Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2004 Saturn Vue Behind Motorhome

Question:

What is needed to tow a 2004 Saturn Vue behind a motorhome?

asked by: David J

Helpful Expert Reply:

Flat towing a vehicle requires a number of components that include a tow bar, safety cables, a high/low hitch adapter, a wiring or lighting solution of some kind and on the towed car a set of base plates and a supplemental braking system. Each of these is covered in the linked overview article on flat towing. Other item-specific articles are linked for you too.

Starting with base plates, you can use the linked page to select the version of the Vue you have. Use the drop-down menu tool to select your specific model. For an example we'll say you have the 4-cylinder. For this you can use Blue Ox base plate kit # BX3317. Our installers like the fit of Blue Ox gear so I tend to recommend it most.

For a tow bar you can use the Alpha # BX7380 which includes safety cables. For a diode wiring kit use # RM-15267.

For a braking system all options appear on a linked page but I recommend the portable and wireless Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This item can stay with you for as long as you flat tow and move right into your next vehicle when that time comes. Wireless operation means easy installation, as shown in the included video.

The online owner's manual for the 2004 Saturn Vue indicates on pages 4-46 and -47 that certain versions of this vehicle can be dinghy towed behind a motorhome. All-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive vehicles with the VTi transaxle should NOT be flat towed. Manual transmission and Five-Speed Automatic Transaxle models can be flat towed. Check your owner's manual or contact your local dealership with the car's VIN to confirm that it is a version that can be safely flat towed and review the preparation steps needed.