If you own or are considering a Buick Enclave and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Buick Enclave tow a camper or trailer?
Yes, a Buick Enclave can tow a camper or trailer up to 5,000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a camper or travel trailer with a Buick Enclave which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With A Buick Enclave
So, can a Buick Enclave tow a camper trailer? Yes: the Buick Enclave towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 5,000 lbs your Buick Enclave can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when pulling a trailer with your Buick Enclave.
Buick Enclave Tow Package
Does The Buick Enclave Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Buick Enclave does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Buick Enclave Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Buick Enclave.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With a Buick Enclave?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
You should not need a brake controller because the Buick Enclave can only tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Buick Enclave Towing Package Cost
Buick Enclave Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Buick Enclave trailer hitches run between $170-$260.
Take a look at this recommended Buick Enclave Tow Hook Hitch & Wiring Harness Combo Kit:
- COMPLETE KIT. This towing kit includes a class 3 hitch with hardware and a wiring harness to provide a complete kit for outfitting your vehicle for towing. Both the hitch and wiring are designed for select models of the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia.
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 5, 000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 500 lbs. tongue weight, 6, 000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 600 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component).
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more.
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid Bonderite and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! The trailer wiring harness in this kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer. It connects the taillights, turn signals and brake lights.
Buick Enclave Tow Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Buick Enclave (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Buick Enclave Brake Controller Cost
Buick Enclave brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Tow Hitch On A Buick Enclave? Buick Enclave Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Buick Enclave trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Buick Enclave?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Buick Enclave, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Can A Buick Enclave Tow?
Your Buick Enclave can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 5,000 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Buick Enclave can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 5,000 lbs:
- Jayco Jayflight SLX 224BH
- Coleman Light LX 2125BH
- Heartland Mallard
- Keystone Passport
- Crossroad Zinger 18BH
- Coleman Lantern 17FQ
- KZ Sportsmen Classic
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Buick Enclave.
Can A Buick Enclave Tow A Caravan?
As we covered in this guide, your Buick Enclave can tow a caravan under 5,000 lbs.
Can A Buick Enclave Tow A Jetski?
Your Buick Enclave can tow a jetski on a jetski trailer as long as the total weight is under 5,000 lbs.
You should be able to tow most jetskis with a Buick Enclave because the average jetski weighs 750 lbs and the average jetski trailer weighs between 200-300 lbs, making the total just around 1,000 lbs which is less than the Buick Enclave towing capacity.
Buick Enclave Towing – What You Need To Know
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Buick Enclave, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 5,000 lbs so your Buick Enclave can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 5,000 pounds.
Buick Enclave Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Buick Enclave tow?
The Buick Enclave towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
Buick Enclave Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Buick Enclave GVWR: 6,160 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Buick Enclave can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Buick Enclave GVWR or Buick Enclave towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Buick Enclave Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Buick Enclave as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 5,000 pounds).
Most Buick Enclave models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Buick Enclave, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful RV repair guides:
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