2013 Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual - Page 363

Driving and Operating Weight of the Trailering Combination It is important that the combination of the tow vehicle and trailer does not exceed any of its weight ratings - GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer Weight Rating or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it 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. Other trailers may require a weight distributing hitch that uses spring bars to distribute the trailer tongue weight among the two vehicle and trailer axles. See "Weight of the Trailer Tongue" in Trailer Towing on page 9‑59 for rating limits with various hitch types. If a step-bumper hitch will be used, the bumper could be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is ample room when turning to avoid contact between the trailer and the bumper. Consider using sway controls with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional about sway controls or refer to the trailer manufacturer's recommendations and instructions. A. Body to Ground Distance B. Front of Vehicle 9-63 Weight‐Distributing Hitch Adjustment Towing Equipment Hitches The correct hitch equipment helps maintain combination control. Many trailers can be towed with a weight carrying hitch which simply features a coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a tow eye latched to a pintle hook. When using a weight-distributing hitch, the spring bars should be adjusted so the distance (A) is the same after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle and adjusting the hitch.