2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE trailer

The system is activated when the ignition key
is turned to RUN and will automatically adjust
vehicle height thereafter. The system may exhaust
(lower vehicle height) for up to 10 minutes after
the ignition key has been turned to LOCK. You
may hear the air compressor operating when the
height is being adjusted.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to inflate,
thereby leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the
height. See“Weight distributing Hitches and
Weight Carrying Hitches”underTowing a Trailer
on page 6!42.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should betowed with all four wheels off the ground. Consult yourdealer/retailer or a professional towing service if thedisabled vehicle must be towed. SeeRoadside Serviceo n p a g e 9!8.
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle forrecreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),see“Recreational Vehicle Towing”following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
If the vehicle has a two–mode hybrid engine, see theTwo–mode Hybrid manual for more information.
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehiclebehind another vehicle–such as behind a motorhome.The two most common types of recreational vehicletowing are known as“dinghy towing”(towing the vehiclewith all four wheels on the ground) and“dolly towing”(towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground andtwo wheels up on a device known as a“dolly”).
Here are some important things to consider beforerecreational vehicle towing:
.What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer'srecommendations.
.What is the distance that will be travelled? Somevehicles have restrictions on how far and how longthey can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment going to be used?See your dealer/retailer or trailering professionalfor additional advice and equipmentrecommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparingthe vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle isprepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on aLong Trip on page 6!26.
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If a weight!distributing hitch is being used, it isrecommended to allow the shocks to inflate, therebyleveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the hitch.
Autoride®
With this feature, improved vehicle ride and handling isprovided under a variety of passenger and loadingconditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computercontroller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheelto body position, lift/dive and steering position of thevehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shockabsorber to independently adjust the damping level toprovide the optimum vehicle ride.
Autoride also interacts with the tow/haul mode that,when activated, will provide additional control of theshock absorbers. This additional control results in betterride and handling characteristics when the vehicle isloaded or towing a trailer. See“Tow/Haul Mode”underTowing a Traileron page 6!42for more information.
Towing a Trailer
If the vehicle has a two–mode hybrid engine, see theTwo–mode Hybrid manual for more information.
Do not tow a trailer during break!in. SeeNew VehicleBreak-Inon page 3!26for more information.
{WARNING:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well—or
even at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage thevehicle and result in costly repairs not covered bythe vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,follow the advice in this section and see yourdealer/retailer for important information abouttowing a trailer with the vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read theinformation in“Weight of the Trailer”that appears laterin this section.
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Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle byitself. Trailering means changes in handling,acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy.Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, andit has to be used properly.
The following information has many time-tested,important trailering tips and safety rules. Many ofthese are important for your safety and that of yourpassengers. So please read this section carefully beforepulling a trailer.
Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
.There are many different laws, including speedlimit restrictions, having to do with trailering.Make sure the rig will be legal, not only whereyou live but also where you will be driving.A good source for this information can bestate or provincial police.
.Consider using a sway control. See“Hitches”laterin this section.
.Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,axle or other parts could be damaged.
.Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that atrailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)and do not make starts at full throttle. This helpsthe engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in atthe heavier loads.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift thetransmission to a lower gear if the transmissionshifts too often under heavy loads and/or hillyconditions.
.If the vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)system and it doesn't seem to be working properlywhile pulling a trailer, turn the system off. SeeSideBlind Zone Alert (SBZA)on page 3!48for moreinformation.
Important considerations that have to do with weight:
.The weight of the trailer
.The weight of the trailer tongue
.The weight on the vehicle's tires
.And the weight of the trailering combination
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Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used. Speed, altitude, roadgrades, outside temperature and how much the vehicleis used to pull a trailer are all important. It can dependon any special equipment on the vehicle, and theamount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”later in this section formore information.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) is calculated assuming thetow vehicle has only the driver but all required traileringequipment. Weight of additional optional equipment,passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must besubtracted from the trailer weight rating.
Use the following chart to determine how much thevehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle modeland options.
