Parts Needed To Flat Tow 2017 Buick Envision  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox SwayPro, such as the # BXW1000, is a product line of weight distribution hitches with sway control systems. This is for use with trailers and not used on flat towing passenger vehicles.

To flat tow your 2017 Buick Envision, you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, supplemental braking system, wiring harness, and possibly high-low adapter.

I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX1518 which feature removable tabs for an inconspicuous look while not in use.

I recommend using the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar, # BX7420 with these base plates. It also has the needed safety cables included.

Although not a necessary item, I do recommend the Blue Ox Base-Plate and Receiver Lock Kit, # BX88101. These locks replace pins that hold tow bar to base plates deterring theft.

Supplemental braking system is required by law, I suggest the Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System, # RM-8700. Note the attached installation video of this product on a 2017 Buick Envision. The actuator box installs permanently so that you never have to remove, adjust or reactivate. It has integrated battery protection that bypasses need of a 12V outlet connecting directly to your Buick's battery, constantly providing a trickle charge to the vehicle battery when the running lights are on on the tow vehicle.

For your needed wiring harness, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 4-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit, # RM-15247. A wiring converter like the Vehicle to Vehicle Tail Light Converter, # 118158 and 2 additional diodes like the Roadmaster Hy-Power Diodes, # RM-792, will be needed if you want to retain separate turn and brake signals.

In addition, I suggest the Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch, # RM76512 (installation video attached). This is essentially a switch that providing easier access to arrange for flat towing. The FuseMaster replaces your Buick Envisions mini-fuses and lets you prep for towing by simply flipping a switch instead of pulling the fuses. Not a required item but a definite want if you prefer ease of use and set-up for preparing your Buick for flat towing.

I also suggest the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit part # RM-751482. This ensures that the supplemental braking system is functioning properly by monitoring system to alert you whenever the brake pedal of your towed car is being applied.

You may also need to use a high-low adapter if distance from the ground to the center of your base plates are not within 3" from the ground to the top of your hitch receiver tube. I have attached a list of all our high-low adapters for you in addition to a list of various review and installation video on these products.

expert reply by: Michael R

0

David G.

10/14/2021

The parts suggested in your email is everything that I would need? What parts of those suggested would be transferrable to another vehicle, if we need to tow a different vehicle in the future? What prevents backing up with the vehicle connected with these parts and are there parts that would allow backing up with vehicle in tow?

Michael R.

10/14/2021

Yes, to flat tow your 2017 Buick Envision you need a minimum of 5 things, tow bar, base plate kit to connect said tow bar to vehicle along with safety cables and indicator lights along wit supplemental braking as required by law. Base Plates that vehicle specific to your 2017 Buick Envision - Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX1518 Tow Bar that mates to the base plates - Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar, # BX7420 (needed safety cables included) Supplemental braking - Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System, # RM-8700. Wiring Harness, for indicator lights - Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit, # RM-15247. But note that, additionally a wiring converter like the Vehicle to Vehicle Tail Light Converter, # 118158 and 2 additional diodes like the Roadmaster Hy-Power Diodes, # RM-792, will be needed if you want to retain separate turn and brake signals. This is not absolutely needed though. In addition, I suggest the Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch, # RM76512 (installation video attached). This is essentially a switch that providing easier access to arrange for flat towing. The FuseMaster replaces your Buick Envisions mini-fuses and lets you prep for towing by simply flipping a switch instead of pulling the fuses. Not a required item but a definite want if you prefer ease of use and set-up for preparing your Buick for flat towing. I also suggest the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit part # RM-751482. This ensures that the supplemental braking system is functioning properly by monitoring system to alert you whenever the brake pedal of your towed car is being applied. Again, a great add-on but not needed. You may also need to use a high-low adapter if distance from the ground to the center of your base plates are not within 3" from the ground to the top of your hitch receiver tube. I have attached a list of all our high-low adapters for you in addition to a list of various review and installation video on these products. The tow bar can used with another vehicle if you buy vehicle base plates for that vehicle that match the tow bar. The Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System, # RM-8700 that I suggested is only one of several options. But I suggested this because it is the better available fit for your 2017 Buick Envision. You can use the Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System, # HM39524 which will allow you transfer between different vehicles easier. But the Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System, # RM-8700 is a fixed installation. No matter what your towed vehicle is, and no matter what you have it being towed by, it is advisable to NOT attempt to back up. Too much of an opportunity to damage the tow bar, towed vehicle and components. While there is not anything that mechanically prevents backing up, there is multiple pivot points in a short distance and this makes it almost impossible to keep the towed vehicle inline. These components are designed to pull, not push the vehicle in tow and you can very easily twist something.