2013 Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual - Page 362

9-62 Driving and Operating Hitch Type Vehicle Series 1500 1500 Weight Carrying Weight Distributing Maximum Tongue Weight 272 kg (600 lbs) 453 kg (1,000 lbs) 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 (B) up to the maximums for vehicle series and hitch type. 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. Trailer rating may be limited by the vehicle's ability to carry tongue weight. Tongue or kingpin weight cannot cause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating). See "Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires" later in this section for more information. After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they are not, adjustments might be made by moving some items around in the trailer. Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated to the inflation pressures found on the Certification label on the driver door or see Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑15 for more information. Make sure not to exceed the GVWR limit for the vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded for the trip including the weight of the trailer tongue. If using a weight distributing hitch, make sure not to exceed the RGAWR before applying the weight distribution spring bars.