Towing behind a motorhome

[G-248279]

We are setting our gx for towing also baseplate is on backorder. I put it in park shut off engine push start button and hold,foot NOT on brake ,light turns green now shift to neutral. Let me now what brake system you use and how it tows,mine won't be ready for a while. We have the sport touring pkg and only 1 company makes a baseplate for it.

Which company makes the baseplate? I am also looking to get the sport touring version.

 

[rrevis]

Which company makes the baseplate? I am also looking to get the sport touring version.

Got an update from Buick dealer for setting up. It seems that the 2022 Encore GX has a different set of instructions in the owners manual for dinghy towing. It says to have the car running, shift to neutral, and turn car off, then disconnect the battery. So I called Buick tech support and they did not know what was right and transferred me to my local Buick dealers service manger. He looked up the 2022 in the service shop manual and confirmed that the owners manual was correct. Then he looked up the 2021 Encore GX and found that the instructions have been updated to match the 2022. He sent the service manual page and told to to add a note referring to our discussion with the date and time and add to my owners manual. I then asked him about putting the car in FWD or AWD. He said that there was no instruction as to what needs to be selected but told me that I should leave it in FWD as almost all driving is done in that mode anyway. He said to make a note of that as well yo cover me if any warranty issues come up in the future. Hope this helps others as it was very confusing to me.

 

[Genestow]

I think that poster is citing his personal opinion more than hard data, more like "should it be done" as opposed to "can it be done and who is doing it". The manual says you can, follow the manual.

I'd recommend asking the question about others flat towing an Encore GX AWD on an RV message forum. You'll probably get more responses.

The confusion appears to be that you cannot flat tow a Encore AWD. However you CAN flat tow a Encore GX AWD. The difference being that the GX AWD has a different transmission (9speed) and is able to lubricate itself while being flat towed.

 

[bgneumann]

The confusion appears to be that you cannot flat tow a Encore AWD. However you CAN flat tow a Encore GX AWD. The difference being that the GX AWD has a different transmission (9speed) and is able to lubricate itself while being flat towed.

Thanks for updates ....

We have now driven a substantial distance with our GX as a toad (one time with gear left in FWD another time with AWD) ..... appear to have no problems either way. Getting used to placing it in tow mode. Perhaps you could email me a copy of your note with your Buick contact re suggestion to leave it in FWD mode & I could as well contact them (never did get a reply from them earlier), to place on file, if any future issues.

For info, am using a Brake Buddy Select 3 brake device which, during tow, lights etc. is powered by 7 pin connection from motorhome. Also purchased a 'Canadian Tire' Motomaster 900A Power Pack booster to provide power to Brake Buddy, in case toad detaches, say during a mishap. If the vehicle does ever separate from motorhome (knock on wood - never), then the brake release cable / switch detaches from toad & power is sent immediately to Brake Buddy to fully engage toad brakes (a legal requirement in most locations to ensure toad does not cause other perils if ever detached, to stop roaming loose on highway. This in case I assume that the power connection to motorhome may also become disconnected, therefore requiring a separate connection to Brake Buddy. Anyways, it means have to keep the booster p[ack charged overnight after usual day travel; there is also the added advantage that the booster pack has an included air compressor (150psi, slow but good enough for required motorhome tire pressures (ours need around 110 psi). I expect that the Buick battery will not lose too much power during day travel with battery disconnected. We will see how it goes, on our way to Florida this winter now that US has opened their border again.

The most annoying item is the Buick battery disconnect requirement, remembering that doors & hood will not work after disconnecting battery, requires getting used to + using the manual key on FOB on occasion. I use a simple plastic battery cap to keep the negative terminal contact separated + velcro straps to secure the power cord under the hood when not towing.

Our 2021 Buick Encore GX is a great little car & we use it quite often.

Safe driving & enjoy.

 

[wrapped]

We flat tow our 21 encore gx with sport touring pkg, setup is roadmaster baseplate, demco commander ll bar, roadmaster battery disconnect with push button mounted in wheel well, RVi 3 brake setup and thier battery charger, wireless breakaway and tire patrol setup, ran flat 4 wire trailer wire inside car under sill plates to driverside rear taillight,all wires pass through firewall next to steering knuckle inside of car there's a round pencil shaped rubber piece that's hollow cut the end off push wire through installed 4 diode taillight kit. Have towed 6 times now everything works great, towing from pa. to fla. in 2 weeks.

 

[wrapped]

Finished out tow from pa. to key west Florida, 1300mi the encore gx towed great. Made 4 stops 2 we unhooked 2 we left hooked up overnight. Our RVi 3 brake,battery charger, tire pressure setup worked great. The battery disconnect button in the front wheelwell is working great no worries about getting locked out,and we've driven and towed in many heavy rains now.

 

[wrapped]

Great towed

 

[bgneumann]

Thanks for updates ....

