All I have a Freedom Express 31SS That I want to use to pull a 2006 Saturn Vue AWD. We purchased the Saturn new while we saved up to get the Class C.
As I am new to the motorhomes, (pulled many trailers) I'm not sure exactly what it is I will need to tow the Saturn. I realize I need a tow bar, but which one? I also believe that I need brake assist. Which one do you recommend?
Thanks for all you help.
* This post was
edited 05/05/08 04:25pm by JCM-USAF *
We have 08 Vue and we have a Demco baseplate and tow bar with US Gear Unified brake system.
Do a seach there is alot of info on all the setups.
For base plates and tow bars the most common are:
Blue Ox
Demco
and another one, can't remember the name.
Braking systems will probably depend on whether you want to take it out everytime you drive the car or one the intergrates with the existing brake system in your car and MH. Unified doesn't have to
be removed all the time but it is not cheap.
I really like it because I am about maxed out for weight and I can tell it helps when stopping and its just two plugins.
Go to the "dingy" section of RV.net.
Linda B.
2009 29' Fleetwood, Fiesta V10 - The Big Bus
2008 Saturn Vue (Toad)with US Gear UBS
& Demco baseplate and tow bar.
Traveling with Robin(friend),Liz(cockapoo)&Buddee(cavalier)
I highly recommend the BlueOx. I have one and the ease of use is really great.
It takes only minutes to hitch up the toad or unhitch. I use a Brake Buddy supplemental brake, it also is very easy to use.
2004 Minnie 31C
2007 Honda CR-V Toad
2005 Nissan 350Z Toy
2 Mini Schnauzers, Ernie and Misty
I could be wrong but I thought certain years of the Vue and its various engine/transmissions could be towed 4 down, and some could not. Check your specific manual and/or call saturn to be sure.
You may also want to check www.motorhomemagazine.com for specific information on your 06 Vue, under "dinghy" section, archived back to various years.
When we were looking for a tow vehicle at the Saturn dealer, I thought the only available towable vehicle was the Ion. While talking to the sales guy another RV'er walked up to me and said we should check out the Vue and suggested the website listed above for specifics, which we did in the show room. We left with an 07 Vue and tow (4) wheels down. There are rules to follow for the 07 and not sure on the 06, but the vehicle manuals are specific and don't take any verbal approvals!
We use Roadmaster brake with Blue Ox bar. Easy to hookup and disconnect.
By the way, I'm sure you know this as well, they're great vehicles! Have fun with your new rig.
Fred C, Mary & 'Noah' (momma's boy) SoCal
KC6THS
FMCA
07 Coachmen Concord
07 Saturn Vue
There is some interesting history on Vue towing. I can't go back to day one with certainty but I can recall being parked next to a fellow who had (I think) an 03. It was FWD and manual - and that was all that could be towed. Then, they got the engine and drive train from Honda and the AWD units could be towed 4 down. During that period you should find that Saturn used a CVT (continuously variable transmission) in many of its units (including the ION and VUE) and any vehicle with that tranny could NOT be towed flat. Then they left the CVT behind and that broadened the choice considerably. Now, I think you will find the entire Saturn line is towable (but be cautious on the Red Line models and some years have had a recommendation they not be towed because damage could result to the body panels in the front.
Don
ps. I've just gone back to my files (I have the Annual FMCA report on toads from 2001 - and better go and download 2008) and it appears my memory as dumped above is correct.
pps. I have Blue Ox baseplates (on Tahoe and Colorado previously), Aventa II tow bar, Brake Buddy, and Blue Ox light bar that fits in receiver on back of Tahoe and thus we did not touch the lighting system or put in separate bulbs. We could not use mag lights since they would, on the Tahoe, be higher than permitted by law. Be cautious on the Blue Ox claims. They said NO cutting of body required with their Tahoe baseplates and they were outright WRONG. We had to trim inside the two hook inlets.
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