Cadillac Escalade: Hitches - Towing Equipment - Towing - Driving and Operating - Cadillac Escalade Owner's ManualCadillac Escalade: 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. 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   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.

    Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment
    A. Body to Ground Distance B. Front of Vehicle 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 veh ...

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    Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
    WARNING A crash can damage the safety belt system in the vehicle. ► damaged safety belt system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a cr ...

    Securing the load
    There are tie down hooks located in the cargo area as shown. The tie down hooks can be used to secure cargo with ropes or other types of straps. Do not apply a total load of more than 22 lb ...

    Driving on Hills
    Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what the vehicle can and cannot do. WARNING Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle. Driving up hills can cause th ...