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Old 05-06-2004, 03:59 PM   #1
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Is anyone towing a Saturn Vue?

Reason I ask is that it weighs 1000 pounds less than a TrailBlazer.

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Old 05-06-2004, 03:59 PM   #2
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Is anyone towing a Saturn Vue?

Reason I ask is that it weighs 1000 pounds less than a TrailBlazer.

Thanks
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Old 05-09-2004, 12:19 AM   #3
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DriVer,
I'm towing a 2004 Saturn Vue AWD V6 Auto. This is the new version with the Honda 3.5l engine and 5 speed automatic. This is the only V6 Auto Vue that can be towed 4 wheels down, previous year V6 Vue's cannot be towed 4 wheels down. The 4 cylinder, standard transmission can also be towed 4 wheels down. The engine and transmission the Saturn is using is the same engine found in the Honda Pilot and the Acura MDX. I have towed the Vue for about 350 miles so far. Curb weight appears to be between 3600 and 3800 pounds, depending on options.
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Old 05-10-2004, 07:26 AM   #4
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Does anyone know the flat tow capabilities of the 2005 Chevy Equinox ??
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Old 05-10-2004, 10:41 AM   #5
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Methinks from the sound of this thread that someone is looking for a new toad. Perchance is that Trail Blazer a bit heavy for that big ole 38G? Wait till you see what drag behind me to Vermont, perhaps you and I will put our heads together and come up with the perfect toad.
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Old 05-10-2004, 10:59 AM   #6
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DriVer, just for informational purposes, the Equinox is on a Saturn Vue chassis, the wheel base has been stretched by a few inches and the body panels are metal as opposed to polymer that are on the Saturn. The interior is about the same, maybe just a bit better quality. Most of the instrumentation and switches and interior appointments are out of the Saturn Vue. The drive train is Chevy not the Honda drive train, the 3.4l engine is made in Shanghai China.
When I originally heard the engine was made in China, I was skeptical, but research on the WEB proved that it was a GM design manufactured in China. I have not heard any word on the 4 down tow capability. The Equinox is available at the dealer now, so they should (you would think) have that information available.
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Old 05-10-2004, 12:32 PM   #7
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Captain Bud:
Methinks from the sound of this thread that someone is looking for a new toad. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Aye .. Cap'n! The TrailBlazer is a heavy tow and I may soon have to switch to a heavier hauser to haul it, or get a different class RV to haul the tow. A DD can't tow a BB.
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Old 05-17-2004, 12:12 PM   #8
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Its hard to understand the reasoniong at GM but the new Equinox which is built only 45 miles from where I live and which is a very nice looking SUV, IS NOT TOWABLE. Strange since it is supposed to share so many parts with the Vue and it is built in the same plant that used to turn out the GM Trackers which were towable.
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Old 05-17-2004, 01:31 PM   #9
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Towability is basically determined by the transmission employed in the vehicle and the availability of a 4WD option (real 4WD - not AWD). Selection of the transmission for a car is based on lots of factors and making it towable if no doubt far down the list of requirements.

The Vue with the 4 cylinder engine is also not towable when equipped with an automatic tranny.
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Old 05-17-2004, 02:59 PM   #10
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Thanks for the posts guys.
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Old 05-18-2004, 09:09 PM   #11
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Driver, we considered the Vue but when I sat in the drivers seat, my right leg/knee rubbed against the center console. We finaly wound up getting an 03 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL/7 4wd with A/T which can be towed 4 down. The manual says to tow at 55mph and stop every 200 miles start and run engine for a couple of minutes which is no problem as we stop every 100 miles or so to stretch our legs. Talked to a fellow with an 01 XL/7 who said he routinely tows his well in excess of 55mph with no problems. Let us know what you wind up with.

Best regards, Jim
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Old 05-19-2004, 03:40 AM   #12
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Driver,
I don't have experience with the Vue, but I recently traded my truck for a Saturn L300 station wagon. It has automatic transmission and can be towed 4-down. I like it very much; it gets 23 mpg around town and should get well above 30 on the highway. It is roomy enough for me, my sister and brother-in-law to ride comfortably. There's lots of room for carrying stuff. You might check it out.
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Old 05-21-2004, 01:50 AM   #13
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Annie thanks for the info about your Saturn L300.
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Old 05-22-2004, 06:13 PM   #14
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I just ordered a Chev Colorado Crew Cab 4wd and will get it on Wednesday (and get the 39W on Friday). A nothing to tow 4 down. Basically, connect it and go (transfer case in "N" and transmission in Park with key out of the ignition - no fuses to pul). I drove a Vue but it just didn't stick to me. Same with the L300.3 sedan. Maybe I've been used to larger cars for too long (2002 Bonneville SSEi going in on the Colorado) The dealer gave me a five page Saturn memo for towing four down. Wow, sure detailed and confusing.

Only thing that makes me wonder is the amount of work to get the base plates on - YUK. Mind you, I have no idea if what I read was a lot or not but it certainly seemed to be a lot (fascia to be removed). Not too sure who I want to have do this work. Who do you folks have put your base plates on?

One of my sons asked why I didn't keep the Bonney and get a dolly? I told him there seemed to be a 98 to 2 vote in the RV forums that 4 down is the way to go so why fight city hall

Thanks

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