Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Buick Enclave Behind an RV
Question:
I am planning to tow a 2013 Buick Enclave. This is the data I have: 2013 Buick Enclave SUV - Overall width = 79 inches, front track width = 67.3 inches, curb weight = 4,922 lbs, GVWR Placard = 6,411 loaded I assume. Which Baseplate and Tow bar should I use to tow behind my Winnebago Adventurer with a Class III receiver/hitch.
asked by: Landon C
Expert Reply:
The first thing to do is check the capacity of the hitch on your Winnebago. The weight capacity of a Class III hitch varies. There should be a sticker on the hitch but if not the capacity is probably in the RV literature.
Assuming that the RV and hitch are rated high enough you will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to tow your 2013 Buick Enclave. Starting with the base plates # 523149-1 is an excellent choice. The arms can be removed when not in use making the rest of the system virtually invisible.
For a tow bar I strongly recommend an all-terrain tow bar also known as a non-binding tow bar. If you have ever had to fight with a tow bar that was bound up then you know how frustrating it can be. The Falcon All-Terrain # RM-522 is a great option if the gross weight of your Enclave stays under 6,000 pounds. Without people in it the weight will likely stay well under 6,000 pounds but you never know.
If you will be over 6,000 pounds then I recommend the Blackhawk 2 # RM-422 rated for 10,000 pounds.
For either tow bar listed above I recommend straight safety cables # RM-645-76. The tow bars have safety channel guides to keep the cables off the ground and out of the way.
For lighting you have options. You could go with a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. Or, for a more permanent solution, a diode kit, # RM-15267, is the way to go. In either case it looks like you will need to pull fuses to flat tow the Enclave (consult vehicle owner's manual to confirm). To make this process as easy as flipping a switch you can install option fuse bypasses # RM-76517 and # RM76514.
You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All-Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 76" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables - 8,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Straight Cables
- 76 Inch Long
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 50-Amp FMX Fuse
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Fuse Bypass
- Custom
- FMX Fuse
- Engine Compartment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - (2) 20-Amp ATC/ATO Fuses
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Fuse Bypass
- Custom
- ATC/ATO Fuse
- Battery Compartment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster EZ Crossbar Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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