Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2008 Saturn Outlook Behind an RV

Question:

i i have a 2008 saturnoutlook weighs 6400 lbs i i need have a roadmaster falcon tow bar on my moterhome need to know about the limit for it also will need to order a base plate for my outlook what do need to be safe .

asked by: Doug H

Expert Reply:

There have been different Falcon tow bars over the years. If you have a Falcon 5250 (discontinued) it is rated for 5,000 pounds. The Falcon 2, # RM-520, and the Falcon all-terrain, # RM-522 are rated for 6,000 pounds each.

I did some research on the 2008 Saturn Outlook at found that its gross vehicle weight rating is 6,400 pounds but its curb weight is 4,722 pounds. The 6,400 pounds is the most the vehicle can weigh when loaded to capacity including cargo, passengers, and fuel.

You would have to load the vehicle with an additional 1,678 pounds to get it to 6,400 pounds. Provided you don't do that then you could use any of the Roadmaster Falcon tow bars (if the weight is under 5,000 pounds) or the Falcon 2 or all-terrain if the weight is between 5,000 and 6,000 pounds.

For compatible base plate use # 523149-1. I have linked a video showing an example installation on another vehicle that uses the same base plates. If you do not already have safety cables I recommend # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting you could use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120 or, for a more permanent solution, I recommend bulb and socket kit # RM-155. I recommend one of these kits because both will bypass the vehicle wiring so you won't have to cut and splice vehicle wires.

It also looks like you will need to pull a fuse to flat tow the Outlook. Consult the vehicle owner's manual to confirm. To make this process as easy as flipping a switch I recommend fuse bypass # RM-76517. I have linked a video showing an example installation of this bypass for you.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.