2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 194

194 STARTING AND OPERATING LOADING WIDE BUILDING MATERIALS Four foot wide building materials can be conveniently carried in the Dakota pickup box. For occasional use up to 600 lbs (272 kg) of unrestrained material [9 pcs. 3/4 (19 mm) plywood] can be supported on 2 X 6 lumber placed crossbody in indentations provided in the pickup box inner walls. See illustration. WARNING! • Care should always be exercised when operating a vehicle with unrestrained cargo. Vehicle speeds may need to be reduced. Severe turns or rough roads may cause shifting or bouncing of the cargo that may result in vehicle damage. If wide building materials are to be frequently carried, the installation of a support is recommended. This will restrain the cargo and transfer the load to the pickup box floor. • If you wish to carry more than 600 lbs (272 kg) of material suspended above the wheelhouse, supports must be installed to transfer the weight of the load to the pickup box floor or vehicle damage may result. The use of proper supports will permit loading up to the rated payload. • Unrestrained cargo may be thrown forward in an accident causing serious or fatal injury.