Before installing a hitch on your Smart car, be sure to refer to your vehicle’s manual for the tow rating, which will give you the maximum amount of weight you can safely tow. 

As a general rule, a Smart car can typically handle a Class 1 hitch with a 200lb weight rating, ideal for lightweight hauling and hitch bike racks. 

Installing smart car trailer hitch

Installing a smart car trailer hitch

Custom hitches 

A safe trailer hitch on a Smart car depends on the following factors: 

  • The year, make, and model of your vehicle
  • What you plan on hauling 
  • If applicable, the type of bike rack you plan to install

While a large percentage of the market belongs to trailer hitches for trucks, SUVs, and mid-size cars, there are hitches for Smarts cars available. If you can’t find one that is suited for your vehicle, a custom hitch from a professional shop maybe your best solution.

Hitch bike racks for Smarts cars

One of the advantages of installing a trailer hitch on your Smart car is that it provides the possibility of mounting a hitch bike rack. Hitch bike racks can typically carry two to six bikes at a time and will hold the bike/s a few inches out away from the car.

There are two kinds of hitch bike racks:

  • Hanging bike racks are compact and feature a rod with arms that support bikes by the frame.
  • Platform-style bike racks can carry two bikes and hold your bikes by the wheel on a tray, preventing them from spinning during transport.

Important Note: The bike rack must fit the size of Class 1 Smart car hitch 

Installing a hitch on your Smart car

The installation of a hitch is simple for a professional installer, but may not be straightforward for those who don’t have a lot of experience installing hitches. To install a Class 1 hitch onto your Smart car, you must have specific tools available to drill a couple of holes into your car’s frame and a wrench to tighten the bolts.

If you’re unsure about the tension required so that the hitch doesn’t come loose, it’s in your best interest to find a professional trail hitch installer to ensure the job is completed correctly.