Best Flat Tow Setup and Brake System for a 2022 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring

Published 10/21/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset

(284)

$1380.00

BrakeBuddy Towed Vehicle Battery Charge Line Kit

(165)

$56.52

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Wireless Monitoring - Proportional

(493)

$1525.00

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional

(754)

$1349.00

etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates - RV Mount - 6,000 lbs

(304)

$850.05

Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(314)

$1488.91

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Hybrid Adapter Cord

(3183)

$257.82

Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only

(371)

$237.93

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3324)

$575.00

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!