Tow Bar, Base Plates and Other Equipment Needed to Flat Tow 2014 Buick Enclave

Question:

I want to tow a 2014 Buick Enclave with my RV. What tow bar and braking system would you recommend? I have never towed a vehicle with an RV before. I understand a Roadmaster and Blue Ox are good tow bars, how do you decide which is best for my application?

asked by: Russ D

Expert Reply:

I generally prefer the Blue Ox base plates and tow bars, as they are typically less complicated to use with fewer parts.

The correct base plate for your vehicle would be part # BX1708, and the Blue Ox Alpha, part # BX7380 would be my recommendation for a tow bar. The tow bar includes safety cables. You will also need a lighting solution so that the Enclave has taillights that work in tandem with those of the RV. There are three main types of systems to choose from.

You can choose an externally mounted system that uses magnetic mounted taillights like the Roadmaster Magnetic-Mounted Tow Lights, part # RM-2120. The primary advantages of this type of system are its simplicity and ease of installation. This type of lighting system requires no tapping into the wiring of the vehicle. The disadvantage is that the system will need to be set up each time the vehicle is towed, and some do not like having the wires running along the outside of the vehicle.

The second type of system would be a diode system like part # RM-154 that would tap into the taillight circuits of the vehicle and use the actual taillight assemblies of the vehicle when flat towing. The advantage of this system is that it is permanently installed, and is always ready to use. The disadvantage is that the installation is more involved, and would require cutting and splicing into the vehicle wiring.

The third kind of system is the bulb and socket system like part # RM-155, which I consider to be kind of a hybrid between the systems mentioned above. Installation involves drilling a hole in the backside of the taillight assemblies and installing an extra bulb. The wires that feed these bulbs are ran under the vehicle to the front, where they would plug into the tow vehicle. The system is a permanent installation, but the wiring is not tapped into the wiring system of the Enclave. Of the various systems, I prefer the bulb and socket option.

For a braking system, I like the Roadmaster Even Brake, part # RM-9400. The system carries a taller price tag than other systems, but the system is portable and would not require a long, complicated and expensive installation. A stop light switch kit, part # RM-751221 and a 12-volt power outlet, part # RM-9332 would be needed as well.

I have linked you to some flat towing articles that you might find helpful.