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JSDaly's avatar
JSDaly
Explorer
Jan 12, 2015

2007 GMC Savanna CV 4.3l and GVWR Questions

I own this van. 2007 GMC Savanna G13405

I would like to be able to tow a small travel trailer, not a popup. I understand that there are very strict limitations regarding the weight of the trailers that I can pull but I keep finding conflicting data regarding the actual trailers.

Specs for my van:
  • GVRW 7200
  • GCRW 9500
  • GVW 4700
  • DIF 3:42


As I understand it, the GVRW weight of a vehicle is based on the GVW(dry weight) + Carry Capacity. This assumes that the vehicle is loaded to the gunnels with all the cargo that it is capable. 2 people and the cargo space full as well as a full tank of fuel.

I have looked at these 2 trailers.

Both show a dry weight of around 2900*. Both hold very similar water capacity. But the travellite only allows for a Carry Capacity of 560* vs the Winnie of 2320.

Consequently the Winnie shows a GVWR of 5500* vs the i18@3500*. Seems to me that someone is gaming the numbers.

So here is my question: If I were to buy the Winnie is there anything that would cause me problems if I were to regulate my extra load and just carry less cargo?
  • One number you list is GCRW, I suspect you mis-typed, it's GCWR, or Gross Combination Weight Rating. This is the most your van plus trailer plus any and all passengers and cargo can weigh. If you subtract the van's GVW of 4700 form this GCWR of 9500 you are left with 4,800 pounds. This is all the weight you can add for passengers, gear, trailer, everything. I would guess that 2 people would weight at least 350 pounds so that leaves only 4,450 for the trailer and gear. If you can pack it lightly enough to stay within that then you are within your towing numbers. If carrying less cargo will get you there it should be fine.
    Another thing to be aware of is the weight on the vans rear axle. This rating should be listed on the door sticker as GRAW. You will need to weigh the rear axle of your van with it fully loaded with passengers and fuel as you would go camping. Subtract the scale weight from the GRAW and that is how much you have left for tongue weight. Most trailers have around 13% tongue weight. So if you keep the trailer weight down to 4,450 that will be about 600 pounds of tongue weight. Your weight distributing hitch set up will add nearly 100 pounds so you need to make sure you have 700 pounds of additional capacity on your rear axle.