Hauling Cargo

Hauling cargo improperly can alter vehicle handling and may cause loss of control or brake instability, which can result in serious injury or death.

Always follow these precautions 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, passengers, non-factory installed 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.

• REDUCE SPEED AND ALLOW GREATER DISTANCES FOR BRAKING WHEN HAULING CARGO.

• 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. When transporting heavy loads and/or when towing, always operate the vehicle in low gear and have ADC activated (if equipped).

• 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 an incline.

Driving with passengers in the cargo box can result in severe injury or death. Never allow passengers to ride in the cargo box. Passengers must always ride in the cab with seat belts fastened securely.