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer WeightGCWR*
Escalade 2WD 6.2L V83.428,300 lbs (3 765 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Escalade AWD 6.2L V83.428,100 lbs (3 674 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Escalade ESV 2WD 6.2L V83.427,600 lbs (3 447 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V83.427,800 lbs (3 538 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle andtrailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not beexceeded.
Ask your dealer/retailer for trailering information oradvice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.SeeCustomer Assistance Officeso n p a g e 9!6formore information.
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Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is very importantbecause it is also part of the vehicle weight. The GrossVehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of thevehicle, any cargo carried in it, and the people who willbe riding in the vehicle as well as trailer tongue weight.Vehicle options, equipment, passengers and cargo inthe vehicle reduce the amount of tongue weight thevehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailerweight the vehicle can tow. SeeLoading the Vehicleonpage 6!32for more information about the vehicle'smaximum load capacity.Trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to15 percent and fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weightshould be 15 to 25 percent of the loaded trailer weightup to the maximums for vehicle series and hitch typeshown below:
Vehicle SeriesHitch TypeMaximumTongue Weight
1500Weight Carrying 272 kg (600 lbs)
1500Weight Distributing 499 kg (1,100 lbs)
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weightfor the vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extensionthat will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle.This will help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weighton the rear axle.
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Trailering may be limited by the vehicle's ability tocarry tongue weight. Tongue or kingpin weight cannotcause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross VehicleWeight Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle WeightRating). See“Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires”laterin this section for more information.
After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then thetongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.If they are not, adjustments might be made by movingsome items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated to the inflationpressures found on the Certification label on the driverdoor or seeLoading the Vehicleon page 6!32for moreinformation. Make sure not to exceed the GVWR limitfor the vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow vehicle andtrailer fully loaded for the trip including the weight of thetrailer tongue. If using a weight distributing hitch, makesure not to exceed the RGAWR before applying theweight distribution spring bars.
Weight of the Trailering Combination
It is important that the combination of the towvehicle and trailer does not exceed any of its weightratings—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer WeightRating or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it isnot exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh the towvehicle and trailer combination, fully loaded for the trip,getting individual weights for each of these items.
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helps maintain combinationcontrol. Most small-to-medium trailers can be towedwith a weight carrying hitch which simply features acoupler latched to the hitch ball. Larger trailers mayrequire a weight distributing hitch that uses spring barsto distribute the trailer tongue weight among thetwo vehicle and trailer axles. See“Weight of the TrailerTongue”earlier in this section for rating limits withvarious hitch types.
If a step-bumper hitch will be used, the bumper couldbe damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is ampleroom when turning to avoid contact between the trailerand the bumper.
Consider using sway controls with any trailer. Ask atrailering professional about sway controls or refer tothe trailer manufacturer's recommendations andinstructions.
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Weight!Distributing Hitch Adjustment
A:Body to Ground Distance
B:Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the spring barsshould be adjusted so the distance (A) is the sameafter coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle and adjustingthe hitch.
Hitch Cover
The vehicle may have a hitch cover. To remove thehitch cover:
1. Turn the fasteners on the lower tabs 90 degreescounterclockwise.
2. Lift the lower edge of the cover about 45 degrees.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upperattachments.
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To reinstall the hitch cover:
1. Hold the cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicleand push the upper tabs in the hitch cover into thechrome slots in the fascia.
2. Move the bottom of the cover forward until thelower tabs line up with the lower fascia slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing theupper corners forward.
4. Turn the fasteners on the lower tabs 90 degreesclockwise to lock the cover in place.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and thetrailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of thetrailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting theroad if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructionsabout safety chains may be provided by the hitchmanufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. If the trailerbeing towed weighs up to 5,000 lbs (2 271 kg) with afactory-installed step bumper, safety chains may beattached to the attaching points on the bumper,otherwise, safety chains should be attached to holes onthe trailer hitch platform. Always leave just enoughslack so the combination can turn. Never allow safetychains to drag on the ground.
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