Towing behind a motorhome

[bgneumann]

Here's what I do:

1. hook up car to Motorhome, make sure it's in AWD mode
2. Engage 2021 Buick GX Essence parking brake
3. Press & hold down Engine Start / Stop button (WITHOUT brake pedal) until lights up, approx. 3 seconds; manual says once, but nothing happens unless button held for approx 3 seconds
4. Shift gear to Neutral, WITH brake pedal applied. (Car does not start). Leave in Neutral.
5. Release parking brake
6. Disconnect negative battery cable, cover terminal with a plastic battery cap, ensure no contact possible during tow mode.
7. Keep tow speed under 70 mph (113 km/hr).

No problems, driven over 7000 kms towing, 2 years.

 

[Mcli759]

Here's what I do:

1. hook up car to Motorhome
2. Engage 2021 Buick GX Essence parking brake
3. Press & hold down Engine Start / Stop button (WITHOUT brake pedal) until lights up, approx. 3 seconds; manual says once, but nothing happens unless button held for approx 3 seconds
4. Shift gear to Neutral, WITH brake pedal applied. (Car does not start). Leave in Neutral.
5. Release parking brake
6. Disconnect negative battery cable, cover terminal with a plastic battery cap, ensure no contact possible during tow mode.
7. Keep tow speed under 70 mph (113 km/hr).

No problems, driven over 7000 kms towing, 2 years.

We followed your great indyrvtions have now towed our 2021 over 500 miles no issues. Thanks for the help. Have any idea why there is 70 mph limit. I found my self cruising at 75 for about 10 mins not paying attention? Normally I’m on cruise control at .65.

 

[G-711880]

It can overheat the transmission hopefully a few minutes won't hurt but I'd be more careful.

 

[bgneumann]

We followed your great indyrvtions have now towed our 2021 over 500 miles no issues. Thanks for the help. Have any idea why there is 70 mph limit. I found my self cruising at 75 for about 10 mins not paying attention? Normally I’m on cruise control at .65.

Updated what I did, to also add to have in AWD mode.

I also had a decent email discussion with a lady from Buick customer service. I think she now understands that there is confusion with owner manual written instructions on P312. She said she will relay info to appropriate department. Maybe Buick will hopefully issue clarifications re dinghy towing.

 

[G-867973]

I have no idea why the manual says not to exceed 70 mph when towing. Maybe something to do with transmission; am not a mechanic.
In any case, it's just plain common safety sense to limit maximum to 70 mph. While in dinghy tow mode or not that's what we follow ... usually at 65 mph where allowed & always try to stay in right lane.
Happy safe travels.

 

[bgneumann]

Don't know why manual says not to exceed 70 mph while towing. Maybe something to do with transmission ... am not a mechanic.
We always drive while dinghy towing around 65 mph where allowed & try to stay in right lane. Just makes common safety sense.

 

[Mcli759]

Don't know why manual says not to exceed 70 mph while towing. Maybe something to do with transmission ... am not a mechanic.
We always drive while dinghy towing around 65 mph where allowed & try to stay in right lane. Just makes common safety sense.

Question we’ve been towing per the direction for over 1000. Now when I pulled into the campground and started the Buick I have a notice to service AWD Ever see that on your Buick. We’ve been putting it in AWD per your directions.

Don't know why manual says not to exceed 70 mph while towing. Maybe something to do with transmission ... am not a mechanic.
We always drive while dinghy towing around 65 mph where allowed & try to stay in right lane. Just makes common safety sense.

hi one more question. We have now flat towed our 2021 encore GX AWD over 1000
Miles no problem following your directions until today. When we disconnected and restarted the car we have a notification to “ service AWD”. And now the car won’t go into AWD. Press AWD button and it won’t light up. Everything seems to function ok Have you any experience with this issue?

 

[bgneumann]

Take the car to a reputable Buick dealer.
Ours has been serviced 4 times at Buick for oil changes & recall re tire jack. We never had an issue.
Hoping yours is a minor glitch & resolved.

 

[bgneumann]

Take the car to a reputable Buick dealer.
Ours has been serviced 4 times at Buick for oil changes & recall re tire jack. We never had an issue.
Hoping yours is a minor glitch & resolved.

Please advise on how issue resolved.

 

[rrevis]

Question we’ve been towing per the direction for over 1000. Now when I pulled into the campground and started the Buick I have a notice to service AWD Ever see that on your Buick. We’ve been putting it in AWD per your directions.

hi one more question. We have now flat towed our 2021 encore GX AWD over 1000
Miles no problem following your directions until today. When we disconnected and restarted the car we have a notification to “ service AWD”. And now the car won’t go into AWD. Press AWD button and it won’t light up. Everything seems to function ok Have you any experience with this issue?

Had the same problem. Took car to the local dealer and they checked it out. Found a defective, part that switched from 2wd to awd. They ordered the part and replaced it under warranty. No problem since. Hope this helps.

 

[G-341582]

Finished wiring taillights with diodes 3hrs,battery disconnect switch 2hrs, battery charger and brake a way switch 1hr. Very happy with everything, first tow all goods

What type of brake system do you use?

 

[wrapped]

What type of brake system do you use?

Rvi3

 

[Mcli759]

Please advise on how issue resolved.

Sorry for delay It Cleared itself. I brought it to dealer they could not find anything not even a code in history.
I did discuss the error in the 2021 owners manual
And they looked for updates and gave me this Document Id 5373952. This is a very simple process and it works we towed from Ohio to Cape Cod using these directions. . .
View attachment 44660

 

[wrapped]

Interesting it doesn't mention 2wd or awd, I've been leaving in 2wd since new, probably 6000mi towing and no problems.