Trailer Towing with 2007 Cadillac Escalade AWD and Selecting Correct Weight Distribution System
Question:
Can I pull a 6000 lbs dry weight TT? Manual said I can pull up to 8k so 6k is way under the max. I just want to ask the expert
asked by: William
Expert Reply:
I checked the specs noted in the online owner's manual for the 2007 Cadillac Escalade and on page 378 it does indicate a maximum trailer weight of 8100-lbs for the Escalade AWD with 6.2L engine and 3.42 rear axle ratio.
If the trailer has a dry weight of 6000-lbs then it is quite likely that by the time you fill the propane tanks, water tanks, load your food, supplies and recreational gear you could have an actual loaded trailer weight much closer to your Escalade's limit.
There is a type of towing equipment called a weight distribution/sway control hitch (WD/SC) that can do a lot to improve towing safety when you're pulling a heavy trailer, especially one that weighs more than half of the weight of the vehicle towing it (the base weight of the Escalade is 5500-lbs).
These WD/SC system work by shifting some of the trailer's tongue weight (TW) forward onto the tow vehicle's front axle. This restores lost steering and braking performance from the trailer pushing down on the vehicle's rear end (which tends to lift the front end and hurt braking/steering).
They also help to hold the trailer steady behind the vehicle when it is hit by wind blasts from passing semi trucks. Based on your vehicle and trailer weights you definitely need one.
The key to picking out the right system is knowing the actual tongue weight of the fully-loaded trailer, with full tanks and all your gear in place. This is easily measured using TW Scale # e99044. To this measured TW you need to add any cargo weight behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle, such as a big loaded cooler or a generator. With the total weight known you can choose a system.
Ideally you will have your total TW figure fall in the middle of the operating range for the system you choose. For instance, if the total TW were to be 1000-lbs, quite likely for an 8K trailer, a perfect choice would be the Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET since this works over a TW range of 800- to 1200-lbs. You can refer to the linked video on this system and to the general video on weight distribution for more helpful information.
Towing your trailer will also require a trailer brake controller. I suggest the reliable and easy-to-use Prodigy P3 # 90195. You will connect the brake controller wiring with the vehicle wiring already present under the dash; no other parts are needed as long as you have a factory 7-way trailer connector on the Escalade.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
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on Tongue Weight Scale
