tow CADILLAC XT5 2023 Service Manual

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
322 Driving and Operating
Trailer 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 to
tow a trailer. Read the entire
section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see
Transporting a Disabled
Vehicle0412. To tow the
vehicle behind another vehicle
such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing
0 414.
Driving
Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when
towing a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven
properly. For example, if the
trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others
could be seriously injured.
The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the 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.
Driving with a Trailer
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. Read this
section carefully before pulling
a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and
follow all state and local laws
that apply to trailer towing.
These requirements vary
from state to state.
.State laws may require the
use of extended side view
mirrors. If your visibility is
limited or restricted while

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
Driving and Operating 323
towing, install extended side
view mirrors, even if not
required.
.Do not tow a trailer during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of
vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.GM recommends performing
an oil change to the vehicle
before heavy towing.
.Do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
If the transmission
downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected
using Manual Mode. See
Manual Mode0266.
If equipped, the following
driver assistance features
should be turned off when
towing a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking
Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following
driver assistance features
should be turned to alert or
off when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian
Braking (FPB)
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
To prevent serious injury or
death from carbon monoxide
(CO), when towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets
on or under the
instrument panel.
.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 0260.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
324 Driving and Operating
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
Equipment0331. 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.
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.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 325
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make
wider arcs when towing a
trailer to prevent damage to
your vehicle. Making very
sharp turns could cause the
trailer to contact the vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal
when towing, so the 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
0356.
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.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, 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).

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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326 Driving and Operating
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brakepedal:
.Start the engine.
.Shift into the
desired 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.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service
more often when used to tow
trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0429. It is especially
important to check the 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
356.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly
can damage the vehicle and
result in costly repairs not
covered by the 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.
Trailer 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:
.Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 327
.Maximum Trailer Weight
Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight Rating
.Gross Axle Weight
Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR)
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment” under Towing
Equipment 0331 to determine
if equalizer bars are required
to obtain the maximum trailer
weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” under
Towing Equipment 0331 to
determine if brakes are
required based on the trailer
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 later in
this section.
To check that the weight of
the vehicle and trailer are
within the GCWR for the
vehicle:
1. Start with the curb weight from the Trailering
Information Label.
2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with cargo
and ready for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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328 Driving and Operating
4. Add the weight of all cargoin the vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch hardware such as a draw
bar, ball, load equalizer
bars, or sway bars.
6. 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 truck and trailer
on a public scale. The truck
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 0247. 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
the tow vehicle has a driver, a
front seat passenger, and all
required trailering equipment.
This value represents the
heaviest trailer the vehicle can
tow, but it may be necessary
to reduce the trailer weight to
stay within the GCW, GVWR,
maximum trailer tongue load,
or GAWR-RR for the vehicle.
Use the tow rating chart to
determine how much the
trailer can weigh, based on the
vehicle model, powertrain and
trailering options.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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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.

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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)