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Old 05-13-2014, 12:12 PM   #1
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Towing a SmartFor2

Just returned from a trip to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe towing Smarty behind our Sprinter based LTV. MPG went from a low of 14 most of the trip in the mountains and a high of 16 down US95 loafing along at 60 mph. Only issue was the amount of dirt and grime on Smarty. Leaving for a trip to the east coast in several weeks and looking for options on rock and dirt protection. We are using a Ready Brute/Brake set up.
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Old 05-13-2014, 04:45 PM   #2
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We use the Protect a Tow for our setup and we are happy with it. It's easy to put on and take off and does a good job protecting our toad.
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Old 05-13-2014, 07:37 PM   #3
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We also use a Protect-a-Tow and am extremely happy with how it protects the toad from debris. However it doesn't seem to keep the toad much cleaner. We usually wash the toad after a long tow. I really don't think anything short of a full cover will keep a toad clean. Just the nature of the air flow around the RV.
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Old 05-13-2014, 09:09 PM   #4
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I tow a ford focus, I only put the protect a tow on to protected the facia from the sandblast affect of road gravel. It keeps it cleaner but not much. Like I said , mainly there for the protection.
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Old 05-14-2014, 01:01 PM   #5
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Thanks much for the feed back Guess I will order a protect-a-tow
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Old 05-14-2014, 01:20 PM   #6
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Protect a tow is good for debris hitting your toad. But the only way to keep it clean is to shrink wrap it . I don't know of anyone who does that. I just take it to a car wash when I arrive at my destination.
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Old 05-14-2014, 04:29 PM   #7
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Note that the Protect-a-Tow requires a connection point at the lower front of the fenders. On the smart car there is only the plastic fender to attach to - there's no solid framework behind the plastic. If there is too much tension on the attachment point you stand the chance of cracking, or breaking, the fender. I looked into the Protect-a-Tow and rejected it for this reason.
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Old 05-14-2014, 08:11 PM   #8
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Most vehicles nowadays have plastic front ends, including ours. But that plastic has attachment points that are attached to the frame, and that's where we attached our Protect a Tow. Check your Smarty and see if there is mounting points that are connected to frame work.
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Old 05-15-2014, 08:03 AM   #9
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My focus and Rv only have plastic where I had to install the screw eyelets. They come with bits washers on both sides. The Protect a Tow connection points are a elastic cord around the perimeter. Your plastic bumpers will be fine.
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Old 05-15-2014, 07:59 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Easyrider View Post
Most vehicles nowadays have plastic front ends, including ours. But that plastic has attachment points that are attached to the frame, and that's where we attached our Protect a Tow. Check your Smarty and see if there is mounting points that are connected to frame work.
Already checked - the front fenders are connected to the trition cell by the front of the doors, and they are connected to the the plastic "chin" panel below the plastic bumper. There is no connection to a frame member where the Protect-a-Tow eyelets would mount. I can press on the plastic panel there and it flexes easily. I could use some large fender washers to spread out the load, but it would still stress the plastic.
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