Saturn Vue Towing a 6 Bed Traillmanor?

[Bill]

He has a 2006 Saturn Vue, which is a bit better than an '03 - but still, I think, only 3500 pounds rated, and only 106-inch wheelbase. The fact that he lives in suburban Los Angeles means he has little choice but to get into some mountains - they are all around. The fact that he has 6 people means he will have a lot of weight added to both the Vue and the TM. That Vue is going to be severely challenged.

Bill

[mcgyver210]

Looks like we all agree he may have too much TM for his tow vehicle.

Also we all must be aware now days if you severely overload your TV & are involved in an accident it could effect the final outcome in many ways not all good.

[ShrimpBurrito]

Originally Posted by Bill

He has a 2006 Saturn Vue, which is a bit better than an '03 - but still, I think, only 3500 pounds rated, and only 106-inch wheelbase. The fact that he lives in suburban Los Angeles means he has little choice but to get into some mountains - they are all around. The fact that he has 6 people means he will have a lot of weight added to both the Vue and the TM. That Vue is going to be severely challenged.

I live in suburban Los Angeles, and there is no way I would tow our 2720SL with a Saturn Vue with even 2 people. Unless you camp strictly at the beach, you have no choice but to head to the mountains. Within 2.5 hrs, you can easily be at over 8,000 feet from sea level. Drive a few more hours, and you can be at 10,000 feet.

And if you have 6 people and all their stuff, it will be impossible to not be severely overweight.

As has been said repeatedly on this board -- pulling your TM is not the critical issue. The Vue might be able to squeak by doing that. But it's stopping it safely that's the issue. I have zero confidence the Vue is capable in that regard, even when driving amongst sensible drivers, and I have seen very few of those around here.

Dave

Speaking as a auto mech. The Saturn Vue's transmission has issues. So just driving around town the transmission is under a lot of pressure. At about 40k the transmissions have been know to give out. Saturn at one time had a recall on this issue. Brakes also are way to small to stop that much wieght. I would not tow anything over a small 4x8 utility trailer with the Vue. I've got a Suburban and think its not big enough for a 2720.

[T and C]

I tow a 3023 behind an F-150. But at the last TrailManor rally in Pismo Beach there was a couple that towed the same model behind a Toyota Sienna mini-van. Not cool IMHO, but he had been doing it for three years w/o problems.

However, there were only two folks in the TV.

Tom

Thanks to all of you for your sincere concern and advice. We will be looking to trade our Vue for a Truck. Any recommendations as to most economical, mpg and practical?

[Barb&Tim]

Try using this to help narrow your search:

http://autos.aol.com/car-finder/5000...wing-capacity/

The link is set to show tow capacities of 5000# & up, modify the search parameters to suit your needs.

Tim

Congrats on a smokin' TM deal! It's cool to see that. Hang in there with the tow vehicle situation. I sold my old Dodge 1500 for an insane deal for someone - deals are out there. With the current gas prices, there are bound to be deals on V8s.

Once you get it all dialed in, you won't have to look back.

Originally Posted by arangel007

We bought it . I found one shopping rvs.oodle.com. We bought a 3124 KB 2003 unit for $6,320 . We can sleep 6 to 8 people and it is like new. We will be towing it with a 2006 Saturn Vue, Honda 6 cylinder, automatic and front wheel drive. Any suggestions on towing with the VUE? I plan to be an active forum reader and contributor.

Anthony And Rosa

I have a 2007 Saturn Outlook and we just made it pulling our 2720SL and now the Elkmont. I really think a big ??? with the Vue.

Originally Posted by rvcycleguy

2003 Saturn VUE AWD 3.0L V-6 2,500lb tow limit.

my 3124KB is at least 3200lbs.

A 2006 Vue with V6 is rated at 3500 lbs.
A loaded 3124KB should easily be over 4000 lbs based on those who have actually weighed their tms.