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| [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315247] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 16:35  |
Jane Field
Messages: 22
Registered: April 2013
Karma: 0
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We are looking for a new toad. Sold our Ural sidecar motorcycle in
December. We used it as a toad for 14 years, but are at a point in our
lives that maybe a small car would be a better bet. We looked at smart car
by Mercedes today and wonder if any GMC folks have had experience in the
use of the Smart For Two car as a toad. Would like to know how it is
working. I know that you can tow it four down, but can't see how a tow bar
rig would work on this car. Thanks for your input.
Chuck Field
77 Royale with 454 Chevy.
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315252 is a reply to message #315251] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 18:42  |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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That's all they needed, but, think about a mini cooper wagon or a Fiat like
Jerry and Sharon Work had.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On Mar 30, 2017 4:37 PM, "gene Fisher" wrote:
> Only haules 2
> P
> On Thu, Mar 30, 2017 at 3:05 PM James Hupy wrote:
>
>> Paul Hoge and Sandy Brooks towed a smart car with their GMC. It worked
> well
>> for their needs. Paul was handicapped and used a scooter which folded up
>> and went in the rear of the car. Sandy could hook it up with no problem.
>> Camping World in Wilsonville did the install. I believe D.J. Eberhart
> also
>> is equipped to tow a smart car. Both coaches were from the GMC Cascaders.
>> Jim Hupy
>> Salem, Or
>> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>>
>> On Mar 30, 2017 2:36 PM, "Jane Field" wrote:
>>
>>> We are looking for a new toad. Sold our Ural sidecar motorcycle in
>>> December. We used it as a toad for 14 years, but are at a point in our
>>> lives that maybe a small car would be a better bet. We looked at smart
>> car
>>> by Mercedes today and wonder if any GMC folks have had experience in
> the
>>> use of the Smart For Two car as a toad. Would like to know how it is
>>> working. I know that you can tow it four down, but can't see how a tow
>> bar
>>> rig would work on this car. Thanks for your input.
>>>
>>> Chuck Field
>>> 77 Royale with 454 Chevy.
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
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> --
> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> -------
> http://gmcmotorhome.info/
> Alternator Protection Cable
> http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315254 is a reply to message #315247] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 19:19 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Smart for two 14K and change
Kia Soul 16K and change
Fiat Abarth 18K and change
Mini Cooper wagon 23k and change
Smart is the lightest, then Fiat then Kia, Clubman last.
I've seen several Smarts being used as toads. I'll stick with the Kia. It is however heavier if that matters. ?They're all under 3K pounds.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315257 is a reply to message #315254] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 19:55 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Ask Smart owners about Mercedes part prices for their Smart Car. Friends towed one for several years and were very happy tp let it go. Cost more to maintain than their GMC, even with him doing most of the work.
Nissan Versa (manual) or older Honda Fit is also an excellent choice. My Fit weighs at 2335 pounds.
If I was going to purchase new, Kia Soul would be first choice. Easy for my Senior bones to get in and out of, including the rear seat. Quite the small hauler.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315259 is a reply to message #315247] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 20:30 |
Nelson
Messages: 120
Registered: August 2014
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Chuck,
I have had a Smart toad for over 8 years and have towed it from Florida to Nova Scotia and many other places, up and down mountains etc. At around 1600 # it barely effects the MPG,and doesn't require add on braking system. When not being towed it is a fun car to drive and if you want to meet people it's better than a puppy as people are constantly asking about it.
As for your question about the tow bar setup, I have modified the tow hooks that screw in the front frame and modified a standard tow bar. Stick on a pair of magnetic tail lights, hook up the safety cables, put the tranny in neutral and you're good to go.
HTH,
Nelson Wright
Belle Isle Fl.
78 Royale Rear Bath
On Mar 30, 2017, at 5:35 PM, Jane Field wrote:
> We are looking for a new toad. Sold our Ural sidecar motorcycle in
> December. We used it as a toad for 14 years, but are at a point in our
> lives that maybe a small car would be a better bet. We looked at smart car
> by Mercedes today and wonder if any GMC folks have had experience in the
> use of the Smart For Two car as a toad. Would like to know how it is
> working. I know that you can tow it four down, but can't see how a tow bar
> rig would work on this car. Thanks for your input.
>
> Chuck Field
> 77 Royale with 454 Chevy.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315263 is a reply to message #315247] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 21:35 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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Anything associated with Mercedes has horrific depreciation in the first few years. And bend over for parts. I think the alternator access is a real issue on Smart. What about a Spark for 4 down?
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315265 is a reply to message #315247] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 22:10 |
cbryan
Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Paul Doane from Halifax, Nova Scotia had a Smart car for a towed and said it had problems. Again and again. Maybe he still has it and can give more up to date advice.
Carey
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315266 is a reply to message #315257] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 22:42 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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You guys will go to great lengths to drag some foreign piece of iron and
plastic around with your coaches. Be careful what you wish for, you are
just liable to wind up with it. Drive your coach where you want to go, rent
a car when you get there. Save a bundle.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403.
