2010 Cadillac Escalade Owner's Manual - Page 437

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 Loading the Vehicle on page 6‑32 for more information about the vehicle's maximum load capacity. 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 up to the maximums for vehicle series and hitch type shown below: Hitch Type Maximum Vehicle Series 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. 6-45