Does The Curt # C11020 Hitch Affect The Ground Clearance On A Smart Fortwo?

Updated 09/30/2026 | Published 09/28/2026

Question:

Does this affect the ground clearance on the car?

asked by: Ryan

Expert Reply:

Hey Ryan, thanks for reaching out. Yes, adding the Curt # C11020 hitch to a Smart Fortwo does affect the ground clearance. The hitch crosstube is positioned directly underneath the rear bumper, so the ground clearance is reduced. Once the hitch is installed, the bottom edge of the receiver will be approximately 7-1/2" from the ground.

What will you be using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Curt C11020 Hitch On A Smart Fortwo
(click to enlarge)

Ryan

9/29/2026

Thank you, in my situation the hitch was primarily going to be used for accessories like a spare tire carrier etc.

Jesse M.

9/29/2026

@Ryan Ok cool. Just make sure whatever accessory you get will fit the smaller 1-1/4" hitch receiver and you'll be good to go. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help!

Jessica P.

9/30/2026

@Ryan you shouldn’t have any issues unless you’re trying to go somewhat off road. I tow a motorcycle trailer and a jetski with my smart and it’s even lowered an inch all around. I’m also in the pothole/horrible roads state - ohio (northeast). I just straddle roadkill to one side or the other of the car, not the middle :)

Thomas

9/30/2026

@Ryan I don't notice any issues with clearance with the hitch itself. I use mine for a bike rack and because of the low height combined with the extension of the bike rack, I do notice I scrape the bike rack on some things like bigger driveway transitions. Also, the small metal guard under the plastic fender in the rear needed to be trimmed by about 5mm. Even though there was no contact on installation, when the engine is started and torqued while running, there is just enough movement for it to contact the hitch and rattle.