2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 272

Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving • The heaviest things should be on the load floor and forward of the rear axle. Put heavier items as far forward as you can. • Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on {CAUTION: • Cargo on the load floor piled higher than the seatbacks can be thrown forward during a sudden stop. You or your passengers could be injured. 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, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriously or fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof. Keep cargo in the cargo area as far forward and low as possible. the off-road terrain does not toss things around. You will find other important information in this manual. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-34 and Tires on page 5-58. Environmental Concerns Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying recreation. However, it also raises environmental concerns. We recognize these concerns and urge every off-roader to follow these basic rules for protecting the environment: • • Always use established trails, roads, and areas that have been specially set aside for public off-road recreational driving; obey all posted regulations. • • Avoid any driving practice that could damage the environment - shrubs, flowers, trees, grasses - or disturb wildlife. This includes wheel-spinning, breaking down trees, or unnecessary driving through streams or over soft ground. There are some important things to remember about how to load your vehicle. • Always carry a litter bag - make sure all refuse is removed from any campsite before leaving. 4-14