Recommended Brake Controller for Towing Camper with a 2015 Buick Enclave with Towing Package

Question

Question:

Hello. I have a 2015 Enclave with towing package. It is tow rated up to 4500 lbs. My wife and I would like to get a small, lite, camper, and we have never towed before. I have a couple quick questions: 1 What brake controller would you recommend for my vehicle and for a newbie such as myself? 2 I watched the brake installation video for the enclave, and it seems pretty easy does the controller installation up front automatically feed into the 7-pin round controller at the hitch i.e., do I merely need to plug it into the dongle under the dash, or is there something I need to do at the hitch as well? 3 What weight distribution and sway control hitch would you recommend for maximum safety and my little V6 engine? 4 What is the maximum weight you think I might be able to continuously tow safely, without ruining my car? i.e. is 4100 lbs too much, for instance or, Is it dangerous to tow at the maximum rated capacity, and instead, should I be looking for something closer to 3000lbs? Thank you!

asked by: Daniel C

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Expert Reply:

For your 2015 Buick Enclave, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 for your brake controller. This controller will easily connect to your factory wiring using the wiring harness # 3026-P. This brake controller is a proportional brake controller that will apply your trailer brakes at the same time and with the same amount of pressure as you hit the brake pedal in your Enclave. It makes towing easy with an easy to understand LCD screen that gives constant information and doesn't use codes that need to be deciphered like other brake controllers.

Because you have the factory tow package with 7-way trailer connector, there is no wiring that needs to be done at the rear of the vehicle. You will simply connect the wiring harness as seen in the attached video and you will be set.

When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want to use a system that will best control sway while carrying the total tongue weight necessary for your trailer and vehicle. This total tongue weight is the loaded tongue weight of your trailer (normally 10 -15% of the total trailer weight) and any cargo behind the rear axle of your Enclave. Based on your vehicle's towing capacity and estimated total tongue weight, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # RP66082. This system will work well for 200 to 600 lbs of total tongue weight and works incredibly well to control trailer sway. It is the only system that actively prevents sway instead of working to minimize it once it happens. I've attached a video to assist.

You don't want to constantly run at your full 4500 lb capacity but you will have no problem with a trailer that is 4100 lbs as you mentioned. Make sure you are considering the GVWR of the trailer and not the dry weight because you will obviously add weight when you add your gear and supplies. For a V6, I also recommend adding a transmission cooler like # D13503 that is a confirmed fit for your vehicle. It will make towing easier on your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jason S

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