Hauling Cargo
Overloading the vehicle or carrying or towing cargo improperly can alter vehicle handling and may cause loss of control or brake instability. Always follow these precautions when hauling cargo:
Never exceed the stated load capacity for this vehicle.
REDUCE SPEED AND ALLOW GREATER DISTANCES FOR BRAKING WHEN HAULING CARGO.
NEVER EXCEED THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY of the vehicle. When determining the weight you are adding to the vehicle, include the weight of the operator, passenger, accessories, loads in the rack or box and the load on the trailer tongue. The combined weight of these items must not exceed the maximum weight capacity.
Always load the cargo box with the load as far forward and as low as possible.
When operating over rough or hilly terrain, reduce speed and cargo to maintain stable driving conditions.
Always operate the vehicle with extreme care when hauling or towing loads. Slow down and drive in the lowest gear available.
SECURE ALL LOADS BEFORE OPERATING. Unsecured loads can create unstable operating conditions, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
OPERATE ONLY WITH STABLE AND SAFELY ARRANGED LOADS. When handling off-centered loads that cannot be centered, securely fasten the load and operate with extra caution.
Always attach the tow load to the hitch point designated for your vehicle.
HEAVY LOADS CAN CAUSE BRAKING AND CONTROL PROBLEMS. Use extreme caution when applying brakes with a loaded vehicle. Avoid terrain or situations that may require backing downhill.
USE EXTREME CAUTION when operating with loads that extend over the rack sides. Stability and maneuverability may be adversely affected, causing vehicle rollover.
DO NOT TRAVEL FASTER THAN THE RECOMMENDED SPEEDS. Vehicle should never exceed 10 MPH (16 km/h) while towing a load on a level grass surface. Vehicle speed should never exceed 5 MPH (8 km/h) when towing loads in rough terrain, while cornering, or while ascending or descending a hill.
If the vehicle is capable, never exceed 43 MPH (70 km/h) if total payload exceeds 335 lbs. (152 kg).
Carrying a passenger in the cargo box could result in a fall from the vehicle or contact with moving components. Never allow a passenger to ride in the cargo box.
Your vehicle has been designed to carry or tow specific capacities. Reduce speed and allow a greater distance for braking when carrying cargo.
Loads should be centered on the vehicle and carried as low as possible in the box. For stability on rough or hilly terrain, reduce both speed and cargo. Exercise caution if the cargo load extends over the side of the box.
Always read and understand the load distribution warnings listed on warning labels and in this manual. Never exceed the maximum capacities specified for your vehicle.