TV--Saturn

I have never asked this question before. But because of all the other questions and the various answers --like---you might want to try this or perhaps you might want a different TV or are you sure you want to take that rig in the mountains in CO. I thouht I might spell out what I have for a TV and see just what folks in the know might think.

2007 Saturn Outlook AWD XR
Eng-3.6L VVT V6 DOHC
Tran--6 speed Auto 275/205 @6600

Trailering Package--
Cooling system---Heavy Duty (factory)
Trailer Hitch---(Factory Installed)
Paper Work from Saturn says it can tow 4,500 Lbs.

I have had this TV new in 2008. I have towed my 2720SL, for about two camping season, and did not think I had a problem. The owners book talks about changing oil every 5,000 but becuae I tow, I change evry 3,000. My new Elkmont 24 is about 300 LBS lighter than my SL. So I think I'm ahead ofthe game with weight.
The window sticker says I should get about 17-24 MPG. I average about 15 City without TM and on long trips with the TM (like San Diego-San Francisco) I get about 12.5 MPG.

John
PS: Some of those numbers like (275/20 @6600) I have no idea what they are talking about. But it was on the paper work.

The trailer weight may be less, but the upright Elkmont will have a lot more wind resistance than the 2720SL and more sway problems, compounded by your vehicle's short wheelbase, unless your hitch has good sway control.

Given the Elkmont's GVWR of 4230#, you shouldn't have any major problems. But as you've seen, there's a lot of people on this board that would prefer a heftier vehicle for peace of mind if nothing else.

12.5 mpg is about what we got traveling from Texas to Ontario with our Elkmont.

[mjlaupp]

Originally Posted by John Wahlsten

....My new Elkmont 24 is about 300 LBS lighter than my SL. So I think I'm ahead of the game with weight.....

And you are behind the game with the frontal area of the Elkmont.

....The window sticker says I should get about 17-24 MPG. I average about 15 City without TM and on long trips with the TM (like San Diego-San Francisco) I get about 12.5 MPG.....

The increased frontal area should decrease your "long trip" mpg by a small amount depending on highway speed, headwind, tailwind, etc.

....PS: Some of those numbers like (275/205 @6600) I have no idea what they are talking about. But it was on the paper work.....

Try - 275 horse power and 205 foot pounds torque at 6,600 RPM.

Mike

Since Harveyrv hasn't mentioned it, guess I will: another issue is the GVWR of the Saturn. Subtracting the empty "Curb Weight" will give you the payload. The Elkmont's tongue weight (400#? more?) will reduce your payload by that same amount. Is this acceptable? Will you be running over the GVWR if you add in passengers, dogs and "stuff"?

If you are running close to the Saturn's GVWR, how this is distributed over its two axles (front and rear GAWR) becomes important as well.

I know that with our Tacoma, even though we're nowhere near its 6500# tow rating, we will come close to its GVWR when fully loaded with the Elkmont tongue weight, kayaks and bicycles and other junk.