1997 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 183

r CAUTION: 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 the your vehicle way handles. These could cause to lose control. you Also, overloading can shorten the of life your vehicle. A CAUTION: Things you put inside yourvehicle can strike and injure people in sudden stop or turn, in a or a crash. Put things in the cargo area your vehicle. of Try to spread the weight evenly. Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops the seats. of Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in your vehicle. When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you can. Don't leave a seat folded down unless you need to. There's also important loading information for off-road driving in this manual. See "Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving" in the Index. Using heavier suspension components to get added durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way. NOTICE: Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because overloading. of 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 turn quickly, or if there is a crash,they'll keep going. 4-45