Cadillac Escalade: Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is very important because it is also part of the vehicle weight. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle as well as trailer tongue weight. Vehicle options, equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle reduce the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. See Vehicle Load Limits for more information about the vehicle's maximum load capacity.
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.
Trailering 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.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used. Speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature
and how much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can d ...
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
for more information. Make sure not ...
See also:
What to Use
Refer to Recommended Fluids and Lubricants to determine what kind
of lubricant to use. ...
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature (third rowof seats)
Important safety notes
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, the second-row
seat backrests must be properly locked either
in the upright position or, when using the
expanded cargo vo ...
Notes on driving
• If the vehicle is heavily laden, check
the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
• When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obst ...