Parts Needed to Tow a 3,900 Pound Trailer with a 2016 Buick Enclave with Factory Tow Package

Question

Question:

In addition to a trailer hitch, such as # 75528, for your 2016 Buick Enclave you will also need a trailer wiring harness, ball mount, and ball. These are the basic components needed for towing. It looks like the Enclave already has a trailer wiring harness so that plus the hitch means we need to look at ball mounts and balls. I recommend an adjustable ball mount such as # MT70380 because it is height adjustable from 6-1/4 inches drop to 7-7/8 inch rise and it has both a 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch ball. This is especially useful if you ever plan on towing any other trailers in the future. Beyond the above items there are some others that you may need or want such as weight distribution and a brake controller (if the trailer has electric brakes). Weight distribution will improve the ride quality while towing and prevent the trailer from causing the rear end of the vehicle to sag. A brake controller will activate electric trailer brakes improving braking and overall safety. If you are interested in weight distribution then you would go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. So for example if the trailer tongue weight is 390 to 585 pounds (10 to 15 percent of the 3,900 pound gross weight) and nothing was carried in the cargo area of the Enclave then a system rated for up to 600 pounds, such as # FA92-00-0600, would be a great fit. This system has built in sway control as well so help stop a trailer from swaying when big trucks pass by or crosswinds blow across the highway. The only part needed for it would be a ball, # EQ91-00-6100 for a 2-5/16 inch. Or if a 2 inch ball is needed use # EQ91-00-6080. If you use a weight distribution system you would not have to have a ball mount. If you wish to add a brake controller, assuming your Enclave with the factory tow package includes a 7-Way trailer connector, I recommend the Tow-Pro Elite # 331-EBRH-ACCV2 because it works well and doesn't take up a lot of dash space. You would then use # TM75269 to plug the controller into the brake controller port on the vehicle. If your Enclave has the tow package and 7-Way trailer connector then I would think it also has a trailer hitch. It may be behind a little door in the center of the rear bumper.

asked by: Steve

0

Expert Reply:

In addition to a trailer hitch, such as # 75528, for your 2016 Buick Enclave you will also need a trailer wiring harness, ball mount, and ball. These are the basic components needed for towing. It looks like the Enclave already has a trailer wiring harness so that plus the hitch means we need to look at ball mounts and balls.

I recommend an adjustable ball mount such as # C45900 because it is height adjustable from 6 inches drop to 5-1/4 inch rise and it has both a 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch ball. This is especially useful if you ever plan on towing any other trailers in the future.

Beyond the above items there are some others that you may need or want such as weight distribution and a brake controller (if the trailer has electric brakes). Weight distribution will improve the ride quality while towing and prevent the trailer from causing the rear end of the vehicle to sag. A brake controller will activate electric trailer brakes improving braking and overall safety.

If you are interested in weight distribution then you would go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. So for example if the trailer tongue weight is 390 to 585 pounds (10 to 15 percent of the 3,900 pound gross weight) and nothing was carried in the cargo area of the Enclave then a system rated for up to 600 pounds, such as # FA92-00-0600, would be a great fit.

This system has built in sway control as well so help stop a trailer from swaying when big trucks pass by or crosswinds blow across the highway. The only part needed for it would be a ball, # EQ91-00-6100 for a 2-5/16 inch. Or if a 2 inch ball is needed use # EQ91-00-6080. If you use a weight distribution system you would not have to have a ball mount.

If you wish to add a brake controller, assuming your Enclave with the factory tow package includes a 7-Way trailer connector, I recommend the Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR because it works well and doesn't take up a lot of dash space. You would then use # TM75269 to plug the controller into the brake controller port on the vehicle.

If your Enclave has the tow package and 7-Way trailer connector then I would think it also has a trailer hitch. It may be behind a little door in the center of the rear bumper.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Steve

8/1/2018

In addition to a trailer hitch, such as # 75528, for your 2016 Buick Enclave you will also need a trailer wiring harness, ball mount, and ball. These are the basic components needed for towing. It looks like the Enclave already has a trailer wiring harness so that plus the hitch means we need to look at ball mounts and balls. I recommend an adjustable ball mount such as # MT70380 because it is height adjustable from 6-1/4 inches drop to 7-7/8 inch rise and it has both a 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch ball. This is especially useful if you ever plan on towing any other trailers in the future. Beyond the above items there are some others that you may need or want such as weight distribution and a brake controller (if the trailer has electric brakes). Weight distribution will improve the ride quality while towing and prevent the trailer from causing the rear end of the vehicle to sag. A brake controller will activate electric trailer brakes improving braking and overall safety. If you are interested in weight distribution then you would go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. So for example if the trailer tongue weight is 390 to 585 pounds (10 to 15 percent of the 3,900 pound gross weight) and nothing was carried in the cargo area of the Enclave then a system rated for up to 600 pounds, such as # FA92-00-0600, would be a great fit. This system has built in sway control as well so help stop a trailer from swaying when big trucks pass by or crosswinds blow across the highway. The only part needed for it would be a ball, # EQ91-00-6100 for a 2-5/16 inch. Or if a 2 inch ball is needed use # EQ91-00-6080. If you use a weight distribution system you would not have to have a ball mount. If you wish to add a brake controller, assuming your Enclave with the factory tow package includes a 7-Way trailer connector, I recommend the Tow-Pro Elite # 331-EBRH-ACCV2 because it works well and doesn't take up a lot of dash space. You would then use # TM75269 to plug the controller into the brake controller port on the vehicle. If your Enclave has the tow package and 7-Way trailer connector then I would think it also has a trailer hitch. It may be behind a little door in the center of the rear bumper.

Michael H.

8/1/2018

As far as weight distribution goes the recommended system # FA92-00-0600 is still a good option as long as the tongue weight plus that 200 pounds of stuff in the Enclave does not raise the tongue weight above 600 pounds. If it does you can go to the next step up, # FA92-00-0800, which is rated 400 to 800 pounds tongue weight. I recommended the Tow-Pro Elite since space is at a premium in an Enclave. But I do have a similar option that will not require drilling. It is the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller - Wireless - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional # C51180 and it uses a mobile app for use. Regarding single versus tandem axle trailers: a tandem axle trailer is going to represent more expense when things like tires or suspension need to be replaced. The payoff though is more capacity and a more stable towing experience compared to a single axle. Ultimately I would choose a trailer based on the features that you want and not worry too much about the number of axles because you will be good to go either way.