jpar19 Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 Hi all So after much prodding, poking, cajoling and pleading, I have finally made some headway with the DW concerning the need and wisdom of purchasing a Smart Car to haul on the 2010 Volvo 630. (After I build a bed of course) We plan to purchase a used one and I would like to know if there are any years or models to avoid? How many miles can I expect to get from the engine (with normal maintenance) Any potential pitfalls that you can help me avoid is much appreciated. Thanks all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDirectionHome Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 "We" don't have enough experience for a valid opinion from my point of view. I'd post your question here. http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/ "There are No Experts, Do the Math!" 2014 Freightliner Cascadia DD16 600hp 1850ft-lb 18spd 3.31 260"wb SpaceCraft S-470 SKP #131740 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 I would plan your bed build based on the newer and wider 2016 model. I'm not sure if my question of if the 5" width difference is on the wheel base, or just body parts was ever answered? But, no matter which one you get now - stuff happens and you may see yourself needing or wanting the newer model in the future. Build that into your bed design now. Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdickinson Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 I'm fortunate enough to have A Major Smart dealer in town. Three Point Motors. My current one is a Generation 1, Diesel 2006 Passion which was the top model in those days. They are predisposed to birth defects/ mechanical issues, which if you don't stay on top of will cause big problems or you can lose the motor then you trash the car. Generation 2 is gas, lots of refinements, more power, they are OK, but just that, OK. The 2016/ 2017 which is out now are lightyears ahead. Yes, wider, more stable ride, compensates for crosswind, cruise control, automatic transmission, equal wheeltrack front and rear, tach, clock. The doors sound more solid when you close them. Steering is a lot more responsive, it almost oversteers, extremely tight turning radius. The biggest improvement over the Gen 1 is the power of the Gen 3. With my '06 i'm constantly shifting between 5 and 6 gear going up a certain hill, cruise wouldn't work in that situation. With the Gen 3 not only will it hold the gear in cruise but will accelerate. At 65 mph, rpm is about 2500. Re loading. The Gen 2 will fit on the deck with the old chocks from Gen 1....I think. I took pics. The Gen 3, will still fit on the deck but chocks and ramp holes need to be moved but at least you are not dealing with an offset wheeltrack. With my deck made to accommodate a Gen 1, fitting a Gen 3 is no problem. See my earlier post re the Smart. I've asked the salesman for specific options and trim information. I've read that backup cameras, lane assist and possibly some other options were coming but have not yet heard when. To get leather interior and electric mirrors I have to jump up to the top model and the increase costs either 3 or 5k. For a decent mid level price is around 21k Canadian. I have pics with the 2 and 3 on the deck if you want. I showed the salesman, he is still recovering. If you have more car related questions, I can get the answers here in town along with pics of both new and service loaners. My '06 will be sold and will pick up a 16 or 17. Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Gell Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 We have a 2011 Passion with a 7 year drive train warranty. We like it more than we expected to. That said, we would like to upgrade to a new wider model. The new one should fit our bed with minor adjustments. The new ones come with cruise control. Probably due to having ADD, I have trouble staying at a given speed without cruise. I decided not to install cruise when several others were doing it at the National HDT Rally last year because I thought we would be upgrading to a new model. The only thing holding us back is the cost of the new ones. When we think about the cost of new, we feel our 2011 is just fine . IMHO, if you can afford a new one, that is the way to go if it will fit on your truck. Otherwise, maybe us, or someone else here, will be ready to upgrade when you're ready to buy a used one. Jim 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...
alan0043 Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 I would plan your bed build based on the newer and wider 2016 model. I'm not sure if my question of if the 5" width difference is on the wheel base, or just body parts was ever answered? But, no matter which one you get now - stuff happens and you may see yourself needing or wanting the newer model in the future. Build that into your bed design now. That is really a good idea about planning for a new Smart car. How much room does someone need to fit a new (2016) Smart on the deck of their truck ? How many inches wide should someone plan on ? I am trying to do some planning myself for the future. This post has come at the right time. Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdickinson Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 My deck is 97" wide and the Gen 2 and 3 hang over too much for my liking. I'd prefer a deck that was closer in width to the cars length. Sometimes perception is more important than reality when stopped by Leo's. With a 630 the cab is 5" narrower so if your deck matches mine the car will hang over even more. Someone wants to send me an e-mail, I can send pics of the 2013v and the 2016 loaded showing clearances. Post them if you want. I drove all 3 last week, 06,13 and 16. 2017 will be in this month sometime. The 16 transmission is a lot smoother. If figure the extra costs of fixing the 06 are offset by additional financing at.9% for 5 yrs and 4 yr 80,000 warranty. Not sure if that is miles or kms. The Gen 2's are Ok, but just that, OK. The Gen 3's are light years ahead, I had one to use for 4 days this last weekend. If someone wants, I can drop by TPM this morning, take pics and get info to fwd to anyone who wants it or them. Drivers seat has ht adjustment. Passengers doesn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 My truck bed is 102" wide. My Smart is a 2013 coupe. Fills up bed but fits. 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...
