trailer CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2019 Owner's Guide

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 257
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that extend
out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer
is towed.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of the
vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window
is open.
When towing a trailer:. Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control Systems ”
in the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 208.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as responsive
as the vehicle itself. Get used to the
handling and braking of the
combination by driving on a level road
surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry
the intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination
to operate in an unexpected or unsafe
manner. Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts and attachments,
safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing
Equipment 0265. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the
trailer brake controller to check the
trailer brakes work. During the trip,
occasionally check that the cargo and
trailer are secure and that the lamps
and any trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the stability control
system might be heard. The system
reacts to vehicle movement caused by
the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving without a trailer. This can help
to avoid heavy braking and sudden
turns.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
258 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of
the vehicle and trailer will not
accelerate as quickly and is much
longer than the vehicle alone. It is
necessary to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane. Pass on level roadways.
Avoid passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. To move the trailer to
the left, move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move
that hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle. (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects. Always
signal turns well in advance. Do not
steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes may
overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
The vehicle 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.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off.
If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating
0289.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer
on a level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 259
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, gradually release the brake
pedal to allow the chocks to
absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal. .Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of
the vehicle before backing
onto the sloped part of the
ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows
before backing onto the ramp.
This will provide a means of
escape in the unlikely event
the vehicle slides into the
water.
. If the boat launch surface is
slippery, have the driver
remain in the vehicle with the
brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The
boat launch can be especially
slippery at low tide when part
of the ramp was previously
submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
launch the boat if you are not
sure the vehicle can maintain
traction.
. Do not move the vehicle if
someone is in the path of the
trailer. Some parts of the
trailer might be underwater
and not visible to people who
are assisting in launching
the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the
water to prevent damage to the
electrical circuits on the trailer.
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the
water. If the trailer has electric brakes
that can function when the trailer is
submerged, it might help to leave the
electrical trailer connector attached to
maintain trailer brake functionality
while on the boat ramp.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
260 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To back the trailer into the water:1. If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no
further than necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the
vehicle.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the
load of the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park). If equipped with a
manual transmission, turn off
the engine and move the shift
lever into 1 (First) gear.
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear. 3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are
clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part
of the boat ramp, the vehicle can
be shifted from four-wheel-drive
high. Shift into the drive mode
that is appropriate for the road
conditions.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and
the vehicle begins to slide toward
the water, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal and apply the
brake pedal. Seek help to have the
vehicle towed up the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more often
when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0360. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and
during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 289.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 261
Caution (Continued)
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, dimensions of
the front of the trailer, and how
frequently the vehicle is used to tow a
trailer.
Trailering Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined
weight of the vehicle, vehicle contents,
trailer, and trailer contents must be
below all of the maximum weight
ratings for the vehicle, including: .
GCWR: Gross Combined Weight
Rating
. GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating
. Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
. GAWR-RR: Gross Axle Weight
Rating-Rear
. Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment ”under Towing Equipment
0 265 to determine if equalizer bars
are required to obtain the maximum
trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes ”under Towing
Equipment 0265 to determine if
brakes are required based on your
trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is
not exceeding any of these ratings is
to weigh the tow vehicle and trailer
combination, fully loaded for the trip,
getting individual weights for each of
these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously
injured or killed if the trailer is too
heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The vehicle
may be damaged, and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in
this section have been followed. Ask
your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of
the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any fuel, passengers,
cargo, equipment, and accessories. Do
not exceed the GCWR for your vehicle.
The GCWR for the vehicle is on the
Tow Rating Chart following.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
262 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To check that the weight of the
vehicle and trailer are within the
GCWR for the vehicle, follow these
steps:
.Start with the "curb weight" from
the trailering information label
. Add the weight of the trailer
loaded with cargo and ready for
the trip
. Add the weight of all passengers
. Add the weight of all cargo in the
vehicle
. Add the weight of hitch hardware
such as a draw bar, ball, load
equalizer bars, or sway bars
. Add the weight of any accessories
or aftermarket equipment added
to the vehicle
The resulting weight cannot exceed
the GCWR value shown on the
Trailering Information Label.
