2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE weight

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 4-51for 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.
4-58

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 ªTire Loadingº. 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 spring bars.
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 (2 268 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.
·Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when you
remove the hitch. If you don't seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into
your vehicle. See ªCarbon Monoxideº in the Index.
Dirt and water can, too.
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 Ð 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.
4-59

Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can't see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. See ªEngine
Exhaustº in the Index. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
·Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
·Keep the rear-most windows closed.
·If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main heating
or cooling system on and with the fan on
any speed. This will bring fresh, outside air
into your vehicle. Do not use the climate
control setting for maximum air because it
only recirculates the air inside your vehicle.
See ªClimate Controlsº in the Index.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.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
4-60

T
Tachometer....................................................3-36
Taillamps.......................................................5-63
Temperature and Compass Display....................2-33
Testing the Alarm............................................2-19
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-101
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-18
Passlock
ž...................................................2-19
Third Row ± Lap Belt......................................1-43
Third Row......................................................1-70
Throttle, Adjustable..........................................2-22
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP......................................3-65
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tilting the 50/50 Split Bench Seat.....................1-15
Tilting the Full Bench Seat...............................1-21
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 -- Tire Pressure...............................5-67
Inspection and Rotation................................5-68
Spare Tire..................................................5-93
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-71
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-72
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-73
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-69Tires (cont.)
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-23
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-63
Top Strap......................................................1-61
Torque Lock...................................................2-30
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-59
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-49
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Button........................2-26
Towing..........................................................4-50
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-50
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-54
Your Vehicle...............................................4-50
TRACTION ACTIVE........................................3-68
Traction Control Operation................................4-12
TRACTION SYS LIMITED................................3-68
Traction.........................................................3-42
Off Light.....................................................3-42
Road Sensing Suspension.............................. 4-9
Stabilitrak
žSystem......................................4-10
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-59
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-64
Trailer...........................................................4-53
Recommendations.......................................4-53
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE.............................3-66
Transfer Case................................................5-50
TRANSMISSION HOT.....................................3-66
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-24
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-11
16

Warnings (cont.)
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-7
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-97
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-12
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-58
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-57
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
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking
on a Hill.....................................................4-63Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-60
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-29
Windows.......................................................2-16
Power........................................................2-17
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................6-11
Windshield Washer.........................................3-10
Fluid..........................................................5-38
Windshield Wiper............................................5-65
Blade Replacement......................................5-65
Fuses......................................................5-103
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-10
Winter Driving................................................4-43
Wiper Blade Check.........................................6-12
X
XMŸ Radio Satellite Service (USA Only)...........3-71
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System..............3-105
XMŸ Satellite Radio Service
(USA Only)...............................................3-103
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
18