Jack Mayer Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 My bed is 100" wide, plus small wheel "flares". The smart looks fine on that width and that is what I recommend. There is no comparison between the new smart (Gen 3) and my 2012. Night and day different - really, a different car. We would love a new one and may do that someday. BUT, the cost/benefit analysis says to stay with what I have for now. I do like the 2012....but it has some rough edges. I have to say, though, that it has been 100% reliable....never an issue. 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...
GlennWest Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 I have an issue with ours. Have to do shiftier relearn right often. It is under warranty and going to get it fixed. 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...
alan0043 Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 Hi Everyone, Thank you for posting some numbers on the bed width. What is the distance from the back of the cab or the drom box to where the side of the car is ? I am asking about the width of the car. How much inches do I need there ? Right now it looks like the bed width would be 100" / 102". My Polaris RZR needs 60" for it's width. Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 Like you Al, I'm waiting for someone to say what the body width of the car is, and also the outside width of the rear (or front being the same) wheels. I feel that I planned my bed build with enough room to allow, but was wondering what actual is. Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdickinson Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 I will take a tape and get the measurements today....anything else? Do I have your e-mail somewhere. Hi Everyone, Thank you for posting some numbers on the bed width. What is the distance from the back of the cab or the drom box to where the side of the car is ? About 4". The fenders at the bottom are the widest point. The mirror is higher up but the car tapers in by then so the mirror isn't much of an issue. My measurements were taken from the back of the fairings which are about 17" I am asking about the width of the car. How much inches do I need there ? Right now it looks like the bed width would be 100" / 102". My Polaris RZR needs 60" for it's width. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 From the smartusa site. Width of car is 65.5 and length is106.1 , same length as last generation and about 4 inches wider. Nigel 2006 Volvo VNL 430, 2006 smart cabrio cdi, 2000 Triple E Topaz 30' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdickinson Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 Outside of tires is 64" Outside width of car 66 front and back, Mirror sticks out 6.5" tucked in loses 1.5" Lose another 1" maybe 2" because car is narrower at the mirror. Trailer hitch not available, so I'm told. Only 1 pull point and the other side for the pull point is not strong enough to take a bolt. I'm told the best way is to put some material between the 2 behind or under the car and fasten pull bar to that. Cost maybe 500$ TPMS available 500$ Front collision alert, 290$, I think. Took more pics today. I've driven both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 I'm interested in anyone that has detailed info on how to load a Gen 3 smart. References to other websites or documentation would be useful. At the moment, it does not look like there is a rational way to do it at all - other than driving it on. 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 May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 Old spread of rear set is 61", so I'm ok with that. Jack are you saying that smart doesn't do the concealed hitch points anymore? And is Curt making a tow hitch for it yet? 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 May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 I drive mine on, no big deal. I used 150" from back of cab to center of hitch pin and I have fairings. Have room for a new Smart. 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...
rdickinson Posted May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 According to the Service and Parts people at TPM, they have not heard that Curt is making a hitch for the Gen 2 or 3. If I get mine in a couple of weeks I can get the Parts guy who will make a system take pics. There is one pull point on the drivers side rear but the passengers side won't take the stress of another. A guy at TPM installed a cross piece between to accommodate a hitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 Rocky, as far as I can determine there is no hitch for the new smart....at least when I researched it a month or more ago. If it stays that way we will have to come up with another method for loading, since there are no dual tow hooks (not even hidden). This is all based on what the forums are saying - I've obviously not torn a car apart to look. 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...
Imurphy907 Posted May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 An option is to use a J or T key on the subframe like a car hauler would. 2016 Road Warrior 420 2001 Volvo VNL 660 Alaska Based. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 Would be interesting to see what that looks like and if it would work for our application. They are transported and strapped down, so wondering where that contact point might be and again, would it work for our application. I guess I need to get myself down to a smart dealer!!!! Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 Would be interesting to see what that looks like and if it would work for our application. They are transported and strapped down, so wondering where that contact point might be and again, would it work for our application. I guess I need to get myself down to a smart dealer!!!! They have one tie-down point now, for transport. Not two. And no "hidden" ones. And you cannot pull from one point. 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 May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 Might have to go back to my old 4-wheelin days! And with your Jeep experience, shouldn't be a problem! Our hair might get a little grayer. Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Gell Posted May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 It is probably not applicable, but I wonder how they secure the new smart cars on the trucks they deliver them to the dealers with. Unlikely, but possible they use attachment point(s) we could use to pull it up on bed with. Jim 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...
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