The gross combined weight can also
be confirmed by weighing the vehicle
and trailer on a public scale. The
vehicle and trailer should be loaded
for the trip with passengers and cargo.
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see Vehicle
Load Limits 0196. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer attached, the
trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the weight the
vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating 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.
Use the tow rating chart to determine
how much the trailer can weigh, based
on the vehicle model and options.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 263
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Escalade 2WD Short Wheelbase 3.233 765 kg (8,300 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
Escalade 4WD Short Wheelbase 3.233 674 kg (8,100 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
Escalade 2WD Long Wheelbase 3.233 674 kg (8,100 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
Escalade 4WD Long Wheelbase with
20 inch wheels 3.23
3 583 kg (7,900 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
Escalade 4WD Long Wheelbase with
22 inch wheels 3.23
3 538 kg (7,800 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
*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.
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating is the allowable trailer tongue
weight that the vehicle can support
using a conventional trailer hitch.
It may be necessary to reduce the
overall trailer weight to stay within
the maximum trailer tongue weight
rating while still maintaining the
correct trailer load balance.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
264 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Vehicle SeriesHitch Type Maximum Tongue Weight
1500 Weight Carrying 272 kg (600 lb)
1500 Weight Distributing 453 kg (1,000 lb)
The trailer tongue weight contributes
to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
GVW includes the CURB WEIGHT of
your vehicle, any passengers, cargo,
equipment and the trailer tongue
weight. Vehicle options, passengers,
cargo, and equipment reduce the
maximum allowable tongue weight
the vehicle can carry, which also
reduces the maximum allowable
trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance must
be maintained to ensure trailer
stability. Incorrect load balance is a
leading cause of trailer sway.The trailer tongue weight (1) should
be 10–15% of the total loaded trailer
weight (2). Some specific trailer types,
such as boat trailers, fall outside of
this range. Always refer to the trailer
owner’s manual for the recommended
trailer tongue weight for each trailer.
Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch and trailer. The trailer load balance percentage is
calculated as: weight (1) divided by
weight (2) times 100.
After loading the trailer, separately
weigh the trailer and then the trailer
tongue and calculate the trailer load
balance percentage to see if the
weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the
trailer weight is too high, it may be
possible to trasfer some of the cargo
into your vehicle. If the trailer tongue
weight is too high or too low, it may
be possible to rearrange some of the
cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for your
vehicle. Use the shortest hitch
extension available to position the
hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of the
trailer tongue weight on the trailer
hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer
hitch receiver, choose a carrier that
positions the load as close to the
vehicle as possible. Make sure the
total weight, including the carrier, is
no more than half of the maximum

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 265
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever
is less.
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight that
can be supported by the rear axle of
the vehicle. Do not exceed the
GAWR-RR for the vehicle, with the
tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded for
the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a
weight-distributing hitch, do not
exceed the GAWR-RR before applying
the weight distribution spring bars.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and
rough roads can affect the trailer and
the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your
vehicle helps maintain control of the
vehicle-trailer combination. Many
trailers can be towed using a
weight-carrying hitch which has a
coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a
tow eye latched to a pintle hook.
Other trailers may require a
weight-distributing hitch that uses
spring bars to distribute the trailer
tongue weight between your vehicle
and trailer axles. See“Maximum
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating” under
Trailer Towing 0260 for weight limits
with various hitch types. Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not
attach to the bumper.
Hitch Cover
To remove hitch cover, if equipped:
1. Remove the two fasteners on the lower tabs.
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper
attachments.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
266 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To reinstall hitch cover:1. Hold cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle and push the
upper tabs into the slots in the
bumper.
2. Push the bottom of the cover forward until the lower tabs line
up with the lower slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners
forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs.
Consider using mechanical sway
controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway
controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment
A weight-distributing hitch may be
useful with some trailers. Use the
following guidelines to determine if a
weight-distributing hitch should
be used.