Best Flat Tow Setup and Brake System for a 2022 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring
Question:
I have a 2022 Buick Encore GX W/Sport Touring. Having difficulty finding a place to mount braking control unit under the hood and access through firewall for wiring. Do you have any recommendations? I see in an article on your website that you recommend RM-8700 brake controller and RM32FR baseplate. Are these both compatible and the best choice for my vehicle? My installer is also concerned about how to mount piston to pedal inside vehicle for brake controller. Thanks
asked by: Scott R
Expert Reply:
Compatible? Yes. The best choice? I would have to disagree.
The Roadmaster InvisiBrake # RM-8700 is a good option for your 2022 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring in it's own right, but I don't feel like it's the best braking system. Here are the part I recommend for to flat tow your Encore:
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - # RM45VR
etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar - # e74ZR (with safety cables)
7-Wire to 6-Wire Wiring Kit - # RM-152-1676-7
Automatic Battery Disconnect - # RM-766
Brake System - Motorhome Hydraulic Brakes Use # DM86VR OR for Motorhome Air Brakes Use # DM26VR
High-Low Adapter - See attached article (bracket height is 16-1/2")
The Direct-Connect base plate kit looks clean and is easier to connect the matching etrailer tow bar and safety cables. The wiring is the most reliable and makes it easy to connect the battery disconnect (the battery disconnect isn't required but makes it easier and quicker to get setup for flat towing).
When it comes to the brake systems the ones I recommended are from Demco which I believe are the most reliable and best in performance. They do install and act similarly to the Roadmaster you were initially looking at though. The installation can be a little daunting for someone who isn't familiar with it but you should be able to find a grommet near the firewall where you can feed everything through. Sometimes it's easier to locate it from the engine bay instead of tearing up the carpet.
If your installer is REALLY hesitant to mess with the cylinder-type braking systems then I recommend going with the Portable Brake Buddy Select 3 # HM39524. This means you have to physically move it into your vehicle each time you go to flat tow but it's a less intensive installation, although you will need to install the Battery Charge Kit # BB54FR as well to ensure your battery isn't drained during towing.
Hopefully this helps clear some stuff up and give you and your installer some peace of mind!
Products Referenced in This Question
BrakeBuddy Towed Vehicle Battery Charge Line Kit
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Brake Buddy
more information >
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Wireless Monitoring - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates - RV Mount - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- etrailer
more information >
Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Brake Buddy
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Wire Hybrid Cord
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- 30 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Auto Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Pre-Set System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
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