Can 2017 Buick Enclave AWD with Tow Package Safely Tow 4,460 lb Trailer

Published 04/30/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1655)

$250.00

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2607)

$18.45

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3809)

$19.92

Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers

(8)

$25.00

Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(25)

$237.40

Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10K GTW, 1K TW

(237)

$692.62

Question:

My 2017 Buick Enclave AWD with tow package has a towing capacity of 4500 pounds. The ball has a 6000 pound capacity and 600 pound max tongue weight. Can I tow a 4460 load consisting of a trailer and boat? I will be under the maximum Gross vehicle capacity weight.

asked by: Shawn S

Expert Reply:

As long as you are under the trailer tow weight rating of your 2017 Buick Enclave (which you stated was 4,500 lbs) and the max weight rating of your vehicle then you can safely do this. Trailer hitches and hitch balls are rated separately from the vehicle which is why you're seeing higher ratings there.

With all of that being said, you want to make sure you use a brake controller (if the trailer has electric brakes) and a weight distribution system to give you the safest, and most controlled towing setup possible.

For a brake controller I recommend using the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR (which plugs right in with the adapter # RED27FR) instead of a traditional controller because it can be installed virtually anywhere. I currently own a 2010 Chevy Equinox and while the interior is a bit different, I do know that it would be a pain to use the standard "brick" brake controller that would get in the way of precious leg space.

The reason you want to use a weight distribution system is so that your towing setup will remain level and that you have something to help you fight crosswinds and wind from passing vehicles while you're on the highway. I recommend using the Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 with the 2" # A-90 or 2-5/16" # 19286 hitch ball as this gives you one of the best systems on the road. Not only does it do a great job of keeping things level but it also fights trailer sway before it starts instead of trying to make corrections after it starts.

If the trailer is a boat trailer then you'll need to use a system like the Steadi-Flex # RP66559 with one of the hitch balls mentioned above, and the Pole Tongue Adapter # RP58393.

I've attached review videos for both options for you to check out.