We have now driven a substantial distance with our GX as a toad (one time with gear left in FWD another time with AWD) ..... appear to have no problems either way. Getting used to placing it in tow mode. Perhaps you could email me a copy of your note with your Buick contact re suggestion to leave it in FWD mode & I could as well contact them (never did get a reply from them earlier), to place on file, if any future issues.

For info, am using a Brake Buddy Select 3 brake device which, during tow, lights etc. is powered by 7 pin connection from motorhome. Also purchased a 'Canadian Tire' Motomaster 900A Power Pack booster to provide power to Brake Buddy, in case toad detaches, say during a mishap. If the vehicle does ever separate from motorhome (knock on wood - never), then the brake release cable / switch detaches from toad & power is sent immediately to Brake Buddy to fully engage toad brakes (a legal requirement in most locations to ensure toad does not cause other perils if ever detached, to stop roaming loose on highway. This in case I assume that the power connection to motorhome may also become disconnected, therefore requiring a separate connection to Brake Buddy. Anyways, it means have to keep the booster p[ack charged overnight after usual day travel; there is also the added advantage that the booster pack has an included air compressor (150psi, slow but good enough for required motorhome tire pressures (ours need around 110 psi). I expect that the Buick battery will not lose too much power during day travel with battery disconnected. We will see how it goes, on our way to Florida this winter now that US has opened their border again.

The most annoying item is the Buick battery disconnect requirement, remembering that doors & hood will not work after disconnecting battery, requires getting used to + using the manual key on FOB on occasion. I use a simple plastic battery cap to keep the negative terminal contact separated + velcro straps to secure the power cord under the hood when not towing.

Our 2021 Buick Encore GX is a great little car & we use it quite often.

Safe driving & enjoy.

Clarification: Received a call from Buick yesterday & they confirmed saying to have the GX in AWD mode while flat towing 4 wheels down. Our GX Essence has a switch for AWD or FWD.

 

[wrapped]

Could you give e that phone number so I can get that information, I've towed over 1500mi so far in 2wd.

 

[bgneumann]

It was in reply to

Could you give e that phone number so I can get that information, I've towed over 1500mi so far in 2wd.

I received a call from 1-866-790-5600 (General Motors). I had repeatedly asked for clarifications from gmcanada.care@gm.com, asking since the GX Essence had a switch AWD or FWD. Their last email response was confusing, first stating " To use Dingy towing : Must be used in AWD." then elaborating answer with confusing manual instructions from manual. I replied to their email again simply asking confirmation which mode the switch should be in; the manual does not state.

Instead of replying specifically by email to my question, they now called me to confirm that the GX should be in AWD mode. I have & will follow that instruction.

(It seems that they are very leery to elaborate on their vehicle manual for fear of future implications. Probably their good business legal sense but the manual should be specific in the first case & not open to judgemental interpretations.)

Suggest that you try calling them; unfortunately I do not remember the name of the lady who replied but it was from (Customer Care Ambassador, General Motors of Canada Company, 1908 Colonel Sam Drive, Oshawa, ON, L1H8P7). Our GX was purchased in Canada.

 

[wrapped]

Thanks that's the number I called when we called when we purchased the car,I called several times about how to put in neutral and got a different answer for the same question each time. I now call local service manager and let him talk to GM then I talk to him then have him email me the answers since he will be making any repairs caused by gm misinformation.

 

[Dsherman40]

Clarification: Received a call from Buick yesterday & they confirmed saying to have the GX in AWD mode while flat towing 4 wheels down. Our GX Essence has a switch for AWD or FWD.

Which did you finally tow in, awd or fed?

 

[bgneumann]

Which did you finally tow in, awd or fed?

Awd as advised

 

[Clohman]

All there in black & white, pretty much says if you don't dolly a FWD or trailer an AWD you are responsible for any damage to the drivetrain.

View attachment 28302

This is not true. If an AWD car is towed dingy style (4 on the ground ) it is acceptable. No where does it say that the warranty is void. Make sure you are reading the correct section of the book.

 

[Dsherman40]

Awd as advised

I took 2 trips recently. Each 800 miles round trip. I stopped halfway each time. First trip was AWD mode. 2nd trip AWD was off. No issue either way. AWD is the recommended method by buick. I will report that after moving transmission to neutral you can not stop the chime after pressing the engine off. The battery negative must be removed.

 

[Again]

Did you try transport mode?

Storing your Encore

I store my Encore in the winter and drive a beater. Here's a few tips: 1. Hook the battery to a battery tender...

buickforums.com

 

[Dsherman40]

We bought a 2021 Encore GX AWD Essence to tow behind our motorhome. Sorry for long story … shows you where we are with big corporations these days …. after sale marketing arrogance, buy the car & then goodbye … hoping my adventures with Buick customer support sheds some light. Per vehicle manual the car is 4 wheel down towable. We have had installed the BlueOX baseplate BX1520, towbar BX7420, safety cables, extension wiring, Brake Buddy Select 3 braking assistance, etc. The 7 pin connector from motorhome provides all connections. Our motorhome is a 2019 Tiffin Allegro RED 33AA with bigger diesel engine more than adequate to pull the under 5K pound GX.

