Black plate (63,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/9/12Driving and Operating 9-63Weight of the TraileringCombinationIt is important that the combinationof the tow vehicle and trailer doesnot exceed any of its weight ratings— GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, TrailerWeight Rating or Tongue Weight.The only way to be sure it is notexceeding any of these ratings is toweigh the tow vehicle and trailercombination, fully loaded for the trip,getting individual weights for each ofthese items.Towing 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 a weightdistributing hitch that uses springbars to distribute the trailer tongueweight among the two vehicle andtrailer axles. See “Weight of theTrailer Tongue” in Trailer Towing onpage 9‑59 for rating limits withvarious 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.
