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Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Last Summer I purchased a 2011 Malibu set up to tow 4 down.  I am new to towing 4 down, but was told every 8 hrs. I should operate the toad.  Basically start engine and operate transmission.  I am curious if anyone else uses a Malibu and is familiar with this process.  I don't want to damage the toad, but I also don't want to unhook if it is not necessary.  I have read on some units it is recommended but I haven't seen it in writing for the Malibu.

Thanks,
Jerry
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #1 –
I don't think you have to unhook.  The procedure for my toad (Honda) says the same thing.  I just start it up and put into each of the gears (R,D,D2, L) for a few seconds and put it all back again for towing.  I think that procedure puts a fresh coat of oil everywhere inside the transmission.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Green99 –
I have read on some units it is recommended but I haven't seen it in writing for the Malibu.

Thanks,
Jerry
Your owners manual will tell you what you need to do in the  "Recreation Vehicle Towing" section.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #3 –
Does your 2011 Malibu have a six-speed automatic transmission? If so, then I don't think it can be flat-towed. From information I've seen in other online forums, problems have developed with 2011 Cruze and Malibu models when flat towing. Therefore, my understanding is that GM has rescinded the approval for flat towing.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but be sure you check before towing just in case the information seen in accurate.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #4 –
That would be very interesting. If that's the joint Ford-GM venture 6 speed, it was also installed in the last couple of years Saturns - like the Aura and Vue!
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #5 –
copied from Blue Ox guide;

Malibu 3,415  65 MPH/None N/A Yes 22/30 22/30 $21,975- $21,975- Run engine at the begin-
$27,015 ning of each day and
at each fuel stop for 5
minutes. Remove IGN
SENSOR fuse while towing

Then went to another web site (wikipedia) and they advised towing on tow dolly only. 

I am sure that this is not much help, There does seem to be some concern about towing 4 down. 
Best of Travels

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #7 –
I apologize I don't think I ask the right question.  Then manual states to run vehicle at beginning of day and at each fuel stop.  My issue with that is that fuel stops can vary a great amount depending on what it is pulled behind due to fuel tank capacity and fuel mileage.  Should this be done every 4-6 hrs?  Thoughts?
Jerry
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #8 –
My understanding is that GM originally gave approval for flat-towing the 2011 Cruze and Malibu models with the six-speed automatic transmission. Therefore, the owner's manual and towing guides based on that information would indicate that flat-towing is approved.

However, I have read that in real-world use problems developed when flat-towing those vehicles and GM changed from approving flat-towing to not approving flat towing. Therefore, the early printed material (and online articles based on that material) may now be incorrect.

If I were the owner of a 2011 Cruze or Malibu with a six-speed automatic, I would be very cautious and do a lot of research before flat-towing my vehicle
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #9 –
David,
Thanks for the heads up.  I think I will contact the dealer to see if any service bulletins are available.

Jerry
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Green99 –
David,
Thanks for the heads up.  I think I will contact the dealer to see if any service bulletins are available.

Jerry
Jerry,
   

We tow a 2011 Equinox, probably has the same drive line, 4cyl. Have driven several 12 hr days, 500-600 miles. We run the toad in the morning for about 10 min and then shift to D, then R, then back to N while holding the foot brake, we do not unhook. Our owners manual says the same as yours.
Call any Chevy dealer and also give him your VIN for the most accurate info.
Rick

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #11 –
Jerry,
Here is a link to the FMCA Forum concerning the 2011 Cruze flat towing.  Looks like Chevy changed their minds about flat towing.  Post number three has furnished the letters; but, it is the internet so you might check into it a little further.

Towing 2012 Cruze 4 Wheels Down - FMCA Motorhome Forums - Page 2

Good luck,
Brad

2000 U320 4000

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #12 –
After reading the FMCA link (provided by Brad), I think you should consider a dolly for the Malibu.  I guess if you decide to do 4 down, I would think more stops (less miles) would enhance the longevity of the transmission. 
Best of Travels

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #13 –
Geez, this can become a convulted subject.  My experience is limited to a Ford Pickup with a 5 speed manual gear box 2 WD, Manual and Ford say no way towing with 4 down, so I contacted Remco, asked what I needed to bge able to tow 4 down.  Their answer was "if it has the Mazda 5 speed transmission, there is no limit, just tow it".  So with that, I took the VIN to the Ford dealer, had them run the VIN, sure enough, It has the Mazda 5 speed box.  Ford still says NO you can NOT tow it. SO I have been towing it for over 25 k miles with zero issues at all.
Seems to me Ford has Lawyers running their towing dept.  Hell, who knows, but they have their mind in a dark place.
I would check with Remco for their guidence.
Seems half the folks you talk to have no idea, the rest know it all, so take a guess.
MO
Dave M

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #14 –
From my read on rv.net, it is the Malibu with the 4 cyl that has the 6T40 trans (same as the Chevy Cruze. The 6 cyl Malibu has the larger 6T70 which is the joint venture 6 speed used in the Saturns, mid size Chevy SUVs, etc.

Anyone want to buy my Tahoe? Every option and Z71 too. Its a little porky, but I loves it! The Corsa exhaust and the custom tune will get your attention!
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Questions concerning 2011 Malibu toad

Reply #15 –
This is unreal.  Brad posted a link containing a letter from GM dated 8-11 concerning the Cruize.  I believe the Malibu has the same eng. and trans.  SO, I stopped at 2 dealers.  One ran the VIN, they show nothing, I told them the letter addressed the Cruize.  SO they checked on it and said nothing showed up either.
My guess is that people were towing without running the engine as required, so they choose to disqualify it rather than deal with the transmission issues caused by not operating before and during trips.
Only a guess.  I will try to contact GM on Monday and hope for a concrete answer. 
I hope to hear from some who tow this car and their results.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.