1996 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 171

Do not load yourvehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change way your vehicle the handles. These could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the of life your vehicle. Using heavier suspension components to get added durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your dealer to help load your vehicle the right way. you If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else they will go as fast -as the vehicle goes.If you have to stop or quickly, turn or if there isa crash, they'll keep going. A CAUTION: Things you put inside your vehicle can strike ' and injure people in sudden stop or turn, or in a a crash. 0 Put things in the cargo area your vehicle. of Try to spread the weight evenly. 0 Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside thevehicle so that some of them are above the tops the seats. of 0 Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in your vehicle. 0 When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you can. NOTICE: - - ~- Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because overloading. of . There's also important loading information for off-road driving in this manual. See "Loading Your Vehicle'' in the Index.