Chevrolet TrailBlazer 2003 Manual page 242

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 so 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'll be
driving? If you don't 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 your 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 doesn't toss things around.
4-16
{
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'll find other important information in this manual.
See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-47, Luggage
Carrier on page 2-47 and Tires on page 5-54.