If you own or are considering a Cadillac XT5 and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Cadillac XT5 tow a trailer or camper?
Yes, a Cadillac XT5 can tow a trailer or camper up to 3,500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with a Cadillac XT5 which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Trailer With A Cadillac XT5
So, can a Cadillac XT5 tow a camper trailer? Yes: the Cadillac XT5 towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 3,500 lbs your Cadillac XT5 can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when pulling a trailer with your Cadillac XT5.
Cadillac XT5 Tow Package
Does The Cadillac XT5 Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Cadillac XT5 does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Cadillac XT5 Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Cadillac XT5.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Tow A Trailer With A Cadillac XT5?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
You should not need a brake controller because the Cadillac XT5 can only tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Cadillac XT5 Towing Package Cost
Cadillac XT5 Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Cadillac XT5 trailer hitches run between $175-$215.
Take a look at this recommended Cadillac XT5 Tow Hook Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 750 lbs. tongue weight, 6,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 750 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Cadillac XT5
A Cadillac XT5 trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $15-$30.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a wide variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Buick Envision, Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac XT6, (factory tow package required)
- EASY GRIP. Plugging in your trailer wiring and trailer lights is easy with the ergonomic design of this vehicle socket. It features tabs on the top and bottom for a better grip when plugging into your trailer or unplugging
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Cadillac XT5 Tow Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Cadillac XT5 (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Cadillac XT5 Brake Controller Cost
Cadillac XT5 brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Tow Hitch On A Cadillac XT5? Cadillac XT5 Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Cadillac XT5 trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Cadillac XT5?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Cadillac XT5, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Can A Cadillac XT5 Tow?
Your Cadillac XT5 can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 3,500 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Cadillac XT5 can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 3,500 lbs:
- Winnebago HIKE
- Starcraft Satellite 18MK
- Airstream Sport Travel Trailer
- Jayco Hummingbird
- Gulf Stream Vista Cruiser
- Forest River R-Pod Hood River 179
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Cadillac XT5.
Can A Cadillac XT5 Tow A Caravan?
As we covered in this guide, your Cadillac XT5 can tow a caravan under 3,500 lbs.
Cadillac XT5 Towing – What You Need To Know
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Cadillac XT5, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 3,500 lbs so your Cadillac XT5 can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 3,500 pounds.
Cadillac XT5 Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Cadillac XT5 tow?
The Cadillac XT5 towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.
Cadillac XT5 Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
Cadillac XT5 GVWR: 6,001 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Cadillac XT5 can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Cadillac XT5 GVWR or Cadillac XT5 towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Cadillac XT5 Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Cadillac XT5 as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 3,500 pounds).
Most Cadillac XT5 models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Cadillac XT5, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful RV repair guides:
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