SuiteSuccess Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Has anyone pulled any significant grades (8-10%) with a Smart and if so did it struggle? 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Not much more than other vehicles. This is with a turbo-diesel. I have been wrong before, I'll probably be wrong again. 2000 Kenworth T 2000 w/N-14 and 10 speed Gen1 Autoshift, deck built by Star Fabrication 2006 smart fourtwo cdi cabriolet 2007 32.5' Fleetwood QuantumPlease e-mail us here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big5er Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 I drove Needles Highway in South Dakota with no issues. Those pigtail bridges were a hoot. MY PEOPLE SKILLS ARE JUST FINE.~It's my tolerance to idiots that needs work.~ 2005 Volvo 780 VED12 465hp / Freedomline transmission singled mid position / Bed by Larry Herrin2018 customed Mobile Suites 40KSSB3 2014 smart Fortwo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JC and Angie Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 We have a std gas model and yes it's bogs down a bit. But it makes it. I found if you hold it in 4 and keep the RPMs up your better. 2009 Volvo 780. D-16 500hp 1850 torque with a Herrin hauler bed. 2015 Continental Coach 2008 650cc Suzuki Bergman 2013 Mustang GT 500 convertible 2014 Smartcar convertible WWW.Hollyfab.com. (Metal Fabrication Company) Jamesc@hollyfab.com (preferred contact method) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buscrusher Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 https://goo.gl/photos/osJReaJfX37bTTi39 We drove this setup on a 2000-mile round trip from WA to CA and back over the "hill" between Oregon and California, and it worked it pretty hard. If I looked ahead and planned my uphills like a semi (run and gun it on the downhill part) it did okay. If it got slowed down going uphill it was just fall in behind the trucks and hum along in 3rd or 4th. DougFrequent "lurker"Occasional posterFirst step towards the RV setup complete: 1 smart car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad & Jacolyn Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Hi Carl, I have found that when we get into the hills the Smart will want to shift up and down so I switch to manual and it likes the hills in 4th much better. Brad Brad and Jacolyn Tucker the Wonder dog and Brynn the Norfolk Terrier 2009 Smart "Joy" 2004 VNL630 "Vonda the Volvo" 2008 Hitch Hiker 35 CK Champagne Edition VED12 465 HP, Freedomline, 3.73 ratio, WB 218" Fulltiming and loving it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budeneighe Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Teton Pass, west of Jackson Hole, WY has 10% grades on both sides; 3 miles on the west and 5.5miles on the east. We have been both ways on that. Coming down was much more of a challenge due to the lack of any significant engine braking. If you have a tach, watch it. If you don't, be extra conservative to keep your RPMs down cause it will quickly get you into overrevs on those long downhills. RVBuddys Journal Our progress into full-timing.Budd & Merrily ===-> SKP# 088936 Other Websites:---> Hub of all my blogsClifford - 2000 VNL64T770 :: DakotR - 1999 C40KS King of the Road :: $PRITE - 2013 Smart Passion w/cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 I'm with Brad! Shift to manual mode and have some fun! (blow out the cobwebs - so to speak) Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remoandiris Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 I drove Needles Highway in South Dakota with no issues. Those pigtail bridges were a hoot. That wasn't Needles. That was Iron Mountain Road. http://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/black-hills-cruising/iron-mountain-road-pigtail-bridges#.VfrVzvlViko Rode both of them last month. You're right about the pigtails. IMO, Iron Mtn is head and shoulders better than 129 in NC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefneon Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Howdy! We driven our Smart up and down some very steep grades the steepest I've ever sceen was in Newfoundland/Labrador which had a sign posted 17% grade and the Smart had no problems with it. "Hapy Trails" Chiefneon "Class of 2007 Fulltimer's" Gary & karen Smoochie & Michaela (fur babies) 2018 Chevorlet 3500 HD/LTZ 2L Custom Hauler 2014 Heartland Cyclone 4000 2016 Smart Car Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Likely has a lot to do with how much weight is in smart. Now don't take that wrong, lol 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted September 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Likely has a lot to do with how much weight is in smart. Now don't take that wrong, lol Now Glen, I'm a petite 6'4" and 235 lbs so that shouldn't be a factor should it? 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 At that height and weight I see nothing wrong. I was referring to luggage and EXTRA luggage. Lol 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Unless you're bringing all your AGM Bats with you and maybe a buddies, there is not a whole lot of room for luggage. Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 It really disappointing about lack of power in hills. We likely going that route 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Gell Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 It's not just grade, but elevation that will slow you down in a non-turbo smart. Probably 17% grades in Newfoundland and Labrador were not at nosebleed elevation. 2001 Volvo 770, Detroit 60 Series, Gen 2 Autoshift Passenger assist elevator to enter cab - for when we need it, or sell it? '05 Travel Supreme Select 40 RLQSO 5th wheel 2016 smart car We started full timing on December 1st 2014 Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness - Mark Twain Not all that wander are lost - J. R. R. Tolkien Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Just a thought, turbos can always be added.... little bit of piping, a set of head studs, you only need 5-6psi.... just sayin Alie & Jim + 8 paws 2017 DRV Memphis BART- 1998 Volvo 610 Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Serious power is forged crank, rods, studds, o rings, get the picture 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted September 18, 2015 Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 A stock Hayabusa motor has around 190 hp at the crank without the turbo. Stock motor w/ 7# of boost oughta be good for 250+. KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radar231 Posted September 18, 2015 Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 We have both a diesel CDI smart and an Electric. Both are fine in the hills. With the CDI its a matter of selecting the right gear. With the electric its just how far you push your foot into it. The electric is obviously quicker off the line. No gears to worry about in the Electric. The name ED still bugs me a bit though. Don't think the Germans thought that one thru. The Green one is the 450 CDI. 10 years old now. The white one is a 451 2015. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted September 18, 2015 Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 I'm with Brad! Shift to manual mode and have some fun! (blow out the cobwebs - so to speak) OK, Rocky, I think you are very optimistic here. How do you "blow out the cobwebs" on a car as under-powered as a smart? I love my smart, as you know, but it does not have an excess of power. Even cruising the I70 KS "hills" slows it down to 55 from 75mph. Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member Living on the road since 2000PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail 2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it) 2022 New Horizons 43' 5er 2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units 2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck -------------------------------------------------------------------------See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar powerwww.jackdanmayer.com Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted September 18, 2015 Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 Not really in a hilly area at the moment, Olathe, KS, but will try and test it as soon as possible. The auto gearing on the smart is really set for fuel mileage, so it tends to downshift late into the higher (so called) torque range. I will usually "take over" at that moment and shift it one more gear down, staying in the high end. You're right, unless you're Phil's smart, there is not a whole lot of power felt or heard. Anyone give me a road close by to test this on??? Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve from SoCal Posted September 18, 2015 Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 Just look into a Hayabusa Smart! www.smartzuki.com 2005 Peterbilt 387-112 Baby Cat 9 speed U-shift 1996/2016 remod Teton Royal Atlanta 1996 Kentucky 48 single drop stacker garage project Pulls like a train, sounds like a plane....faster than a Cheetah sniffin cocaine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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