trailer CADILLAC XT5 2023 Owner's Guide

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
330 Driving and Operating
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
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 tongueweight 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
transfer 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 helpreduce 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 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.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
Driving and Operating 331
For additional assistance with
trailering or additional
information, see your dealer.
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.
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 the 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. To reinstall the hitch cover:
1. Hold the 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.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
332 Driving and Operating
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a
weight-distributing hitch,
measure the front fender
height above the front axle
distance (2) before and after
connecting the trailer. Adjust
the spring bars until the front
fender height distance (2) is
approximately halfway
between the first and second
measurements.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while
using a compact spare tire
on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly
inflated to support loads
while towing a trailer. See
Tires0376 for instructions
on proper tire inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between
the vehicle and the trailer, and
attach the chains to the holes
on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the
trailer manufacturer.
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 the
combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg
(1,000 lb) must be equipped
with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer
braking equipment conforming
to Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent,
is recommended.
State or local regulations may
require trailers to have their
own braking system if the
loaded weight of the trailer
exceeds certain minimums
that can vary from state to
state.
Read and follow the
instructions for the trailer
brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained
properly.
{Warning
Never attempt to tamper
with the hydraulic brake
system for your trailer
(Continued)

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
Driving and Operating 333
Warning (Continued)
brakes. Do not connect a
trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake
system. If you do, both the
vehicle antilock brakes and
the trailer brakes may not
function, which could result
in a crash.
Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness (if
equipped), with a seven-pin
connector is located at the
rear of the vehicle, and it is
tied to the vehicle's frame.
If the vehicle is not equipped
with a seven-pin trailer
connector, the body harness
has provisions to connect a
trailer harness and a seven-pin
trailer connector which is
available through your dealer.
Use only a round, seven-wire
connector with flat blade
terminals meeting SAE J2863
specifications for proper
electrical connectivity.
The seven-wire harness
contains the following trailer
circuits:Stop/Turn
Signal Left
Yellow/Blue
Stop/Turn
Signal Right Green/Brown
Tail/Parking
Lamps Gray/Brown
or Brown
Reverse
Lamps White/Green
or Gray
Battery Feed Red/Green or
Orange
Ground Black or
White
Electric
Trailer Brake* Blue
* Circuit powered by electric
trailer brake control wiring
provisions.
Electric Trailer Brake
Control Wiring Provisions
Wiring provisions for an
aftermarket electric trailer
brake controller are included
with the vehicle as part of the

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
334 Driving and Operating
trailer wiring package. The
harness contains the following
circuits:Electric
Trailer Brakes Blue
Battery Feed Red/Green or
Red/Blue
Brake Apply
Signal White/Blue
Ground Black or
White
Refer to the aftermarket
electric trailer brake controller
owner's manual to determine
wire color coding of the
electric trailer brake controller.
The wire colors on the brake
controller may be different
from the vehicle. The electric
trailer brake controller should
be installed by your dealer or a
qualified service center.
If equipped, there are four
blunt cut wires inside the front
driver side instrument panel.
It will be necessary to have a technician connect the 12-volt
power to the engine
compartment fuse block.
Trailer Lamps
Always check that all trailer
lamps are working at the
beginning of each trip, and
periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When
Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the
trailer turn signals will
illuminate to indicate the
vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When
towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument cluster will
illuminate even if the trailer is
not properly connected or the
bulbs are burned out.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) have a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature. Trailersway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer
while towing. If the vehicle is
towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is
increasing, the vehicle brakes
are selectively applied at each
wheel, to help reduce
excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake
Control (ITBC) system, and the
trailer has an electric brake
system, StabiliTrak/ESC may
also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak/ESC warning light
will flash on the instrument
cluster. Reduce vehicle speed
by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator.
If trailer sway continues,

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
Driving and Operating 335
StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce
engine torque to help slow the
vehicle. TSC will not function if
StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off.
See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control
0271.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a
crash and in serious injury or
death, even if the vehicle is
equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway,
reduce vehicle speed by
gradually removing your foot
from the accelerator. Then
pull over to check the trailer
and vehicle to help correct
possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded
trailer, unrestrained cargo,
improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly
inflated or incorrect vehicle
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment0331 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup
recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ
from vehicle tires. Trailer tires
are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway
and to support heavy loads.
These features can make it
difficult to determine if the
trailer tire pressures are low
only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire
pressures before each trip
when the tires are cool. Low
trailer tire pressure is a
leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over
time. The trailer tire sidewall
will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured.
Many trailer tire manufacturers recommend
replacing tires more than six
years old.
Overloading is another leading
cause of trailer tire blow-outs.
Never load your trailer with
more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load
rating is located on the trailer
tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum
speed rating for the trailer
tires before driving. This may
be significantly lower than the
vehicle tire speed rating. The
speed rating may be on the
trailer tire sidewall. If the
speed rating is not shown, the
default trailer tire speed rating
is 105 km/h (65 mph).

