If I buy a Sterling Roadmaster Tow Bar with a 4 wire set up, will that work for my 2007 Saturn Vue? They also have a 6 wire so I am not sure of what I would need. I have a chance to buy one at a greatly reduced price, but do not want to buy the wrong thing. Thanking you in advance for your kind replies.
Jim & Terry Bullman
With our traveling buddies Josephine & Skeeter
1998 National Tradewinds
Traveling out of Dallas Texas
A Sterling should be fine for a Vue. Sterling is rated at 6K lbs. If you have a electric brake or need connections beyond just lights, go with the six wire.
2002 Tradewinds LTC
2004 Toyota Tundra Doublecab Toad
16ft Rogue Marine Stealth Driftboat
USN Ret
The Vue has separate brake and turn signals. To operate them separately when towing requires 5 wires, so the 6-wire setup would be compatible.
The question is more complex than that however because it depends on the light configuration your Tradewinds has. If it has separate brake and turn signals then the six-wire setup is the way to go. If it has combined brake and turn signals (the same bulbs used for both functions) then there are only four signal wires available, so you should get the 4-wire setup and wire the Vue as a 4-wire system to match. I know that sounds confusing but here is a link to wiring diagrams that show how to wire the Vue either way. Note that diodes are used in both configurations to prevent the motorhome signals from feeding back into the control circuits of the Vue.
I use a Stirling tow bar with a 4 wire connector, left turn, right turn, tail, and ground. I use a Brakemaster aux brake that pushes on the brake pedal so when the brakes are applied the toad brake lights come on using the toad battery. Never a low battery even after several days of towing.
One advantage to this setup is when the engine brake is engaged on the MH the MH brake light come on, but the toad brake lights only come on when I apply the MH service brakes.
My MH also has an indicator light on the dash that comes on with the toad brakes, lets me monitor the toad brakes for application or sticking, which I highly recommend. It was part of the Brakemaster package.
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