Can a 2008 Saturn Vue be Flat Towed and What Parts are Needed to do so
Question:
I need to verify if a 2008 Saturn Vue XE AWD can be flat towed. Ive been told two different stories. Thanks in advance.
asked by: Mike S
Expert Reply:
Whenever you hear conflicting stories about flat towing a vehicle it is always best to turn to the owner's manual as the manufacturer (in your case GM) will have the final say. I looked up an online version of the owner's manual for your 2008 Saturn Vue and it says on page 4-42 that both FWD and AWD can be flat towed. I recommend checking your copy of the owner's manual to verify this (it will be under Recreational or Dinghy Towing).
For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. As long as your Saturn Vue doesn't have the brush guard I recommend using the Roadmaster Base Plate Kit # 3151-1A. This pairs nicely with the Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520 and Safety Cables # RM-643 which are both rated for 6,000 lbs.
In the owner's manual it stated that you have to leave the key in the ACC position while flat towing. Because of this I recommend going with the Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 which will also allow you to install the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 to keep your battery from draining. According to the manual a fuse must be pulled too. By installing a Fuse Bypass # RM76511 you can just flip a switch to disconnect the fuse instead of physically having to remove it.
If you plan on doing a lot of flat towing then I recommend installing the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. This permanently installs on your vehicle but you will hardly notice that it is there when you are not flat towing. The setup for flat towing is very minimal.
If you won't be towing very much then I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot III # BLU37TR. This is a portable braking system so the initial installation process isn't as intense as the Stay-IN-Play DUO, but it will take more effort to setup each time you tow and you will also need to install the 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332 so that it can use power from the battery.
Most flat towing setups require a high-low adapter for the tow bar to remain level while towing. I have linked our selection of adapters for you to check out as well as an article that will help you determine which is the best one for your application.
You will need to check your owner's manual for specific instructions on flat towing. I have also attached some sampe installation videos, instructions, and helpful articles for you to reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass - 13" - 20-Amp Mini-Fuse
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Fuse Bypass
- Custom
- Mini Fuse
- Engine Compartment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Camco Reversible RV Outdoor Rug w/ Stakes - 12' Long x 9' Wide - Blue
- Video: Review of Prest-O-Fit RV Rugs - 19 x 30 Inch Blue RV Doormat - PR69VR
- Video: Review of Prest-O-Fit RV Rugs - RV Interior Landing Rug - PR32VR
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Camco RV Step Rug - 18" Wide - Blue
- Shop: Prest-O-Fit Interior RV Step Rug for Landings - 23-1/2" Wide x 8" Deep - Tan - Qty 1
- Shop: Prest-O-Fit Ruggids RV Door Mat - 19" Long x 30" Wide - Blue - Qty 1
- Q&A: Recommended Equipment for Flat Towing 2013 Ford C-Max Behind Motorhome
- Video: Best 2020 Lincoln Nautilus Flat Tow Set Up Options
- Shop: Vehicle Sway Bars
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Video: Roadmaster Base Plate Installation - 2008 Saturn Vue
- Video: Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring Kit Installation - 2017 GMC Canyon
- Video: Pollak Wiring - Trailer Connectors - PK11609 Review
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Search Results: rm154
- Search Results: rm15267
- Search Results: pk11609
- Search Results: molded trailer cable
- Search Results: pk11608
- Search Results: blue ox aventa
- Q&A: How Does The Blue Ox Patriot System Get Signal To Apply Brakes
- Q&A: Flat Tow a 2007 Saturn Vue
- Q&A: Can Trailer Breakaway Battery Be Mounted on It's Side
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
on Base Plates