On Mar 30, 2017 8:35 PM, "Thomas Phipps" wrote:
> Ask Smart owners about Mercedes part prices for their Smart Car. Friends
> towed one for several years and were very happy tp let it go. Cost more to
> maintain than their GMC, even with him doing most of the work.
> Nissan Versa (manual) or older Honda Fit is also an excellent choice. My
> Fit weighs at 2335 pounds.
> If I was going to purchase new, Kia Soul would be first choice. Easy for
> my Senior bones to get in and out of, including the rear seat. Quite the
> small hauler.
> Tom, MS II
> --
> 1975 GMC Avion
> KA4CSG
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315272 is a reply to message #315247] |
Fri, 31 March 2017 08:19 |
Chris Tyler
Messages: 458
Registered: September 2013
Location: Odessa FL
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Jim, by THAT logic maybe we should all just drive where we want to go and rent lodging. It would probably be cheaper!
One thing to keep in mind for 'Toads" is how useful will it be as a second [or whatever ] car when not RVing?
I considered getting several vehicles i wanted to play with anyway including a dune buggy, and older jeep, and a mini cooper
Ended up with a 99Tracker 4WD and use it more than the GMC lately.
76 Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315275 is a reply to message #315247] |
Fri, 31 March 2017 08:31 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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I'm with Chris - the Kia is my car, Paula has a T&C minivan. That it's the toad is a bennie I wanted when I got it. Just rolled it over 100K, so far oil changes a set of tires. Still on original hoses belt and brakes. Change the oil every 5K miles, it will usually be a half quart down at that point. It needs the drivers' side doors which I ruffled, I'm looking. Need a wreck hit on the pass side with 1D paint code.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315276 is a reply to message #315247] |
Fri, 31 March 2017 08:34 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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And lemme point out, as Bounds notes, use of the GMC - and toad - is individual. I use mine to get to dog shows, and the toad is necessary when the venue doesn't have RV spaces. Otherwise, it's a lifeboat.
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315281 is a reply to message #315278] |
Fri, 31 March 2017 10:48 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Quite a few members of the GMC CASCADERS are into playing in the sand dunes
with a variety of equipment towed behind their coaches. Stuff like quads,
sand rails, jeeps, Suzuki Samurai's, VW things, etc. One has a Meyers Manx
street legal buggy that he trailers, and uses it for a toad as well. I am
not saying "don't tow with a GMC" Just carefully plan why you do it. I see
lots of coaches towing stuff that never gets used enough to justify
dragging them behind. I have a Ford Bronco II that I have rigged up to tow
behind my coach, and never do. I prefer to tow an enclosed cargo trailer
with my vendor stuff and camp kitchen. It is lightweight. Less than 800
pounds loaded. Never know it is there. Some guys tow enclosed trailers with
thousands of pounds of race bikes or corvairs. To each his own, I guess.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On Mar 31, 2017 7:03 AM, "Sammy Williams" wrote:
> Rental vehicles may not always be available in a popular area such as a GMC
> convention or in a smaller market away from airports. The toad you bring in
> behind your GMC is available for your usage when it's needed in any market
> you go too without restrictions. If it's new it also comes with a warranty.
> If not depending on mileage, an aftermarket warranty can be had. If you
> want a toad, use it.
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315308 is a reply to message #315265] |
Sat, 01 April 2017 11:59 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I talked to Nancy at the GMCMI rally a few days ago. They sold the Smart car and got a Nissan Versa.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315316 is a reply to message #315313] |
Sat, 01 April 2017 17:22 |
Kingsley Coach
Messages: 2691
Registered: March 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Karma: -34
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Senior Member |
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James
That's not a white Bronco that I would have seen in a low speed chase a few
years ago is it?
Mike in NS
On Sat, Apr 1, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Pete Smith wrote:
> Car provides lots more storage and a lifeboat.
>
> We will likely have my Honda fit as a toad.
>
>
> Pete
> --
> Cary, NC
>
> No Coach yet but likely center kitchen, dry side bath Royale, 78, 403,
> hopefully with good original white Imron paint.
>
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--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
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| Re: [GMCnet] smart for two car [message #315317 is a reply to message #315316] |
Sat, 01 April 2017 17:42 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Mike, that was a full size Bronco that O.J. was in. Mine is the small one
that was discontinued in 1991 and replaced by the Ford Exploder. Whoops,
Explorer.
How are you doing?
Jim Hupy
On Sat, Apr 1, 2017 at 3:22 PM, Kingsley Coach
wrote:
> James
>
> That's not a white Bronco that I would have seen in a low speed chase a few
> years ago is it?
>
> Mike in NS
>
> On Sat, Apr 1, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Pete Smith wrote:
>
>> Car provides lots more storage and a lifeboat.
>>
>> We will likely have my Honda fit as a toad.
>>
>>
>> Pete
>> --
>> Cary, NC
>>
>> No Coach yet but likely center kitchen, dry side bath Royale, 78, 403,
>> hopefully with good original white Imron paint.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
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>
>
>
> --
> Michael Beaton
> 1977 Kingsley 26-11
> 1977 Eleganza II 26-3
> Antigonish, NS
>
> Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
> _______________________________________________
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