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.