weight CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2011 User Guide

Black plate (28,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-28 Driving and Operating Certification/Tire Label
A vehicle specific Certification/
Tire label is attached to the
rear edge of the driver door.
The label shows the size of
your vehicle's original tires
and the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle.
This is called Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The
GVWR includes the weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, fuel,
and cargo. The Certification/Tire label also
tells you the maximum weights
for the front and rear axles,
called Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). To find out the
actual loads on your front and
rear axles, you need to go to a
weigh station and weigh your
vehicle. Your dealer can help
you with this. Be sure to spread
out your load equally on both
sides of the center line.
Never exceed the GVWR for
your vehicle, or the GAWR for
either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy
load, you should spread it out.
{ WARNING
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
(Continued) WARNING (Continued)
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Your warranty does not cover
parts or components that fail
because of overloading.
The label will help you decide
how much cargo and installed
equipment your truck can carry.
Using heavier suspension
components to get added
durability might not change
your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your
vehicle the right way.

Black plate (29,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-29If you put things inside your
vehicle — like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything
else — they will go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a
crash, they will keep going.
{ WARNING
Things you put inside the
vehicle can strike and injure
people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash. .
Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. Try to
spread the weight evenly. .
Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) .
Do not leave an
unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle. .
When you carry something
inside the vehicle, secure
it whenever you can. .
Do not leave a seat folded
down unless you need to.
There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in
this manual. See “ Loading Your
Vehicle for Off-Road Driving ”
under Off-Road Driving on
page 9 ‑ 7 . Add-On Equipment
When you carry removable
items, you may need to put a
limit on how many people you
can carry inside your vehicle.
Be sure to weigh your vehicle
before you buy and install the
new equipment.
Notice : Overloading the
vehicle may cause damage.
Repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do
not overload the vehicle.
Remember not to exceed
the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) of the front
or rear axle.

Black plate (30,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-30 Driving and Operating Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear
suspension comes as a part of
the Road Sensing Suspension.
See Road Sensing Suspension
on page 9 ‑ 50 .
This type of level control is fully
automatic and will provide a
better leveled riding position as
well as better handling under a
variety of passenger and loading
conditions. An air compressor
connected to the rear shocks
will raise or lower the rear of
the vehicle to maintain proper
vehicle height. 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 ”
under Towing Equipment on
page 9 ‑ 78 .Starting and
Operating New Vehicle Break-In Notice: The vehicle does not
need an elaborate break-in. But it
will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines: .
Keep the vehicle speed at
88 km/h (55 mph) or less for
the first 805 km (500 miles). .
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or
slow, for the first 805 km
(500 miles). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle.

Black plate (37,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-37Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and
you do not shift the transmission
into P (Park) properly, the weight
of the vehicle can put too much
force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. It might be difficult to
pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called torque lock. To
prevent torque lock, set the parking
brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver
seat. To find out how, see Shifting
Into Park on page 9 ‑ 36 .
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
releasing the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you might
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some
of the pressure from the parking
pawl in the transmission. Then
you should be able to pull the shift
lever out of P (Park). Shifting Out of Park This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is
designed to: .
Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released. .
Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of
an uncharged or low voltage (less
than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting on
page 10 ‑ 82 for more information. To shift out of P (Park) use the
following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out
of P (Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift
lever.
2. While holding down the brake
pedal, press the shift lever all
the way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you are still having a problem
shifting, then have the vehicle
serviced soon.

Black plate (51,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-51An air compressor connected to
the rear shocks will raise or lower
the rear of the vehicle to maintain
proper vehicle height. The system
is activated when the ignition
key is turned to ON/RUN and will
automatically adjust vehicle height
thereafter. The system may exhaust
(lower vehicle height) for up to
ten minutes after the ignition key
has been turned off. 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 hitch. Cruise Control
{ WARNINGCruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can
be maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph). When the brakes are applied, cruise
control is turned off.
This vehicle has a Hydra ‐ Matic
6 ‐ speed automatic transmission,
see Grade Braking and Cruise
Grade Braking under Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9 ‑ 43 for an
explanation of how cruise control
interacts with the Range Selection
Mode, tow/haul and grade braking
systems.
This vehicle has StabiliTrak and
when the system begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See
StabiliTrak ®
System on page 9 ‑ 47 .
When road conditions allow the
cruise control to be safely used
again, it can be turned back on.

