Community Forums

cyassets · 01-27-2007, 06:04 PM

I have a 2003 Monaco LaPalma 34' SBD with workhorse chassis. 8.1L Vortec V8. My manual says towing weight for this MH & chassis is 4,000 lbs. I want to tow a 2007 Saturn Vue which weighs about 4,800 lbs. From looking around, this can be done without too much of a problem. Since the toad is towed with all 4 wheels down and not on a trailer, am I actually towing 4,800 lbs? Also what type aux brakes would you recommend for the toad. Thanks

cyassets · 01-27-2007, 06:04 PM

I have a 2003 Monaco LaPalma 34' SBD with workhorse chassis. 8.1L Vortec V8. My manual says towing weight for this MH & chassis is 4,000 lbs. I want to tow a 2007 Saturn Vue which weighs about 4,800 lbs. From looking around, this can be done without too much of a problem. Since the toad is towed with all 4 wheels down and not on a trailer, am I actually towing 4,800 lbs? Also what type aux brakes would you recommend for the toad. Thanks

TXiceman · 01-27-2007, 06:38 PM

I am afraid that 4800# behind the coach is 4800# whether 4-down or on a dolly (excluding the dolly weight). You are 800# over the manufacturers rating.

AS for dinghy brakes, several nice systems out there and everyone has a favored unit. When we had a motorhome and towed, I liked the Brake Buddy as it was simple and easy.

Ken

cyassets · 01-27-2007, 06:45 PM

Thanks for the quick reply Ken. I've heard of the Brake Buddy and will check it out. Hope to hear more from others towing the Saturn Vue with 8.1L Vortec or Ford V-10's.

BaD42 · 01-27-2007, 06:57 PM

John,
I've een towing Saturn Vue's for about 4 years.
They make a great toad.

I think that you may want to verify the weight of 4800 pounds. Most Vue's are somewhere around 3500 pounds.

Gary RVRoamer · 01-28-2007, 02:46 AM

Actually your tow capacity is limited by the chassis GCWR (26,000 lbs if you have a W22) and the hitch rating, which is typically 5000 lbs. The 4000 lb figure applies only if the motorhome weighs 22,000 lbs by itself, fully loaded.

GCWR refers to the maximum combined weight of the motorhome and anything towed behind it, so if the actual loaded weight of the motorhome is less than 22,000 lbs you will have more than 4000 lbs available for towing. As long as the combined weight is under 26,000 lbs AND you do not exceed the hitch rating, you are legit.

I also think the 4800 lb curb weight estimate for a Vue is high. That sounds more like the GVWR for a Vue. Is that what your title says?

SeeTheUSA · 01-28-2007, 04:04 AM

I just did a search for 2007 Saturn Vue specifications . . . found that the curb weight is listed at 3,630 pounds.

Here's the details:

Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (lbs) 4,894, curb weight (lbs) 3,630, gross trailer weight braked (lbs) 3,500 and max payload (lbs) 1,264

paz · 01-28-2007, 05:44 AM

The actual weight of our 2006 Saturn Vue V6 AWD is 4080 lbs. according to Flying J scales. That is with gas in the tank and "stuff" in the car. The "stuff" includes my wife's mobility scooter, which weighs at about 150 lbs.

As RV Roamer says, your towing capacity can be higher if the motorhome is not fully loaded - provided you don't exceed the GCWR and the hitch rating. Even so, without the scooter, you should be less than 4000 lb. with the Vue.

cyassets · 01-28-2007, 02:39 PM

BaD42, RV Roamer,SeeTheUSA, & Paz

Thanks for your replies. You are all correct and I've found out my 07 Saturn Vue has a curb weight of about 3500 lbs. I shouldn't have any problem towing it. I will let you know what aux braking system I choose and how things go. Appreciate all the help. This forum is great. Hope to see ya at a campout.