How to Flat-Tow a 2004 Saturn Ion Behind a Pickup Truck

Updated 08/06/2018 | Published 08/04/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(279)

$500.70

Blue Ox Adventurer Adjustable Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs

(104)

$318.02

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights w/ Wireless Transmitter and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Red LEDs

(74)

$144.73

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

What do I need to tow tow bar 2004 Saturn Ion with mid. so. truck that has no connection for lights under back of pick up. We would be ussing a tow bar.

asked by: Ruby

Expert Reply:

I am not sure what you mean by "mid" but the only 2004 Saturn Ion that can be flat-towed with all four wheels on the ground are the ones with a manual transmission. If you do have a manual transmission then you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, flat-tow wiring harness, safety cables, supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. I have attached my recommendations for each of these parts below.

For a base plate kit I recommend the Demco Classic Base Plate Kit part # DM9518151 and for a tow bar I recommend the Blue Ox Adventurer Tow Bar # BX7322 as this will be one of the most cost effective combos we have for you. Then for the flat-tow wiring harness I recommend the Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights part # C6304. In order to use these lights you will need a 4-way trailer connector on the tow vehicle. If you can let me know the year, make, and model of the tow vehicle I would be glad to recommend a 4-way for this.

If the state you will be traveling in/through requires that the toad have a supplemental braking system then I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking part # SM99251 which makes for a clean look once installed. It is also one of our most popular options. I have attached a help article which will walk you through the process to select a ball mount to keep the tow bar level.

expert reply by: Conner L