Will Supplemental Braking System Improve Control When Flat Towing 2008 Smart Fortwo

Updated 01/03/2019 | Published 01/02/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 6,000 lbs

(148)

$960.00

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Smart Car Brake Pedal Adapter for Demco Air Force One and Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking Systems

(2)

$24.50

Question:

I purchased the roadmaster tow bar and base plate from you for the Smart fortwo. I have towed over 2000 miles successfully. But what I have found is that unless I secure the steering wheel with a bungee cord, making some turns the steering wheel can whip quickly from right to left. I believe because of the short wheelbase of the Smart The bungee prevents this, but with the bungee the steering wheel will only turn about a 1/4 turn either direction. It does not take too tight of a turn for the front wheels to be pulled sideways. The car is light so it does not give much resistance when dragging. I am concerned about tire wear and stress on the tow assembly. Can you provide any suggestions with this setup?

asked by: Byron W

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your purchases! From what it sounds like you may not have a supplemental braking system in your 2008 Smart Fortwo, and I highly recommend installing one to help get a more controlled flat towing experience. You should not have your car's steering wheel whipping quickly when you make a turn and I imagine this happens mostly as you are making a sharper turn when slowing down; a supplemental braking system will greatly help prevent that.

Using a bungee cord like you are doing and limiting the turning radius of your '08 Fortwo's steering wheel is going to result in your tires and wheels deteriorating much faster than they otherwise would as well as put added stress onto the vehicle's chassis. The use of a supplemental braking system will reduce the force placed on both your motorhome and Fortwo and should allow you much greater control than you currently have.

The best option is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 because it is a one-time install so you will never have to worry about activating or deactivating it. The SMI utilizes an inertia sensor to recognize when you are decelerating and will proportionally apply braking to your '08 Smart Fortwo. The only other thing you would need with your vehicle is the Brake Pedal Adapter # SM99602.

I have added a number of links to video reviews of the SMI Stay-IN-Play as well as a help article on supplemental braking systems that I recommend checking out.

expert reply by: Kyle S