Black plate (64,1)Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Manual - 20129-64 Driving and OperatingTowing EquipmentHitchesThe correct hitch equipment helpsmaintain combination control. Manytrailers can be towed with a weightcarrying hitch which simply featuresa coupler latched to the hitch ball,or a tow eye latched to a pintlehook. Other trailers may require aweight distributing hitch that usesspring bars to distribute the trailertongue weight among the twovehicle and trailer axles. See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue” underTrailer Towing on page 9‑61 forrating limits with various hitch types.If a step-bumper hitch will be used,the bumper could be damaged insharp turns. Make sure thereis ample room when turning to avoidcontact between the trailer and thebumper.Consider using sway controls withany trailer. Ask a traileringprofessional about sway controls orrefer to the trailer manufacturer'srecommendations and instructions.Weight‐Distributing HitchAdjustmentA. Body to Ground DistanceB. Front of VehicleWhen using a weight-distributinghitch, the spring bars should beadjusted so the distance (A) is thesame after coupling the trailer to thetow vehicle and adjusting the hitch.Safety ChainsAlways attach chains between thevehicle and the trailer. Cross thesafety chains under the tongue ofthe trailer to help prevent the tonguefrom contacting the road if itbecomes separated from the hitch.Instructions about safety chainsmay be provided by the hitchmanufacturer or by the trailermanufacturer. If the trailer beingtowed weighs up to 2 271 kg(5,000 lbs) with a factory-installedstep bumper, safety chains may beattached to the attaching points onthe bumper, otherwise, safetychains should be attached to holeson the trailer hitch platform. Alwaysleave just enough slack so thecombination can turn. Never allowsafety chains to drag on the ground.InformationProvidedby:
