
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase*
6000 V83.73
4.108,300 lbs. (3 768 kg)
10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase*
6000 V83.73
4.108,100 lbs. (3 677 kg)
10,000 lbs. (4 540 kg)14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase*
6000 V83.73
4.107,700 lbs. (3 496 kg)
9,700 lbs. (4 404 kg)14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
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2003 - Savana OM

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase*
6000 V83.73
4.107,400 lbs. (3 360 kg)
9,400 lbs. (4 268 kg)14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg)
16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
* Tongue weight should be 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the driver
is 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.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, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
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2003 - Savana OM

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. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-29about your vehicle’s maximum load
capacity.If you’re using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle.
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.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are in ated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll nd these numbers on
the Certi cation label at the rear edge of the driver’s
door or seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your
vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
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2003 - Savana OM

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.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?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. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by
the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your
rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
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2003 - Savana OM

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.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
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2003 - Savana OM

Noise Control System
Tampering with Noise Control
System Prohibited
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; or2. The use of the vehicle after such device or element
of design has been removed or rendered inoperative
by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
Insulation:
•
Removal of the noise shields or any underhood
insulation.
Engine:
•
Removal or rendering engine speed governor
(if equipped) inoperative so as to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer specifications.
Fan and Drive:
•
Removal of fan clutch (if equipped) or rendering
clutch inoperative.
•Removal of the fan shroud (if equipped).
Air Intake:
•
Removal of the air cleaner silencer.
•Modification of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:
•
Removal of the muffler and/or resonator.
•Removal of the exhaust pipes and exhaust pipe
clamps.
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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-23
Top of the Instrument Panel.............................5-84
Top Strap......................................................1-49
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-50
Torque Lock...................................................2-29
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-40
Tow/Haul Mode ...............................................4-33
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-39
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-29
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-31
Your Vehicle...............................................4-29
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-42
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-46
Transfer Case................................................5-46
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-19
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-24
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-10
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometer................................................3-26
Turn and Lane Change Signals.......................... 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-6
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-44U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-15
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-74
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-62
United States................................................... 7-4
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-83
Using RDS............................................3-52, 3-63
Using Song List Mode.....................................3-69
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-29
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).............................................5-90
Service Parts Identification Label...................5-91
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-40
Vinyl.............................................................5-84
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-19
Visors...........................................................2-19
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-30
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W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-23
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-5
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-85
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-13
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-34
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-40
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-14
What to Do with Used Oil ................................5-17
What to Use ..........................5-23, 5-35, 5-36, 5-47
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-63
Replacement...............................................5-63
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-14
When to Change Engine Oil.............................5-16
When to Check..............................................5-57
When to Check and Change............................5-19
When to Check Lubricant.................................5-47
When to Check Power Steering Fluid...................5-35When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter........5-17
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill.........................................4-45
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-45
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-10
Windows.......................................................2-16
Manual......................................................2-17
Power ........................................................2-17
Swing-Out Windows.....................................2-18
Windshield and Wiper Blades...........................5-87
Windshield Washer........................................... 3-8
Fluid..........................................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................6-12
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement......................................5-55
Fuses........................................................5-91
Windshield Wipers
............................................ 3-8
Winter Driving
................................................4-24
Wiper Blade Check
.........................................6-13
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment
....................... 6-2
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