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
370 Vehicle Care
Fuses UsageF19 –
F20 –
F21 –
F22 Electronic Brake Control Module
F23 Parking/Trailer Lamps
F24 Right Trailer Stoplamp/
Turnlamp
F25 Steering Column Lock
F26 –
F27 Left Trailer Stoplamp/
Turnlamp
F28 –
F29 –
F30 Washer Pump F31 –
F32 –
F33 Fog Lamps Fuses Usage
F34 Horn
F35 –
F36 Headlamp High-beam –Left
F37 Headlamp high-beam –Right
F38 Spare
F39 Transmission Control Module/
Battery 1
F40 Left Rear Bus Electrical Center/
DC DC Ignition
F41 Instrument Cluster
F42 Heating, Ventilation, and
Air Conditioning/
Central Gateway
Module run crank
F43 Head-Up Display/ Reflective Light
Auxiliary Fuses Usage
F44 Electronic Brake Control Module
Electric Brake
Booster/Run/
Crank
F45 –
F46 –
F47 –
F48 Rear Wiper 2
F49 Interior Rearview Mirror/Trailer/
Rear Heated
Seat Run Crank
F50 Fuel Tank Zone Module Run
Crank
F51 Heated Steering Wheel
F52 Air Conditioning Clutch
F53 Coolant Pump
F54 –
F55 –

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
374 Vehicle Care
Circuit
Breakers/ Minifuses Usage
F40 –
F41 –
F42 Auxiliary Power Outlet (CB)/
Lighter
(mini-fuse)
Rear Compartment
Fuse Block
The rear compartment fuse
block is in the cargo area, on
the driver side of the vehicle behind the lower trim panel.
To open, turn the latch with a
flat-bladed tool and pull the
trim panel from the edges to
fold it down.
The label for this fuse block is
in the spare tire area, on the
foam under the cargo floor.
The vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the fuses,
relays, and features shown.
Fuses Usage
F1 –
F2 Trailer Battery 1

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 375
Fuses UsageF3 Driver Seat Belt Motor
F4 Rear Blower
F5 Rear Drive Control
F6 Passenger Seat Belt Motor
F7 Right Window
F8 Rear Window Defogger
F9 Left Window
F10 –
F11 Trailer Reverse
F12 –
F13 –
F14 –
F15 –
F16 –
F17 – Fuses Usage
F18 Trailer Module/ Accessory Power
Module/
Rechargeable
Energy Storage
System Ignition
F19 Ventilated Seats/ Left Front
Heated Seats
Run Crank
F20 –
F21 Trailer Connector
F22 –
F23 –
F24 Passenger Window Switch
F25 –
F26 Trailer Brake F27 Driver Ventilated Seat/Lumbar
F28 Passive Entry/ Passive Start
F29 – Fuses Usage
F30 Canister VentF31 Rechargeable Energy Storage
System
F32 Heated Mirror
F33 –
F34 Liftgate Module
F35 Fuel System Control Module/
Fuel Tank Zone
Module
F36 Passenger Ventilated Seat/
Lumbar
F37 External Amplifier Hybrid
F38 Window Module
F39 Rear Closure
F40 Memory Seat Module
F41 Automatic Occupancy
Sensor

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
376 Vehicle Care
Fuses UsageF42 Trailer Battery 2
F43 Blower Console
F44 –
F45 Liftgate Motor
F46 Rear Heated Seats
F47 –
F48 Glass Break Sensor
F49 –
F50 –
F51 –
F52 Active Dampening
System Module
F53 –
F54 External Object Calculating/Side
Blind Zone Alert
F55 – Fuses Usage
F56 Universal Garage Door Opener/
Rain Sensor
F57 Theft Deterrent
Circuit
Breakers Usage
CB1 –
CB2 –
CB3 Rear Auxiliary Power Outlet
Relays Usage K1 –
K2 –
Wheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has
high-quality tires made by a
leading tire manufacturer.
See the warranty manual
for information regarding the tire warranty and
where to get service. For
additional information refer
to the tire manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and
improperly used tires
are dangerous.
.Overloading the tires
can cause overheating
as a result of too much
flexing. There could be
a blowout and a serious
crash. See Vehicle Load
Limits
0247.
.Underinflated tires
pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could
cause serious injury.
Check all tires
frequently to maintain
the recommended
(Continued)