If you own or are considering a Buick Encore and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Buick Encore pull a trailer?
Yes, a Buick Encore can pull a trailer or camper up to 1,000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when pulling a camper or travel trailer with a Buick Encore which we’ll cover below.
Pulling A Trailer With A Buick Encore
So, can a Buick Encore pull a trailer? Yes: the Buick Encore towing capacity is 1,000 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,000 lbs your Buick Encore can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a trailer with your Buick Encore.
Buick Encore Tow Hitch
Does The Buick Encore Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Buick Encore does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Buick Encore Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Buick Encore.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Buick Encore?
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 Encore can only tow up to 1,000 pounds.
Buick Encore Towing Package Cost
Buick Encore Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Buick Encore trailer hitches run between $170-$260.
Take a look at this recommended Buick Encore Tow Hook Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch package is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard, square 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch and comes with a ball mount with a 3/4-inch ball hole to connect a small trailer
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this tow hitch is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch kit fits select model years of the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax (excluding GX)
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
A Buick Encore trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $55-$95.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Buick Encore
- RELIABLE POWER. This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Buick Encore Tow Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Buick Encore (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Buick Encore Brake Controller Cost
Buick Encore 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 Encore? Buick Encore 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 Encore trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Buick Encore?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Buick Encore, 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 Encore Tow?
Your Buick Encore can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 1,000 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Buick Encore can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,000 lbs:
- Oregon Trailer DoDrop Alpha
- Vintage Overland T.E. Lawrence Trailer
- MeerKat Trailer
- Go LittleGuy myPod
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Buick Encore.
Can A Buick Encore Tow A Boat?
A Buick Encore cannot tow a boat because the Buick Encore towing capacity is 1,000 pounds.
Even a small fishing boat and trailer together weighs over 2,000 pounds, making it too heavy to be towed by a Buick Encore.
Buick Encore Towing – What You Need To Know
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Buick Encore, 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 1,000 lbs so your Buick Encore 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 1,000 pounds.
Buick Encore Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Buick Encore tow?
The Buick Encore towing capacity is 1,000 pounds.
Buick Encore Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs
Buick Encore GVWR: 4,225 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Buick Encore 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 Encore GVWR or Buick Encore towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Buick Encore Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Buick Encore as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1,000 pounds).
Most Buick Encore 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 Encore, 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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