trailer GMC SAVANA 2021 Owner's Guide

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Driving and Operating 163
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shiftinto P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat. Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits on the
trailer. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
If the trailer has electric brakes that can
function when the trailer is submerged, it
might help to leave the electrical trailer
connector attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:
1. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
3. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
4. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
5. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
6. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer from the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
164 Driving and Operating
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear ofthe chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0249. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0194.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Driving and Operating 165
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailering Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.GAWR-RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0172 to determine
if equalizer bars are required to obtain the
maximum trailer weight rating. See
“Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0172 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed the GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR for
the vehicle is on the Tow Rating Chart
following.
To check that the weight of the vehicle and
trailer are within the GCWR for the vehicle,
follow these steps:
1. Start with the curb weight from the Tow Rating Chart.
2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with cargo and ready for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in the vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch hardware such as a draw bar, ball, load equalizer bars,
or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any accessories or aftermarket equipment added to the
vehicle.
The resulting weight cannot exceed the
GCWR value shown on the Tow Rating
Chart.
The gross combined weight can also be
confirmed by weighing the truck and trailer
on a public scale. The truck and trailer
should be loaded for the trip with
passengers and cargo.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
166 Driving and Operating
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, seeVehicle Load
Limits 0131. When calculating the GVWR
with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
weight the vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers,
and cargo in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum trailer
weight.
Use the Tow Rating Chart to determine how
much the trailer can weigh, based on the
vehicle model and options.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Driving and Operating 167
Tow Rating Chart
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
I4.3L V6 3.42
3 357 kg (7,400 lb) 5 897 kg (13,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase I4.3L V6 3.42
3 220 kg (7,100 lb) 5 897 kg (13,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G2500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
I4.3L V6 3.42
3 039 kg (6,700 lb) 5 897 kg (13,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 355 kg (9,600 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase I4.3L V6 3.42
3 357 kg (7,400 lb) 5 897 kg (13,000 lb)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
168 Driving and Operating
Tow Rating Chart (cont'd)
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase I4.3L V6 3.42
3 265 kg (7,200 lb) 5 897 kg (13,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase I4.3L V6 3.42
3 039 kg (6,700 lb) 5 897 kg (13,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 355 kg (9,600 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase I4.3L V6 3.42
2 858 kg (6,300 lb) 5 897 kg (13,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Driving and Operating 169
Tow Rating Chart (cont'd)
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
3500 Series Cutaway –353 cm (139 in) Wheelbase
I4.3L V6 3.42/3.73
(b)5 897 kg (13,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42/3.73
(b)7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
3500 Series Cutaway –404 cm (159 in) Wheelbase
I4.3L V6 3.42/3.73
(b)5 897 kg (13,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42/3.73
(b)7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
I6.6L V8
I(5 579 kg (12,300 lb) GVWR) 4.10
(b)8 618 kg (19,000 lb)
I6.6L V8
I(6 441 kg (14,200 lb) GVWR) 4.10
(b)9 072 kg (20,000 lb)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
170 Driving and Operating
Tow Rating Chart (cont'd)
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
3500 Series Cutaway –450 cm (177 in) Wheelbase
I6.6L V8 3.42/3.73
(b)7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
I6.6L V8
I(5 579 kg (12,300 lb) GVWR) 4.10
(b)8 618 kg (19,000 lb)
I6.6L V8
I(6 441 kg (14,200 lb) GVWR) 4.10
(b)9 072 kg (20,000 lb)
(a) The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer including any
passengers, cargo, equipment, and conversion. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be exceeded.
(b) Maximum Trailer Weight cannot be provided because total vehicle weight is unknown.
The bumper on this vehicle is not designed
to tow a trailer.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Driving and Operating 171
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
is the allowable trailer tongue weight that
the vehicle can support using a conventional
trailer hitch. It may be necessary to reduce
the overall trailer weight to stay within the
maximum trailer tongue weight rating while
still maintaining the correct trailer load
balance.
Do not exceed a maximum trailer tongue
weight of 454 kg (1,000 lb).Vehicle Series Hitch Type Maximum Tongue Weight
2500/3500 Weight - Carrying 181 kg (400 lb)
2500/3500 Weight - Distributing 454 kg (1,000 lb)
The trailer tongue weight contributes to the
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). GVW includes
the curb weight of your vehicle, any
passengers, cargo, equipment, and the trailer
tongue weight. Vehicle options, passengers,
cargo, and equipment reduce the maximum
allowable tongue weight the vehicle can
carry, which also reduces the maximum
allowable trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance must be
maintained to ensure trailer stability.
Incorrect load balance is a leading cause of
trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1) should be 10–
15% of the loaded trailer weight (2). Some
specific trailer types, such as boat trailers,
fall outside of this range. Always refer to
the trailer owner’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight for each
trailer. Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch, and trailer.
After loading the trailer, separately weigh
the trailer and then the trailer tongue and
calculate the trailer load balance percentage

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
172 Driving and Operating
to see if the weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the trailer
weight is too high, it may be possible to
transfer some of the cargo into your vehicle.
If the trailer tongue weight is too high or
too low, it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for your vehicle. Use the
shortest hitch extension available to position
the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue
weight on the trailer hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch
receiver, choose a carrier that positions the
load as close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight, including the
carrier, is no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight that can be
supported by the rear axle of the vehicle. Do
not exceed the GAWR-RR for the vehicle,
with the tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded
for the trip including the weight of thetrailer tongue. If using a weight-distributing
hitch, do not exceed the GAWR-RR before
applying the weight distribution spring bars.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch equipment for
your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect the trailer
and the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle
helps maintain combination control. Many
trailers can be towed using a
weight-carrying hitch which has a couplerlatched to the hitch ball, or a tow eye
latched to a pintle hook. Other trailers may
require a weight-distributing hitch that uses
spring bars to distribute the trailer tongue
weight between your vehicle and trailer
axles. See
“Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating” underTrailer Towing 0164 for
weight limits with various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to
the bumper.
Consider using mechanical sway controls
with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional
about sway controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment
A weight distributing hitch may be useful
with some trailers.