Towing Saturn

[javalin]

I purchased a 2003 Saturn SL200 and it did not come with a owners manual. I'm planning on using this car as a toad.My concern is which fuses do you pull and are there other things I need to know about for towing? WE're planning on buying a Motor Home in the near future Any help would be apprec.

[javalin]

I purchased a 2003 Saturn SL200 and it did not come with a owners manual. I'm planning on using this car as a toad.My concern is which fuses do you pull and are there other things I need to know about for towing? WE're planning on buying a Motor Home in the near future Any help would be apprec.

[footdoc]

I have a 99 SL and have pulled it about 10000 miles by doing nothing to it...just put it in neutral and GO! Just make sure your transmission fluid level is normal...no fuses to pull..the odometer doesnt move when being towed

[williejo]

We pull a 2000 saturn toad and do the following.
Put it in neutral, turn off all AC, radio and put the key in accessory position, lift hood and on the left hand side there is a fuse box that you just unscrew the top pull the number 1 fuse and you are ready to go. There is a empty space in the fuse block to store the fuse so it won't get lost. Do remember to put on the brake or back in gear before you get fully unhooked or car may roll when in neutral. Worked great for us going on year 7. Willie

[footdoc]

Willie...what is that fuse for???

[The Quince]

I have a 2005 Vue but believe your Saturn is about the same. The fuse is the IGN (Ignition) fuse. On mine they say to make sure you run it for three minutes then the last shift MUST be from drive to neutral (set hand brake). Then turn off to ACC and go under the hood and pull the fuse. Cal any dealer and they can get you the owners manual usually too. Hope this helps - happy RVing.

[Horsepowerfan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by javalin:
I purchased a 2003 Saturn SL200 and it did not come with a owners manual. I'm planning on using this car as a toad.My concern is which fuses do you pull and are there other things I need to know about for towing? WE're planning on buying a Motor Home in the near future Any help would be apprec. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi javalin and welcome to iRV2.

Here's an excerpt from the 2003 Saturn L200 Owner's Manual...

Recreational Vehicle Towing

If you are towing your Saturn vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (dinghy towing), the transaxle and tire maintenance should be scheduled by mileage accumulated through both driving and towing, not to driven (odometer) mileage. Tire wear will reflect actual "rolling" mileage and may be greater than expected for the current odometer mileage.

Here are some important things to consider before you do recreational vehicle towing:

"¢ What's the towing capacity of the towing vehicle? Be sure your read the manufacturer's recommendations for the tow vehicle.

"¢ How far will you tow? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow. <span class="ev_code_blue">(I couldn't find any mileage or time restrictions for this vehicle. Our Vue has a 7 hour time limit, then the transaxle lube procedure must be done again.)</span>

"¢ Do you have the proper towing equipment? See your retailer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations.

"¢ Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you'll want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be towed.

To tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow these steps:

1. Set the parking brake.
2. Position and attach vehicle to tow it behind the recreational vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to "ACC" position.
4. Turn the fog lamps and all accessories off.
5. Shift the transaxle to "N" (Neutral).
6. Open the hood of vehicle.
7. Open the lid of the underhood fuse block (UHFB) and remove the following fuses. (Refer to the underside of the fuse block cover for specific fuse locations.)
- IGN 0/3/CR
- IGN 1/2
8. Close the lid of the underhood fuse block and store the 2 fuses in a safe place.
9. Close the hood.
10. Release the parking brake.

Once you have reached your destination, follow these steps:

1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transaxle to "P" (Park).
3. Turn the ignition key to "OFF" position.
4. Remove key from ignition.
5. Open the hood of vehicle.
6. Open the lid of the underhood fuse box.
7. Replace the following fuses:
- IGN 0/3/CR
- IGN 1/2

8. Close the lid of the underhood fuse box.
9. Close the hood of the vehicle.
10. Release the parking brake.

Saturn also recommends to not exceed 65 mph while towing an L300 as damage to the transaxle can occur. And, just like footdoc says, make sure the fluid level is correct.

Hope this helps and I would suggest you try to get yourself an owner's manual as there is a wealth of information in it about your Saturn.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The main reason for pulling fuses in most vehicles is to shut down the dashboard functions, including dash lights, that can run down the battery. A few need a fuse pulled to stop the electronic odometer from recording, but I don't think that applies to the Saturn.
Use of Toad Charge unit can avoid the battery discharge problem and may make it unnecessary to remove fuses in some vehicles. RVUpgrades.com has info on Toad Charge.

[footdoc]

Received from the horse's (Saturn) mouth....

Thank you for taking the time to e-mail Saturn. If you are trying to tow
your Saturn behind a recreational vehicle you should follow the following
steps:

If you are towing your Saturn with all 4 wheels on the ground, turn the
ignition to the "ACC" (Accessory) position, and turn all of the accessories
and fog lamp switch off.

The transaxle should be in "N" (Neutral) and the parking brake released.
Before towing your vehicle, make sure the transaxle fluid is at the correct
level.

For Automatic Transaxles:
To prevent damage to the automatic transaxle when towing a Saturn vehicle on
all four wheels, make sure the transaxle fluid is at the correct towing
level. The fluid, when checked at normal operating temperatures of 88
degrees C - 93 degrees C (190 degrees F - 200 degrees F), should be in the
cross-hatched area on the dipstick. The fluid level should not be lower
than the "ADD" line and no higher than the middle of the cross-hatched area
(the middle of the cross-hatched area is best).

For Manual Transaxles:
Make sure the transaxle fluid never exceeds the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick.

Towing speeds should not exceed the legally posted speed limit or 65 mph
maximum. In the event that you need to use the spare tire in place of one
of the front tires, rotate a rear tire to the front and install the compact
spare tire in the rear of the vehicle.

Saturn does not recommend or advise against any specific design or
manufacturer of towing equipment.

Notice: Don't tow your Saturn with the front drive wheels on the ground if
one of the tires is the compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire
sizes on the front of your vehicle can cause severe damage to the transaxle.

Notice: Too much or too little transaxle fluid can damage your transaxle.
This is especially true if your transaxle has been overfilled and your
vehicle is being towed with the front wheels on the ground. Be sure to get
an accurate reading on your transaxle fluid before towing your Saturn. See
your Saturn retailer for assistance and for further information on towing.

[javalin]

Thanks for all the useful info. currently we are pulling a Open Road TT. WE really think about a Motorhome daily and with planning we'll see you on the blacktop!!... enjoy and peace out