1997 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 153

Before You Go Off-Roading There are some things to do before go out. For you example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and service workdone. Check to make sure all underbody 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? the fluid levels Are up where they should be? What are the local that laws 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 beon someone's private land? If so, be sure to the necessary permission. get A CAUTION: 0 0 Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving There aresome important thingsto remember about how to load your vehicle. The heaviest things should be on the load floorand forward of your rear axle.Put heavier itemsas far forward as you can. 0 0 Be sure the loadis 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 during asudden stop. You or your passengers could beinjured. Keep cargo below the top of 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 the roof raise the vehicle's center of gravity, makingit more likelyto roll over. You can be seriouslyor fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over. heavy Put loads insidethe cargo area, not on the roof. Keep cargo in the cargo area as forward far and low as possible. You'll find otherimportant information in this manual. See "Vehicle Loading," "Luggage Carrier" and "Tires'' in the Index. 4-15