Frequently Asked Questions

These questions are the most commonly asked, but if you have any others please contact us.

   Why do I need a special trailer for my smart?

   Standard trailers have the axle(s) centered on the trailer bed.  Since the ForTwo has the engine mounted in the rear, the car's rear axle carries 55% of the weight of the vehicle.  Thus, we mount the Smart Trailer USA axle to carry the maximum load. 

The Smart Trailer USA is the only trailer which is manufactured in the US specifically for the smart!

   Do I really need a trailer?  Can't I use a towbar, or a dolly?

   Sure, but a towbar requires an expensive connection between the RV and car, and you cannot back up the RV with the car in tow. 

    What about a tow-dolly?

    A tow-dolly just ties down the front wheels of the car and drags the rear.

Again, the RV cannot be backed up with the vehicle attached like this.  You just can't do it.

    Its such a small car, why don't you use 13" wheels like most small trailers do?

    We use 15" wheels with higher grade truck tires for better handling and safety.

    Can I open both the doors when my car is on the trailer?

    Yes, and we even provide a step on either side of the trailer to help you get on and off.  Or you can just walk down the ramp.

    Why don't you put a winch on the trailer?

    It is far easier to drive onto the trailer than it would be to winch the car up the ramp onto the trailer. We also have bump stops at the front edge of the trailer deck.

    What is needed to secure the car on the trailer?

    Drive onto the trailer, going forward until you feel the "bump" of the wheel stop, set the parking brake, put the car in Park, turn off the ignition and get out.

Then lay the basket tie-downs over the front tires and hook each into the lift-up u-bolt in the trailer deck behind each tire.  Finally, tighten the straps with the built-in ratchet.  It is all quite easy and very secure.  (Models STXL tie-down system is slightly different, but still very easy to use.)

For added security, you may hook a ratchet strap to one of the tie-downs at the rear of the trailer, and hook the other end to one of the rear wheel spoke. 

All this takes less than 10 minutes to do!

    Were are the ramps stored?

    Inside the Smart Trailer USA!  The ramps easily slide out and back in as needed.  They're lightweight, strong and secured by a safety pin. 

    What kind of maintenance is needed for the Smart Trailer USA?

    Check the lug nuts after 100 miles.  After that, just have your RV or truck dealer lube the grease fittings and check the bearings when you take the motorhome in for maintenance.

     Do I need brakes on a Smart Trailer USA? 

     Many states require brakes.  All our trailers come standard with electric brakes.  Optional hydraulic brakes are available.

Electric brakes require an on-board brake controller in the cab of your motorhome.  Hydraulic brakes use a surge actuator system that requires no controller, but they cost more. 

    For most people, no.  But if you aren't up to it, we can put a wheel on the tongue jack instead of a flat foot.  This can be selected when you configure the Smart Trailer USA.

     Do you make custom models ?

      Yes.  For example, here is a custom model built to haul a fortwo and two Segways, those 2-wheeled people movers.  Cool.

We also offer an optional kayak-canoe-surfboard rack.  If you want to haul your motorcycle(s) when not hauling your smart, we have an option for that as well.  We can build most anything you want!