2021 GMC SAVANA Owner's Manual

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.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Driving and Operating 173
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing hitch,
measure the front fender height distance (2)
before connecting the trailer. Adjust the
spring bars until the front fender height
distance (2) is the same height before the
trailer was connected. Do not reduce the
front fender height below the initial
distance (2).
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. SeeTires
0 211 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer.
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. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 675 kg (1,500 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended. State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the vehicle
anti-lock brakes and the trailer brakes may
not function, which could result in a crash.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Basic Trailer Wiring
If the vehicle is not equipped with a trailer
connector on the rear bumper, a seven-wire
trailering harness is tied to the vehicle’s
frame. The harness requires the installation
of a trailer connector, which is available
through your dealer.
Use only a round, seven-wire connector with
flat blade terminals meeting SAE J2863
specifications for proper electrical
connectivity.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
174 Driving and Operating
The seven-wire harness contains the
following trailer circuits:Stop/Turn
Signal Left* Yellow
Stop/Turn Signal
Right* Dark Green
Tail/Parking
Lamps** Brown
Reverse Lamps** Light Green
Battery Feed Red/Black
Ground White
Electric Trailer Brake Dark Blue
*If the vehicle is a cutaway with trailer
provisions, a 15 amp fuse will be shared
for both left/stop trailer turn and right/
stop trailer turn signals. However, the
cutaway lighting connector will have a
10 amp fuse for each signal.
**If the vehicle is a cutaway with trailer
provisions, a 15 amp fuse will be shared
for trailer park lamps and cutaway rear
lighting connector park lamps. Also, a
10 amp fuse will be shared for trailer
back-up lamps and cutaway rear lighting
connector back-up lamps. Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness Package
lf equipped, the trailer wiring harness, with
a seven-pin connector is mounted on the
trailer hitch.
1. Left Turn/Brake
2. Taillamps
3. Reverse Lamps
4. Battery Feed
5. Right Turn/Brake
6. Electric Brakes
7. Ground
Electric Brake Control Wiring Provisions
If the vehicle is not equipped with an
integrated trailer brake controller, and the
trailer has electric brakes, a trailer brake
controller needs to be installed on the
vehicle. The brake controller should be
installed by your dealer or a qualified
service center.
If equipped, wiring provisions for an
aftermarket electric trailer brake controller
are included with the vehicle as part of the
trailer wiring package. The harness contains
the following circuits:
Electric Trailer
Brakes Dark Blue
Battery Feed Red/White
Brake Apply Signal Light Blue
Ground Black
There are four blunt cut wires under the
floor carpeting in front of the brake pedal.
It will be necessary to have a technician
connect the 12-volt power to the engine
compartment fuse block.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Driving and Operating 175
Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer brake
controller owner's manual to determine wire
color coding of the electric trailer brake
controller. The wire colors on the brake
controller may be different from the vehicle.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals will illuminate to indicate the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or the bulbs
are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. For
instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
mode, seeTow/Haul Mode 0145.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See
“Trailer Weight” underTrailer
Towing 0164.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when towing
a heavy trailer or carrying a large or
heavy load:
.through rolling terrain
.in stop-and-go traffic
.in busy parking lots
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel,
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning light
will flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 147.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
(Continued)