1996 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 142

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 informationabout 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'll be driving? 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. w Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving 'l'hereare some important things to remember about how to load your vehicle. 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 be thrown forward You during a sudden stop. or your passengers couldbe injured. Keep cargo below the top of the seatbacks. Unsecured cargoon the load floor can be tossed about when driving over rough be terrain. You or your passengers can struck by flying objects. Secure the cargo properly. Heavy loads on the roof raise thevehicle's center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriously or fatally in-jured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy on loads inside the cargo area, not the roof. Keep cargo in the cargo area as far forward and low as possible. You'll find other important information in this manual. See "Vehicle Loading," "Luggage Carrier" and "Tires" in the Index. 4-14