Before You Go Off-Roading; Loading Your Vehicle For Off-Road Driving - Cadillac Escalade Owner's Manual

AKENG44_Escalade Page 253 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 12:22 PM

Before You Go Off-Roading

There are some things to do before
you go out. Be sure to have all
necessary maintenance and
service work done. Check to
make sure all underbody shields
(if so equipped) are properly
attached. 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.
Section 3
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.
• 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.
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