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Just joined
Posts: 1
| Does anyone have a Smart Car with or without an A Frame that they are looking to sell.
I am planning to buy these items early 2009
Happy Wheels
MGB |
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Lives on the forums
Posts: 564
 
Location: devon & normandy france
| Hi, don,t tow a smart car on an A frame, you will damage the gearbox. i KNOW THAT PEOPLE DO SO, but after buying my smart I looked into this with mercedes in germany who told me it was a big no no.
A frames will soon be unlawfull to use on all EU roads I think the time frame is 2010. so this would be a waste of time and money buying a braked unit.
Get a small trailer and look after the car, and remain in the law.You will always beable to sale the trailer but who will want the A frame and the repair costs to the smart.
michael |
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| Very good point,
If you look up hints and tips you will see on towing in france where the are already making some uncouple the A Frame coming off the ferries (Ireland to France)
Regards,
Brendan |
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Gets involved
Posts: 266
Location: Nr Fareham Hampshire
| We towed a Smart car for 6 months and never had a problem (mechanically) other than the fact I decided it would be easier to tow a caravan. Sold the lot and bought a caravan (lost a fortune!). Much happier and now feel that at least what I am doing is legal everywhere unlike an 'A' frame. |
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| John
Sorry to hear you lost a fortune I have had to repair seals on drive shafts etc. Why did you not buy a small trailer? It is a shame there is such a clamp down on A frames Does anyone know what way its going?
Hope your happy touring with your van
Happy New Year
Regards,
Brendan. |
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Gets involved
Posts: 266
Location: Nr Fareham Hampshire
| onecal vw - 2009-01-11 9:52 PM John Sorry to hear you lost a fortune I have had to repair seals on drive shafts etc. Why did you not buy a small trailer? It is a shame there is such a clamp down on A frames Does anyone know what way its going? Hope your happy touring with your van Happy New Year Regards, Brendan. We actually got fed up with motorhoming. Too much driving and not a bit relaxing. Each to his own!!!!! |
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Lives on the forums
Posts: 564
Location: devon & normandy france
| In answer to the A frame bit, It looks like the UK will be falling in line with the rest of the EU, maybe this is part of the lisbon paper ( who knows for sure) and this will make using an A frame ilegal.
I use a small trailer for the smart thats only 4 foot longer then the car so the same as a smart and A frame, Just don,t see the point in A frames.
michael |
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Treasured contributor
Posts: 803
Location: 2010 Burstner Aviano i728G
| We used to have a trailer for our Smart car but found some sites (especially in Italy and Belgium) could not find room for the MH, car and trailer on one pitch. Using the A frame, with Brake Buddy, last year to Tuscany and back was soooo much easier.   |
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Gets involved
Posts: 266
Location: Nr Fareham Hampshire
| catinou - 2009-01-13 9:49 PM Using the A frame, with Brake Buddy, last year to Tuscany and back was soooo much easier. and probably illegal!!!! |
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| Hi
I have Towed a car on the trailer with my motorhome through France Italy Austria Germany Belgium last year with no problems. But some of my friends on the same tour had problems in Austria and France towing cars with an A frame. They were made decouple and then allowed carry on with just a warning.
Regards,
Brendan |
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Keeps coming back for more
Posts: 194
| I have one of these....
www.mastertow.com
Very good, very strong and wide enough to see it behind your motorhome!! All spares are easily obtainable and very cheap! |
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Lord of the posts
Posts: 6155
 
Location: Birmingham. 2004 Auto-Trail Cheyenne Mercedes 313.
| Hi Rainbow Chasers'
Have you ever had any troubles when towing with your 'Mastertow' as my understanding is that they are classed as 'Towing dollies and are only legal for recovering broken down vehicles.
I think they fall into the same class of recovery equipment as the A frames which attach under the front of a car.
One other question, are they braked, as if not you are probably limited to 750 kg max, that is if they are legal in the UK at all.
Perhaps other forum users can confirm or refute my thoughts.
Keith.
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| I note that "Mastertow" is a USA company.
While towing a vehicle using a 'dolly' may well be legal for a private individual to do in the USA, as far as I'm aware it is not in the UK.
(This subject would be better discussed on the Motorhome Matters forum where it would undoubtedly receive more attention.) |
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| A follow-up on towing in the UK using a 'dolly'.
There's a fair bit of stuff on the Internet regarding the legality of this. Received wisdom seems to be that it's illegal except for 'recovery' purposes, but there is some contrary argument. A plausible summary of the position (that I'm personally comfortable with) is offered by "Miket" on
http://www.cobraclub.com/forum/general-cobra-discussion/21282-law-using-towing-dolly.html |
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Treasured contributor
Posts: 803
Location: 2010 Burstner Aviano i728G
| I'd be surprised if that was so John - several of the groups that paid particular attention at motorway stopovers were police officers. Not stopped - just enquired about. Without exception the rig was admired and we felt safe..... |
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