2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT weight

Tow/haul is designed to be most effective when the
vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent
of the vehicle's Gross Combination Weight Rating
(GCWR). See
Weight of the Trailerlater in this section.
Tow/haul is most useful under the following driving
conditions:
·When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load through rolling terrain.
·When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load in stop and go traffic.
·When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load in busy parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is desired.
Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded or
with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no bene®t to the selection of tow/haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded
may result in unpleasant engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy. Tow/haul
is recommended only when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example,
speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and
how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. And, it can also depend on any special
equipment that you have on your vehicle.
Use one of the following charts to determine how much
your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle
model and options.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed to be
used with a ®fth-wheel hitch device. Using such
a device could result in damage to the vehicle.
These damages would not be covered by your
vehicle's warranty.
4-54

Vehicle Axle Ratio*Maximum Trailer
Weight**GCWR
AWD 6.0 L 3.73 7,400 lbs. (3 357 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 350 kg)
*Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs. (453 kg) maximum.
**The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) in the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not
be exceeded.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at the address listed in
your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
Booklet.In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
4-55

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add
the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. See
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-48for more information about your vehicle's
maximum load capacity.If you're using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle.
After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then
the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
If they aren't, you may be able to get them right simply by
moving some items around in the trailer.Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are in¯ated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You'll ®nd these numbers on
the Certi®cation label at the rear edge of the driver's
door or see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-48.
Then be sure you don't go over the GVW and rear axle
limits for your vehicle, including the weight of the
trailer tongue.
If you use a weight distributing hitch, make sure you
don't go over the rear axle limit before you apply
the weight distributing sping bars.
4-56

Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads
are a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:
·If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg), be sure
to use a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch
and sway control of the proper size. This equipment
is very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you're driving.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated from
the hitch. Always leave just enough slack so you can
turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes ± and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Since your vehicle is equipped with Stabilitrak
ž, your
trailer brake system cannot tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
4-57

TIGHTEN FUEL CAP......................................3-61
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tire In¯ation Check.........................................6-11
Tires.............................................................5-66
Buying New Tires........................................5-70
Chains.......................................................5-74
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-76
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-75
In¯ation Ð Tire Pressure..............................5-67
Inspection and Rotation................................5-68
Spare Tire..................................................5-92
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-71
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-72
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-73
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-69
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-31
Top Drain Grates ± Removal and Cleaning.........2-67
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-41
Top Strap......................................................1-40
Top-Box Storage.............................................2-70
Torque Lock...................................................2-38
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-56
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-45
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Button........................2-34
Towing..........................................................4-48
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-48
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-52
Your Vehicle...............................................4-48Towing (cont.)
Traction Control Operation................................4-11
TRACTION SYS LIMITED................................3-63
Traction.........................................................3-39
Off Light.....................................................3-39
Road Sensing Suspension.............................. 4-9
Stabilitrak
žSystem......................................4-10
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-57
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-61
Trailer...........................................................4-51
Recommendations.......................................4-51
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE.............................3-62
Transfer Case................................................5-50
TRANSMISSION HOT.....................................3-62
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-32
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-10
Transmission..................................................5-21
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Temperature Gage.......................................3-40
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Traveling to Remote Areas...............................4-20
Trip Information Button....................................3-48
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-51
Turn and Lane Change Signals.......................... 3-8
TURN SIGNAL ON.........................................3-61
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-58
16

U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............3-20
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-14
Underhood Fuse Block...................................5-105
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-99
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-71
United States ± Customer Assistance.................. 7-4
Using HomeLink
ž...........................................2-51
Using the Recovery Hooks...............................4-47
V
Vehicle Identi®cation......................................5-100
Number (VIN)............................................5-100
Service Parts Identi®cation Label..................5-100
Vehicle Personalization....................................2-72
Memory Seat..............................................2-72
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-43
Vehicle............................................................ 4-6
Control........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-48
Symbols......................................................... iv
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-30
Video Screen.................................................3-85
Visors...........................................................2-25
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-37
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-31
Warnings.......................................................3-58
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-58
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-96
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-12
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-56
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-54
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-16
What to Add..................................................5-40
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-18
What to Use..........................5-25, 5-37, 5-38, 5-51
Wheels..........................................................5-72
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-72
Replacement...............................................5-73
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-15
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)...................................5-17
When to Check and Change............................5-21
When to Check Lubricant.................................5-51
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-37
When to Check..............................................5-67
When to Inspect.............................................5-19
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