Following are our issues limited to Encore GX AWD dinghy tow option process & airbag icons:

GM / Buick is very reluctant to correct their own manual, their customer support says it is “… complicated” but would forward concerns. Manual needs clarifications. Did contact dealers & they advised as per below. Customer support will not, it seems, provide simple advice / corrections via email. We will be following advice of dealer service departments.

Manual says 2021 Encore GX AWD can be towed 4 wheels down.

Issues with 2021 Encore GX manual (Page 312):

• Steps 1 & 2 seem to be correct.
• AWD can be towed. Vehicle has AWD & FWD mode. Vehicle manual does not say that mode must be in AWD mode. Perhaps it can be assumed but manual is not explicit & should state so.
• Step 3, manual says put vehicle in ACC / ACCESSORY by pressing ENGINE START/STOP one time without brake pedal applied. It should say hold the ACC / ACCESSORY down for some 5 seconds until chime sounds, without brake pedal applied. If you hold the brake down the car will start; you do not want that.
• Step 4, manual says to shift into Neutral & chime will ring continuously for 30 seconds. Leave transmission in Neutral. It should say shift into Neutral with brake applied (otherwise cannot shift). And, if I recall, the chime was ringing in previous step, not ringing after shifting.
• Steps 5, 6 & 7 seem to be correct.

Tried several times to communicate this to GM / Buick customer support by email & telephone …. they are reluctant to clarify & say changing the manual is “complicated” & even referred me to the manual publisher, as if he knew how to operate the vehicle better than Buick. Of course, publisher correctly suggested to contact the vehicle manufacturer. Contacted the dealer &, at first, he was also confused but advised that with above manual clarifications the vehicle is correctly placed in tow mode. Trying to get Buick / GM manufacturer to clarify their manual or at least confirm via email to avoid confusion & future issues.

Another item involves the lit icon for airbags in panel above the mirror. When passenger is seated it illuminates with a black balloon / passenger with a #2 (assume air bag active). When there is no passenger it illuminates with a X (assume air bag not active); simple to understand. However, the manual states that these lit icons should go out after a few seconds travel & if they do not go out then there may be some thing wrong with wiring connections. Again, no clarification from Buick, GM nor dealer. Dealer says “That’s OK, it’s normal … all cars do that !!” When I showed him the manual, he again said that’s normal.

There are many complicated items to describe in a manual (omissions & clarifications probably always needed); important ones should be explicit & correct. With all the new electronics new owners of new vehicles look to the manual for exact step by step instructions & should expect not to get run arounds from manufacturer customer support.

Have logically suggested if the customer service center cannot reply, they should relay concerns to their appropriate design / technical departments within head office (where the car is designed) not dealers.
Maybe we need to contact South Korea where the vehicle is built. Would have thought contacting Buick head office designers here or in Michigan makes much more common sense.

We will operate the car as per above clarifications. So far have only towed a short distance but hoping to travel to Chicago & Florida later this year if borders open.

Would love to hear from others about towing mode.

Other than our customer support experience are we very happy with the GX …. It is a nice size carries 2 golf bags & carts, has adequate pep & very comfortable to drive.

Great post. I have killed my battery twice already on 2 trips towing. Even with the rv supplying power through the tethered cord.

 

[GBergy]

We flat tow our 21 encore gx with sport touring pkg, setup is roadmaster baseplate, demco commander ll bar, roadmaster battery disconnect with push button mounted in wheel well, RVi 3 brake setup and thier battery charger, wireless breakaway and tire patrol setup, ran flat 4 wire trailer wire inside car under sill plates to driverside rear taillight,all wires pass through firewall next to steering knuckle inside of car there's a round pencil shaped rubber piece that's hollow cut the end off push wire through installed 4 diode taillight kit. Have towed 6 times now everything works great, towing from pa. to fla. in 2 weeks.

I am getting our 2021 Encore GX AWD w/Sport Touring set up with Blue Ox equipment and Patriot brake system next week. I also purchased a roadmaster battery disconnect based on the info you provided here. (THANKS!) I wonder if you could post a picture of the battery disconnect in the wheel well. Curious how that's working out for you.

Garry Bergstrom

 

[wrapped]

I am getting our 2021 Encore GX AWD w/Sport Touring set up with Blue Ox equipment and Patriot brake system next week. I also purchased a roadmaster battery disconnect based on the info you provided here. (THANKS!) I wonder if you could post a picture of the battery disconnect in the wheel well. Curious how that's working out for you.

Garry Bergstrom

 

[wrapped]

Everything is still working great, just helped a friend install everything to tow on 2017 envision didn't need battery disconnect just installed a switch to simulate pulling the 2 fuses. My disconnect button is located towards front up high towards inner part of wheel well,it doesn't show up in pictures. I tried to put it where it would get the least amount of road spray.