Parts Needed To Tow a Trailer with Brakes Using a 2002 Cadillac Escalade

Updated 08/06/2020 | Published 08/05/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(75)

$258.76

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM

(484)

$20.02

Replacement Custom Multi-Tow 7-Way and 4-Way Trailer Connectors

(411)

$44.25

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$86.63

Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(2159)

$90.04

Question:

Hello, I am thinking of renting to try it out and then maybe buying, a travel trailer that I would tow fulltime RVing, behind my 2002 Escalade. I need to know what I would need to have installed to make this happen. I have NEVER done this, and would probably hire a local mechanic to install this and a brake light controller ?? that would work properly with it all. I would want good quality because this would be pulling a travel trailer permanently and also would be going long distances, and in ALL WEATHER conditions. So, anything you can tell me as to what to buy, including the electrical stuff to get and have hooked up to my Escalades elec system I assume my mechanic here could do all of this for me, and he is great so he would show ME how to do things, like hook up and unhook the travel trailer I will get someday would be super helpful. I would like good quality, not something that I would regret buying and have to replace or worry about any time soon. My Escalade towed a rented uhaul once but I dont believe it has a towing packageinch or anything like that with it. Thanks!

asked by: Sheri

Expert Reply:

In order to tow a trailer with a 2002 Cadillac Escalade you will need a trailer hitch, trailer wiring harness, ball mount/hitch ball, and if the trailer has brakes a brake controller. It sounds like you might already have a trailer hitch but if not or you are looking to upgrade I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 14080 which offers super easy bolt-on installation and has the highest rating available, class IV.

For the trailer wiring harness, we have a great plug-in play option in the Custom Multi-Tow 7-Way and 4-Way Trailer Connector part # 30955 which comes with both 4 and 7-way connection points as well as a mounting bracket. For a brake controller, the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller part # TK90160 is a great tried and true option which also offers plug-in-play installation when used with the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 3025-P.

The etrailer Ball Mount Kit part # 989900 would then complete your setup.