Contenu
Towing a Cadillac Escalade behind an RV -- most likely a motor home -- is possible, but it takes some planning to ensure you dont damage your SUVs transmission or exceed the towing capacity of your RV. Make sure to follow the directions and consult your owners manuals for the chassis of your motor home and also for your Escalade before actually attempting to tow the SUV.
Towing an Escalade Behind an RV
Step 1
Before deciding whether its possible to tow your Escalade behind an RV, its important to determine the specifications of each. For instance, youll want to know the estimated gross weight of your Escalade. You can find this by opening the drivers side door and examining the placard stuck on the doorjamb; alternatively, you can flip through your owners manual or consult the official GM website for the estimated weight of your SUV. Once you have determined that weight, consult the owners manual to the chassis of your RV to ascertain the maximum amount the drivetrain is able to tow.
Step 2
Because you cannot disengage the driveshaft on an all-wheel drive Escalade, it is not advisable to "flat-tow" one using a hitch. Doing so could permanently damage your SUVs transmission. Instead, youll need to find a flatbed trailer. Make sure when looking for a flatbed trailer that you insist on the ability to carry a vehicle as heavy as a Cadillac Escalade. Make sure, also, that you choose a flatbed that you can easily connect and disconnect from an RV.
Step 3
To keep other drivers alert of your moves, youll need to buy the proper wiring kit to hook your flatbed trailers turn signals and other lights into the lights of your RV. That way, when youre making a turn or stepping on the brakes, drivers following close behind will know what you are doing.
Step 4
Once you have determined your RV can haul the weight of an Escalade, and that your flatbed trailer can carry the weight of the SUV, youre ready to connect the trailer to your motorhome. Your motorhome will come with the proper towing apparatus to connect to the flatbed; make sure you follow the instructions to ensure a proper securing of the trailer to the RV.
To complete the process, purchase the proper bungee cords and towing chains to completely secure your SUV to the flatbed trailer. That way, in case of accidental disengagement of the Escalades transmission or brakes, the SUV wont go flying.
Tip
- If the prospect of flatbed towing a heavy SUV is too daunting, you might consider purchasing a smaller SUV or car that is available with a manual transmission. You can put a manual transmission in neutral gear and tow the car behind an RV with a simple hitch.
Warning
- Never attempt to tow an Escalade with a hitch. You will likely ruin your SUVs transmission if you do so. Also, always make sure your RVs chassis is prepared to tow the weight of an Escalade. A smaller, "class C" motorhome is not likely to have the horsepower or torque to tow such heft.
Items you will need
- RV with chassis capable of towing at least 7,300 pounds
- Flat-bed trailer
- Wiring
