1996 Chevrolet Blazer Owner's Manual - Page 169

Before You Go Off-Roading There are some things to do before you go out. For example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and service work done. Check to make sure all underbody shields (if so equipped) are properly attached. Be sure you read all the information about yourfour-wheel-drive vehicle in this manual. Is there enough fuel? Is the spare tire fully inflated? Are the fluid levels up where they should be? What are the local laws that apply to off-roading where you'll bedriving? If you don't know, you should check with law enforcement people in the area. Will you be on someone's private land? If so, be sure to get the necessary permission. A CAUTION: 0 I Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving There are some important things to remember about how to load your vehicle. 0 The heaviest things should be on the load floor and forward of your rear axle. Put heavier items as far forward as you can. Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on the off-road terrain doesn't toss things around. Cargo on the load floor piled higher than the seatbacks can thrown forward be during a sudden stop. or your You passengers couldbe injured. Keep cargo below the topof the seatbacks. Unsecured cargo on the load floor can be tossed about when driving over rough terrain. You or your passengers can be struck by flying objects. Secure the cargo properly, Heavy loads on theroof raise the vehicle's center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriouslyor fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over,Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on roof, the Keep cargo in the cargo area far forward as and low as possible. You'll find other important information in this manual. See "Vehicle Loading," "Luggage Carrier" "Tires" and in the Index. 4-15