Can A Cadillac XT4 Be Flat Towed? (Beginners Guide)

The Cadillac XT4 has a strong engine that is capable of towing. Besides its strength, the Cadillac XT4 offers luxury and satisfaction as a top-rated vehicle.

However, outstanding as it may be, the Cadillac XT4 may also disappoint you by breaking down when you least expect it and sometimes requiring a tow.

In such cases, can you simply flat-tow your XT4?

You can’t flat tow a Cadillac XT4 because it is an all-wheel drive. An AWD is outstanding for towing other vehicles but cannot itself be towed. Therefore, since your Cadillac XT4 is an AWD, flat towing is mechanically possible but would damage the car. Further, Cadillac manufacturers do not recommend even a recreational hauling of your XT4.  

Can Cadillac XT4 be Flat Towed?

You can’t flat tow a Cadillac XT4 because all its trim levels are All-Wheel Drive (AWD), and this feature doesn’t support flat towing.

The All-Wheel Drive is a mode that permits you to drive all the wheels simultaneously, unlike the 2-Wheel Drive, which allows just two while the other two spin independently.

So, if your Cadillac XT4 is stuck somewhere and you need to tow it, you can switch off the AWD mode and then dolly tow it because a vehicle with All-Wheel drive can’t be flat-towed. 

For instance, the 2021 Cadillac XT4 has the AWD mode and can only be flat towed on a flatbed if the AWD mode is deactivated, and simultaneously, it’s made a 2WD.

In addition, Cadillac XT4 has an automatic transmission system that doesn’t allow hauling a vehicle with its four wheels on the ground.

Automatic vehicles use a lubricating pump powered by the engine.

If you pull them with their engine turned off,  the gears will operate without any lubrication, which would cause damage to the engine.

Additionally, your Cadillac User Manual contains more information that would help dissuade you from flat towing.

Cadillac XT4 Towing Capacity

The 2021 Cadillac XT4 can tow up to 2500 pounds.

However, this towing capacity is restricted to trailers with a braking system because those without a braking system will lower the towing capacity.

This model has a powerful engine equal to the task, thus making towing as simple as plug and play.

So, you can easily tow a boat or trailer within this weight with your Cadillac XT4.

Meanwhile, I’ll recommend a tow package with effective features to ensure safety while towing.

These features keep the transmission system cooled with heavy-duty coolers and illuminate the road properly when dark, among other useful features. 

#1. The XT4 Tow Package

The Cadillac XT4 tow package has features that maximize safety and improves the vehicle’s performance when towing. Some of these features include;

#2. Heavy-duty Coolers

The heavy-duty coolers help stabilize the engine and transmission temperature while it’s pulling a load behind it.

When the temperature is kept steady, the engine’s performance will remain unaffected.

#3. 2-inch Receiver

A 2-inch receiver, just like its name implies, eases the connection with the trailer’s hitch.

With this receiver, you can rest assured that the attachment is perfect and nothing will disconnect while towing.

#4. Wire Connector

The wire connector is another crucial feature that comes with the tow package.

This component helps when making connections, such as connecting the trailer’s light to your vehicle.

Lighting up your way for visibility is very crucial at night. You need to see who’s coming in your direction and where you’re heading. 

This OEM tow package is readily available for all Cadillac XT4 trims if you wish to maximize your towing capacity.

Which Cadillacs Can be Flat Towed?

Some Cadillac vehicles can still be flat towed, unlike the XT4. That is because they possess some peculiar features and are not AWD.

For example, the Cadillac Escalade with the 2-speed transfer. Also, the 2014 Cadillac SRX only needs a base plate kit for effective towing.

Consider some Cadillac models that can be flat towed and what makes this possible.

#1. Cadillac Escalade

For the Escalade, you can only flat tow the models with four-wheel drive and a 2-speed transfer.

Meanwhile, you can tow the 2WD by lifting its two front wheels, leaving the rear wheels on the ground.

This process is known as dolly towing, where you either use front or rear-wheel drive.

However, before you begin to flat tow, make sure the transmission system is cooled. Else, the transmission system will be at risk of being damaged.

#2. Cadillac SRX

Flat towing of the Cadillac SRX depends on the types and features, not necessarily whether it’s AWD or not.

For example, you can safely flat tow the 2015 FWD model by employing a tow dolly, while you can tow the AWD models using a flatbed tow trailer that has the towing capacity capable of withstanding its dry weight. 

Furthermore, to tow the 2014 Cadillac SRX, you’ll need a compatible base plate kit, tow bar, lightning, safety cables, and a supplemental braking system to enhance handling.

Again, I advise you to get all these things from a reliable dealership if you don’t have the OEM kit.

#3. Cadillac XT5

It’s very safe to tow a Cadillac XT4 with its four wheels on the ground.

However, to do this effectively, you’ll have to install some external parts that would make flat towing safe, or you could use a flatbed tow truck.

However, ensure that the Cadillac User manual approves of the parts you’ll be installing, or else you’ll be losing a critical part of your precious Cadillac XT4 to unsafe towing. Cadillac Escalade Transmission Shudder (Explained)

Conclusion

Not all vehicles can be flat towed, and the Cadillac XT4 is among these because it’s of the AWD model and has an automatic transmission.

However, the AWD feature only comes in handy when the XT4 is towing a vehicle because it improves handling.

For more clarification, go through the Cadillac User manual of your vehicle. More importantly, practice safe towing!