Black plate (70,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-70 Driving and Operating
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{ WARNINGNever fill a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle. Static
electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel
vapor. You can be badly burned
and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others: .
Dispense fuel only into
approved containers. .
Do not fill a container while
it is inside a vehicle, in a
vehicle's trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than
the ground.
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) .
Bring the fill nozzle in contact
with the inside of the fill
opening before operating the
nozzle. Contact should be
maintained until the filling is
complete. .
Do not smoke while
pumping fuel. .
Do not use a cellular phone
while pumping fuel. Towing General Towing
Information Only use towing equipment that
has been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer.
See the following trailer towing
information in this section: .
For information on driving while
towing a trailer, see “ Driving
Characteristics and
Towing Tips. ” .
For maximum vehicle and trailer
weights, see “ Trailer Towing. ” .
For information on equipment to
tow a trailer, see “ Towing
Equipment. ”

Black plate (71,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-71For information on towing a disabled
vehicle, see Towing the Vehicle on
page 10 ‑ 87 . For information on
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing on
page 10 ‑ 87 .
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips Pulling a Trailer Here are some important points: .
There are many different laws,
including speed limit restrictions,
having to do with trailering.
Make sure the rig will be legal,
not only where you live but also
where you will be driving. .
Consider using a sway control.
See “ Hitches ” later in this
section. .
Do not tow a trailer at all during
the first 800 km (500 miles) the
new vehicle is driven. The
engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged. .
Then, during the first 800 km
(500 miles) that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts
at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads. .
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often under heavy loads
and/or hilly conditions. .
If the vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system and it
doesn't seem to be working
properly while pulling a trailer,
turn the system off. See Side
Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on
page 9 ‑ 56 for more information.
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

Black plate (75,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-75
{ WARNINGThe 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 for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the
vehicle.
Notice: Pulling a trailer
improperly can damage the
vehicle and result in costly
repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of
the vehicle, read the information in
“ Weight of the Trailer ” that appears
later in this section.
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has
to be used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read
this section carefully before pulling a
trailer. Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used.
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature and how much
the vehicle is used to pull a trailer
are all important. It can depend on
any special equipment on the
vehicle, and the amount of tongue
weight the vehicle can carry. See
“ Weight of the Trailer Tongue ” later
in this section for more information.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has only the driver but all required
trailering equipment. Weight of
additional optional equipment,
passengers and cargo in the tow
vehicle must be subtracted from
the trailer weight rating.

Black plate (76,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-76 Driving and Operating Use the following chart to determine how much the vehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle model and options.
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Escalade 2WD 6.2L V8 3.42 3 765 kg (8,300 lbs) 6 350 kg (14,000 lbs)
Escalade AWD 6.2L V8 3.42 3 674 kg (8,100 lbs) 6 350 kg (14,000 lbs)
Escalade ESV 2WD 6.2L V8 3.42 3 629 kg (8,000 lbs) 6 350 kg (14,000 lbs)
Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 3.42 3 493 kg (7,700 lbs) 6 350 kg (14,000 lbs)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating ™ (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
See Customer Assistance Offices
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13 ‑ 5 or
Customer Assistance Offices
(Mexico) on page 13 ‑ 5 for more
information. Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is
very important because it is also
part of the vehicle weight. The
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and
the people who will be riding in the
vehicle as well as trailer tongue weight. Vehicle options, equipment,
passengers and cargo in the vehicle
reduce the amount of tongue weight
the vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight the vehicle
can tow. See Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9 ‑ 24 for more information
about the vehicle's maximum load
capacity.

Black plate (77,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-77
Trailer tongue weight (A) should be
10 percent to 15 percent and fifth
wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight
should be 15 to 25 percent of the
loaded trailer weight (B) up to the
maximums for vehicle series and
hitch type. Vehicle Series Hitch Type Maximum Tongue
Weight
1500 Weight Carrying 272 kg (600 lbs)
1500 Weight Distributing 499 kg (1,100 lbs)
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch
extension that will position the hitch
ball closest to the vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of trailer
tongue weight on the rear axle.
Trailering may be limited by the
vehicle's ability to carry tongue
weight. Tongue or kingpin weight
cannot cause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating). See “ Total
Weight on the Vehicle's Tires ” later
in this section for more information.
After loading the trailer, weigh
the trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.