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Are
your trailers made to fit only the Smart?
NO.
Despite our name Smart-Trailers are available for ANY
vehicle. However we pride ourselves in supplying Smart-Trailers
that are designed and built to fit your car correctly.
We will NOT try to sell you the nearest "standard
fit" mass produced trailer.
What
is the weight of a Smart-Trailer and the weight of a
Small tow car?
Smart-Trailers
weigh approximately 290Kg, depending upon its actual
final specification, a Smart fortwo approximately 750kg,
depending upon fitted options, a Toyota Aygo 850kg and
a Fiat 500 930kg. Total towable weights would therefore
be just over the metric tonne.
What
are the differences between the trailers you offer and
their options?
Both
the XCountry and Brooklands use the same chassis, axle
and hitch. The XCountry has ramps that store in the
middle of the trailer underneath the car while the Brooklands
has simple glide out ramps that slide from the trailer
bed directly under the cars wheels. The Brooklands is
much easier to use with no lifting out of ramps.
Are
Smart-Trailers competitive?
Very,
on a like for like comparison! Smart-Trailers are manufactured
at our site in the midlands, where much of the UK's
manufacturing industry resides. Unlike some of our competition
we do not go in for high tech glass and alloy buildings
on expensive estates. We have a small unit in an out
of town industrial estate with low overheads. Much of
the machinery is bought and paid for. We do not indulge
in expensive advertising or glossy brochures! = Maximum
Derived Value.
We prefer to pass the savings on to you.
Why
do you use such high specification hitches, axles, wheels
and tyres?
We
now offer AL-KO Kober components on our basic models,
using 13" four stud wheels on an AL-KO axle and
a pressed steel hitch. AL-KO Kober are probably the
largest German manufacturer of trailer components, since
1931 they have been manufacturing premium, high quality
components. These components compete favourably with
other trailer manufacturer's and allows us to be unbeatable
in terms of maximum derived value.
Can
I open both doors of my smart car when it is on the
trailer?
Yes!
We mount the trailer spare wheel well forward on the
chassis where it does not interfere with the opening
of either door on the smart car. You can also mount
the spare wheel on either side of the trailer to suit
your preference. You can also mount a spare smart car
wheel on the other side of the trailer and neither will
stop you from fully opening the car doors!
Why
do you use pre-galvanised steel?
We
believe that pre-galv gives a better finish than hot
dip. The manufacturing process "wipes" the
galv across any punched holes and results in a better
standard of construction.
It is our view that hot dip distorts manufactured parts,
leaves a non-uniform finish and the heat shock could
weaken the fold lines leading to cracking with age.
Why
don't you fit a winch as standard?
In
discussion with our customers we have found that all
car owners tend to drive their cars on and off the trailer.
Only our customers with veteran or vintage cars use
a winch. Hence we do not fit one as standard thus saving
you money.
However, we can fit one at any time, as an option, in
15 to 20 minutes if you require.
Do
I need special straps for securing my smart car?
Smart-Trailers
can supply heavy duty ratchet straps with hooks on each
end. These straps comprise a soft eye "choker"
that pulls across the face of the wheel allowing the
body of the strap to form a tight cradle around each
wheel. Recommended.
What
do you mean by "forward loading"?
The
Smart fortwo has its engine at the back. Ordinary trailers
tend to have their axles in the centre of the bed. Putting
a smart car on an ordinary trailer will mean that too
much of the smart cars weight is too far back leading
to light or negative nose weight that will affect the
handling of the trailer - snaking. Some people try to
overcome this problem by reversing the smart car onto
the trailer - this will alleviate the problem but is
hardly convenient. All Smart-Trailers are designed from
the outset with the axle positioned correctly to balance
the Centre of Gravity of the car with the nose weight
of the trailer (50kg to 100kg max), thus allowing forward
loading plus safe, easy and legal towing.
Can
I use a Towing A-Frame instead of a trailer, is it legal?
Yes,
of course you can. Please see our sister brand www.Smart-Tow.com
where the current legal position is fully explained.
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