1996 Chevrolet S10 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 145

Before You G Off-Roading O There are some things to do before go out. For you . example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and service work done. Check make sure all underbody to shields (if so equipped) are properly attached. Be sure you read all the information about your four-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'llbe driving? If you don't know, you should check with law enforcement people the in area. Will you beon someone's private land? so, be If sure to get the necessary permission. Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving There are some important things to remember about how to load your vehicle. The heaviest things should beon 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 ten@ doesn't toss things around. Cargo on the load floor higher than piled the seatbacks can thrown forward be during a sudden stop.You or your passengers could be 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 roof raise thevehicle's the center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriously fatally or injured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof. Keep cargo in the cargo areafar forward as and low as possible. You'll find other important informationin this manual. See "Vehicle Loading,""Luggage Carrier" and "Tires" in the Index. 4-14