1997 GMC SAVANA weight

Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends
on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much
your vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
The following chart shows how much your trailer can
weigh, based upon vehicle model and options.
Model Engine
GlOOOO 4.3L
5 .OL
5.7L
G20000 4.3L
5 .OL
5.7L
Axle
Ratio
3.42
3.73
3.42
3.42
3.73
3.42
4.10
3.42
3.42
3.73
4.10
Max. Trailer Weight (lbs.)
(kg)
4000 (1816)
4500 (2043) 5000 (2270)
5500 (2497)
6500 (295 1)
4000 (1816)
4000 (1816)
5000 (2270)
5500 (2497)
5500 (2497)
7000 (3 178)
Model Engine
G30000 5.7L
6.5L
7.4L
Axle
Ratio
3.73
4.10
3.73
4.10 3.42
3.73
4.10
Max. Trailer Weight (lbs.)
(kg)
5500 (2497)
7000 (3 178)
6000 (2724) 7500 (3405)
6500 (295 1)
8000 (3632)
10,000 (4540)
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the towing vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weight
of
additional equipment, passengers and cargo in the
towing vehicle must be subtracted from the above
maximum trailer weights.
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You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or
you can write us at the address listed in your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to: General Motors
of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario LlH
8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because
it affects the total or gross
weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be
riding
in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you
must add the tongue load to the GVW because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
A B
If you’re using your platform hitch as a weight-carrying
hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent
of
the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you’re using your
platform hitch as a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh
12 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight
(B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately,
to see if the weights are
proper.
If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
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Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers
on the
Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or
see “Tire Loading” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t
go over the
GVW limit for your vehicle, including the
weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads
are a
few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for
hitches.
Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to them. Use only
a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the
bumper.
Do not use a ball hitch, because it could pull
the bumper loose.
If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
4,000 lbs. (1 800 kg), be sure to use
a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and
sway control of the proper size. This equipment
is
very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
If you’re using
the wiring provided by the
factory-installed hitch, you should not need to make
any holes in the body of your vehicle. However, if
you have an aftermarket hitch installed, you may
need to make holes
in the body.
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get
into your vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the
Index). Dirt
and water can, too.
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Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel
of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes
are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to
go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,
if
possible, have someone guide you.
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Rear Towing
I NOTICE:
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear with loads
approaching the rated
GVW as the weight
transfer will cause the front suspension to
become overloaded.
NOTICE:
Do not tow with the sling-type equipment or the
rear bumper will be damaged. Use wheel lift or
carcarrier equipment. Additional ramping may
be required for car-carrier equipment. Use safety
chains and wheel straps.
Towing
a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage a vehicle.
To help avoid damage, install a
towing dolly and raise the vehicle until adequate
clearance is obtained between the ground and/or
wheel-lift equipment.
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Noise Control System
The following information relates to compliance with
Federal noise emission standards for vehicles with a
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than
10,000 lbs. (4 536 kg). The Maintenance Schedule
provides information on maintaining the noise control
system to minimize degradation of the noise emission
control system during the life of your vehicle. The
noise control system warranty
is given in your
Warranty booklet.
These standards apply only to vehicles sold in
the
United States.
Tampering With Noise Control
System Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the
causing thereof
1. The removal or rendering inoperative by any person,
other than for purposes of maintenance, repair or
replacement, of any device or element of design
incorporated into any new vehicle for the purpose
of noise control, prior to its sale or delivery to
the
ultimate purchaser or while it is in use; or
2. The use of the vehicle after such device or element
of design has been removed or rendered inoperative
by any person.
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Electrical Equipment. Adding .................... 6-59
Electrical System ............................... 6-5.9
Electronic Road Speed Governor (Gasoline Engines) ... 2-60
Engine ........................................ 6-9
Coolant ..................................... 6-22
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-45
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-59
Cooling System
.............................. 6-65
Exhaust ..................................... 2-28
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-63
Identification ........................... 6.58. 6.65
OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-45
Overheating
................................. 5- 12
Running While Parked ......................... 2-28
Starting Your
................................ 2- 17
Engine Oil
.................................... 6-12
Adding ..................................... 6-12
Additives ................................... 6-16
Checking ................................... 6-13
Pressure Gage ................................ 2-57
Used
....................................... 6-16
Whentochange .............................. 6-16
Exhaust. Engine ................................ 2-28
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-50
Fan Control. Climate Control System ................ 3-2
FillingYourTank ................................ 6-5
Filter. Air ..................................... 6-17
Finish Care .................................... 6-54
Finish Damage ................................. 6-56
First Gear. Automatic Transmission ................ 2-22
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-2
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-23
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-51
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-5
French Language Manual 11
Front Parkingnurn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .... 6-35
Front Storage Area .............................. 2-44
FrontTowing
.................................. 5-10
Fuel .......................................... 6-3
Canada ...................................... 6-5
Filling Your Tank .............................. 6-5
Gage ....................................... 2-58
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-5
Tankcapacity ............................... 6-66
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-60
.. ...........................
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-59
Engine Oil Pressure ........................... 2-57
Fuel
....................................... 2-58
Speedometer ................................. 2-49
Voltmeter
................................... 2-60
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission ............. 2-20
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-28
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-27
Guide en Franqais
11
GAWR ....................................... 4-28
.. .................................
GVWR ....................................... 4-27
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..
Top Strap ..................................... 1-42
Torque Lock ................................... 2-26
Torque. Wheel Nut
......................... 5-34. 6-65
Towing a Trailer ................................ 4-29
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-8
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-36
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-37
Safety Chains
................................ 4-34
Tongueweight
............................... 4-32
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-33
Trailer
Brakes
..................................... 4-34
Drivingwith
................................. 4-34
Hitches
..................................... 4-33
ParkingonHills
.............................. 4-37
Towing
..................................... 4-29
Turnsignals
................................. 4-36
Weight
..................................... 4-31
Wiring Harness
............................... 4-38
Automatic
................................... 6- 18
Transmitters. Keyless Entry
........................ 2-7
Transportation, Courtesy
.......................... 8-8
Trip Odometer ................................. 2-49
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals
............... 2-33
Turn SignaUMultifunction Lever ................... 2-33
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-36
Transmission Fluid
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-4
Underbody Maintenance ........................ 6-56
Underhood
Lamp ............................... 2-42
Vehicle Control
...................................... 4-6
Damage Warnings
.............................. iv
Identification Number
......................... 6-58
Ventilation System
............................... 3-7
Visor Vanity Mirrors
............................ 2-46
Loading
.................................... 4-27
Storage
..................................... 6-32
Visors, Sun .................................... 2-46
warning Devices
............................... 5-3
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators
............... 2-50
Washer Fluid. Windshield
........................ 6-27
Washing Your Vehicle
........................... 6-54
Weatherstrips
.................................. 6-53
Nut Torque
............................ 5-34, 6-65
Replacement
................................. 6-47
Warranty
Information
............................ 8-10
Wheel
Alignment
.................................. 6-47
Wrench
..................................... 5-26
Windows
..................................... 2-29
Power
...................................... 2-29
SideLatches
................................. 2-30
Swing-Out
.................................. 2-30
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