weight CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT 2004 2.G Owner's Manual

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:Using a ®fth-wheel or goose-neck hitch
device on your vehicle could damage the vehicle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not use a ®fth-wheel or goose-neck hitch
device on your vehicle.
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight **GCWR
AWD 6.0L 3.73 7,400 lbs. (3 357 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 350 kg)
**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
4-58

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. If you have a lot of options, equipment,
passengers or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the
tongue weight your vehicle can carry, which will
also reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow. 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 4-47for more information about your vehicle's maximum
load capacity.
The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to
15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B), up to a
maximum of 600 lbs (272 kg) with a weight carrying
hitch. The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B), up
to the maximum of 1,000 lbs (454 kg) with a weight
distributing hitch.
4-59

Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your 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.
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 4-47. Then be
sure you don t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
or the GAWR, 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 distribution 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.
Weight-distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must
be adjusted so that the distance (A) remains the
same both before and after coupling the trailer to the
tow vehicle.(A) Body-to-Ground Distance (B) Front of Vehicle
4-60

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 driving. You should always use a sway control
if your trailer will weigh more than these limits. You can
ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.
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 all trailer hitch parts 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.
4-61

(A) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter ªLTº as
the ®rst two characters in the tire size means a light
truck tire engineered to standards set by the U. S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is ª75,º as shown in item ªCº of
the illustration, it would mean that the tire's sidewall is
75% as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter ªRº means radial ply construction; the letter ªDº
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the
letter ªBº means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a tire. The
load index can range from 1 to 279. Speed ratings
range from ªAº to ªZº. The light truck tire size example
above shows dual or single tire con®gurations.Tire Terminology and De®nitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire's height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials. Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
5-68

Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold In¯ation Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See
In¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-71.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identi®cation
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, see
Loading
Your Vehicle on page 4-47.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-47.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-47.Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa's to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging from
1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity
of a tire.
Maximum In¯ation Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be in¯ated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible in¯ation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 pounds
(68 kg). See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-47.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seating positions.
5-69

Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of a asymmetrical
tire that has a particular side that faces outward
when mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand and or model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on passenger
cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.
Recommended In¯ation Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended tire in¯ation pressure and
shown on the tire placard. See
In¯ation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-71andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-47.
Radial Ply tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
Speed Rating:An alphanumeric code assigned to a
tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire
can operate.Traction:The friction between the tire and the road
surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread:The portion of a tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimes
called ªwear bars,º that show across the tread of a tire
when only 2/32 inch of tread remains. See
When It
Is Time for New Tires on page 5-76.
UTQGS:Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, a tire
information system that provides consumers with
ratings for a tire's traction, temperature and treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are molded
into the sidewall of the tire. See
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-78.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. See
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-47.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
occupant weight and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:A label permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the original equipment tire size
and recommended in¯ation pressure. See
Loading Your
Vehicle on page 4-47.
5-70

Storage Areas
All-Weather Cargo Area................................2-66
Center Console Storage Area........................2-54
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-54
Glove Box..................................................2-54
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-54
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-55
Top-Box Storage..........................................2-71
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire, Jack and Tools.......5-94
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-44
Sun Visors.....................................................2-27
Sunroof.........................................................2-72
T
Tachometer....................................................3-35
Tailgate.........................................................2-23
Tailgate Removal............................................2-24
Taillamps.......................................................5-61
Temperature and Compass Display....................2-43
Testing the Alarm............................................2-28
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-98
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-27
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-27
Passlock
ž...................................................2-29
Throttle, Adjustable..........................................2-32TIGHTEN FUEL CAP......................................3-63
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-64
Tire Size.......................................................5-67
Tire Terminology and De®nitions........................5-68
Tires.............................................................5-63
Buying New Tires........................................5-76
Chains.......................................................5-81
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-83
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-82
In¯ation - Tire Pressure................................5-71
Inspection and Rotation................................5-74
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-72
Spare Tire................................................5-102
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-78
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-79
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-80
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-76
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-33
Top Drain Grates ± Removal and Cleaning.........2-68
Top Strap......................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-39
Top-Box Storage.............................................2-71
Torque Lock...................................................2-40
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-60
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-47
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Button........................2-36
15

V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-47
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Records............................................... 7-8
Vehicle Identi®cation
Number (VIN)............................................5-110
Service Parts Identi®cation Label..................5-110
Vehicle Personalization
Memory Seat..............................................2-73
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-42
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-32
Video Screen.................................................3-86
Visors...........................................................2-27
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-39
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-33
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-60
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle....................................5-105
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-58
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-59
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-13
What to Add..................................................5-39
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-16
What to Use..................................5-23, 5-36, 5-49
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-79
Replacement...............................................5-80
17