Towing a car with a Motorhome

My understanding is that A-Frames are not really legal anywhere (no type approval?) but in the UK and perhaps a couple of other countries in Europe a blind eye is usually turned to their use. Spain seems to be the country where they tend to clamp down on them particularly and people can be fined on the spot. I have heard reports of people being stopped in Germany although the police there can be a bit more pragmatic. If you do take a chance and use an A-Frame then you will have to be prepared to disconnect and drive the car separately if the police tell you to. The best way to tow a car in Europe is a proper trailer and you often see Smart cars transported in that way. 

David

We have in the past towed a small Kia Picanto on an A frame. It is as DK says some countries will tolerate it others will not. We have been stopped in both Germany and Belgium. We no longer take the car with us but do take 2 ebikes to get around on and for pleasure, much better experience  riding bikes over there. If we need a car for any reason we would just rent one.

I would advise to take your time and don't jump in thinking you will need a car, you may not. It is much easier to get around with your mh over there. Also you mention a smart car, if its automatic can it be put on an A frame? We were warned against buying and A framing a Smart as they are rear heavy and can bounce around especially when pulling away on a bend. If you decide you really do need a car then my advice would be put a smart on a smart trailer then you will be legal everywhere. Things may change with Brexit who knows.

There are different schools of thought on the subject.. I towed a Seat Marbella on a "car-a-tow" A frame for five years or more, then a Fiat punto for a few years more, the chap who fitted it for me used to give you a sort of legal do's and dont's which explained to who ever has pulled you over that the A frame and towed vehicle become a "braked trailor"but I must admit I never towed in France or spain cos of a few bad stories involving their police with other towers, so there you are you pays your money and takes your chances...H

we've seen a couple pull into sites jn Spain but they have definitely taken a chance in doing it....perhaps they are happy with the risk if they have two drivers...?

however, it isn't legal as stated above....

A frames are not legal on the continent. They are tolerated in the UK, but current legislation require that the A Frame Towed car has to have extensive modifications to be considered legal.

Much better IMO to use a proper twin axle car trailer where you don't need any modifications to be done to your car.. 

K 

Twin axle trailers are not required for a Smart car, bit like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut 

However I do think that given the cost of the 'new' type A frames that if we were going down this road again we would use a trailer, the cost can be equal to and in some cases less than an A frame and conversion.

There is a but of course and that is how fit are you, are you able to lift the A frame to attach it to the vehicle, or on the other hand are fit enough to push a trailer +car onto a pitch

Of course some pitches are big enough and flat enough so no problem reversing or not however as those who travel abroad know, that no 2 pitches and sites are the same. Some are in awkward corners, some have trees on, some are small or uneven and some have a small curb that you have to mount.

We had a trike on a trailer for a few years so have experience of all these issues. Lets not forget that with a trailer you have to secure the car, this can be a bit of a faff if you are not confident or competent.

Can a Smart be towed 

Yes you can tow a Smart car using an A-frame, many people do. I wouldn't recommend using an A-frame outside of the UK for reasons already stated and agree that there is less need for the use of a "toad" abroard.
There are several trailer manufacturers making small compact trailers specifically for Smart cars and other small city cars, ie Fiat 500.
There can be a problem with over loading the rear axle of the MH though when towing a trailer.
My 3500kg Bolero 684 runs with the rear axle pretty much at its maximum weight of 2000kg so adding the noseweight of a trailer would not be an option.

Sorry i thought smarts were automatics

If you don't buy the Smartcar, or the A frame, or the trailer, and don't pay the extra ferry or tunnel fares, and if you save on the extra fuel costs of towing the car around, and don't have the insurance cost for the Smartcar, you can just hire a car in Europe when you need one, or take a taxi now and then.