TourX "is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer”

[jcwCT]

I was ready to buy a loaded 2018 Smoked Pearl Metallic TourX Essence at my local Buick dealer last week when, browsing through the Owner's Manual, I read the following statement on pg. 258 in the section titled Trailer Towing:

“The vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.”​

I checked, and that is not the case with the Opel, Vauxhall, or Holden "Country Tourers" -- their versions of virtually the same car. Those brands sell OEM hitches as accessories, and the quoted towing capacities range between 3,500 lbs. and 5,500 lbs. -- depending on the engine and transmission.

One thing that the TourX does not share with those other cars is the combination of the 2.0 litre LTG engine and 8 speed transmission. Maybe that's the root of the problem.

We tow a small sailboat during the summer as well as other occasional light loads. On the one hand, I doubt that kind of load would be a problem. OTOH, my dealer confirmed that, if there was an engine or transmission issue that could be traced back to towing with the vehicle, GM would likely deny paying any warranty claim. So I'm passing on the TourX and test driving an Outback 3.6r Touring this week.

 

[BahamaTodd]

The TourX has the same 2.0T and 8 speed transmission as the Opel version. All AWD Regals with the 2.0T have the 8 speed. FWD 2.0T and V6 GS have the 9 speed. The Commodore in Australia only comes with the 9 speed for all 2.0T and V6 versions and has towing capacities ranging from 4000-4600 lbs.

So the vehicle is capable of towing, but GM chose not to rate it for towing in the US. Maybe if GM realizes how many sales they will lose out on, they will change their mind about the tow rating. I think a 2500 lbs rating similar to the Outback is more than reasonable.

 

[jpfahrstar]

According to this Redline review, you can tow up to 1000 lbs with the TourX.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ZDQTXEVgLc

 

[davewg]

Not to mention if you tow with an unrated vehicle and have an accident your insurance company has grounds to not cover the claim.

Tow ratings is definitely a market by market thing even on the same vehicle.

If you need to tow the TourX isn't the right choice for the above reasons.

 

[Bimmer]

Whatever. GM can't even tell us how much the car weighs.

HiddenHitch and Curt already sell hitches for these, and installation looks easy.

I'll be putting a hitch on mine immediately...

 

[BahamaTodd]

I'm interested to see how the trailer hitch will be integrated into the Commodore VXR which is equivalent to our GS. Even that has a 4600 lbs towing capacity. Probably have to cut a hole in lower part of the bumper.

 

[Bimmer]

HiddenHitch has instructions that can be downloaded as a PDF...

I don't have it in front of me right now, but IIRC it did require cutting a heat shield, but NOT cutting the bumper.

Here it is... Scroll to the bottom of the page:

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Buick/Regal+TourX/2018/C12173.html?vehicleid=201865713

 

[BahamaTodd]

Looks like the owners manual has been revised. The TourX is now rated for 1000 lbs towing.

The Sportback is still "neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer". 🙄

 

[BahamaTodd]

This European style hidden hitch system for the Sportback and TourX is pretty neat.

NEW Commodore

Video:
Holden Commodore (2018) Invisible Towbar

 

[BrianCoasters]

Have any of you tried hooking up a trailer yet? Specifically, I'm looking for the location of the plug for the trailer lights. The revised owner's manual doesn't point that out, unless I'm missing something.

 

[fng]

I suspect that since the wagon doesn't come with a hitch receiver, it isn't wired for trailer lights; you may have to install a powered controller and wiring along with the hitch receiver. Something like:

2018 Buick Regal Sportback Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Tekonsha

I'm putting a Hidden Hitch receiver on my Sportback so I can use a cargo basket for things (rototiller, tow-behind lawn aerator, etc.) I don't want to put inside the car. I ordered this wiring controller so I can have lights on the basket if the cargo obscures the car's taillights. If anyone knows that the wiring for a trailer already exists, please let me know.

 

[TurboLover]

Glad to see they added a tow rating but 1000 lbs is still disappointing. A Ford Escape will tow 3500 lbs. I really like to the Tour X but that would be a deal breaker for me.

 

[Zeroboostbuick]

Have any of you tried hooking up a trailer yet? Specifically, I'm looking for the location of the plug for the trailer lights. The revised owner's manual doesn't point that out, unless I'm missing something.

Usually the hitch cable is within the spare tire compartment. But I have not checked yet so I could be wrong.

 

[milicz]

Glad to see they added a tow rating but 1000 lbs is still disappointing. A Ford Escape will tow 3500 lbs. I really like to the Tour X but that would be a deal breaker for me.

UK test site, the 190HP version can tow 4,850 pounds, I wouldn't worry about the Buick number.
https://www.thetowcarawards.com/tow-car/vauxhall-insignia-country-tourer-2/

 

[WAGONTHEDOG]

According to this Redline review, you can tow up to 1000 lbs with the TourX.

That is absolutely correct. I spoke with customer service at Buick directly a number of times on this issue. Almost unbelievably they call me back one day and said that the car would be rated for 1000 lbs, in the end updated manual would reflect this change. Not to mention the fact that the tow hitch is now an option on the Buick site.

 

[Zeroboostbuick]

GM has been writing/saying 1,000 lbs towing limit for their 4 door sedans for many years now.

I wouldn't hesitate to tow 2 metric tons (4,400 lbs ) with my sportback if I had a hitch on it.

But to be honest, I wouldn't want to tow 2 tons EVERY DAY with my Sportback.

 

[OCJohn]

This European style hidden hitch system for the Sportback and TourX is pretty neat.

NEW Commodore

Video:
Holden Commodore (2018) Invisible Towbar

I don't see info on what size ball that is. Are all Euro balls the same size?

 

[BahamaTodd]

I don't see info on what size ball that is. Are all Euro balls the same size?

I think they use 50mm balls in Europe and Australia. Similar to the 2 inch (50.8mm) that we have.

However it doesn't look like they're interchangeable.
Tow ball sizes

 

[L J]

This European style hidden hitch system for the Sportback and TourX is pretty neat.

NEW Commodore

Video:
Holden Commodore (2018) Invisible Towbar

I want just to protect bumper, maybe rack for carrier.

 

[Rhetoric]

I think they use 50mm balls in Europe and Australia. Similar to the 2 inch (50.8mm) that we have.

However it doesn't look like they're interchangeable.
Tow ball sizes

A lot of folks over in the VW world use the 50mm 'swan neck' hitches with no issue on US 2" trailers. If I do a hitch in the future, I'd do a tow bar with a removable or folding swan neck.

LJ does have a good case, though. Having a hitch there could help absorb some impact if hit from behind...