hard time finding any car light enough to load on any kind of lift attached to the rear of your Bounder.

Lots of people tow cars without much difficulty.

Good luck in your pursuit.

Take care,
Stu

EdInArk · 04-20-2019, 03:11 PM

Man! I've questioned whether some of the carriers are actually adequate for the near-1000-pound motorcycles I've seen on them. But a car?

I just don't see that happening, but if you do it please post pictures.

FWIW, I've seen several Smart cars being towed 4-down.

waterjosh · 04-20-2019, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdInArk

Man! I've questioned whether some of the carriers are actually adequate for the near-1000-pound motorcycles I've seen on them. But a car?

I just don't see that happening, but if you do it please post pictures.

FWIW, I've seen several Smart cars being towed 4-down.

Does a Smart Car really count as a full car tho.....

Mr_D · 04-20-2019, 03:54 PM

I have seen pictures of Smart cars on a lift, but they were on 45' MH's with tag axles like mine. Good chance they're close to the max on their tag and drive axle. My tag is rated for 14,000#'s and the drive is 20,000 although the drive model # shows it to be a 25,000# unit.

doc · 04-21-2019, 11:18 AM

Mr D is right. Anything that would carry a car would have to be something with a very heavy built frame and lift unit. Even then, geometry of the steering might be affected by the extra weight hung off the rear.
I have seen a device attached to the rails of the frame and two rotating vertical axel wheels mounted under it. When the MH turns, the 'device' stays in place and these two wheels rotate to follow. The frame attach point was hinged to allow some up/down movement of the platform as the surface changed.
Would this type of device work? Likely it could be built to accommodate a Smart Car but the cost?? I see MAJOR bucks to make such a thing real

EdInArk · 04-21-2019, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterjosh

Does a Smart Car really count as a full car tho.....

Well, half a car, but it's double even a heavy motorcycle

tap4154 · 04-21-2019, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterjosh

Does a Smart Car really count as a full car tho.....

Every time I see a little Smart car on the freeway going 70 it occurs to me that they should put coffin handles on the doors, for convenience

It is cool that they can be parked perpendicular to a curb though.

A car that small, I think I'd get a little trailer for it. You could also put other stuff on the trailer that may be hard to fit in the MH.