GMC 2006 Sierra - Manual (Page 331)

Before You Go Off-Roading
There are some things to do before you go out. For
example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and
service work done. Check to make sure all underbody
shields, if 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? Are the fluid levels up where they
should be? What are the local laws that apply to
off-roading where you will be driving? If you do not know,
you should check with law enforcement people in the
area. Will you be on someone’s private land? If so, be
sure to get the necessary permission.
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road
Driving
There are some important things to remember about
how to load your vehicle.
• 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
the off-road terrain does not toss things around.
{ 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.
You will find other important information in this manual.
See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-48 and Tires
on page 5-72.
4-19