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OPERATION
Hauling Cargo
Overloading the vehicle or carrying or towing 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:
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, 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.
CARGO WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION should be 1/3 on the front rack and 2/3 on
the rear rack. When operating over rough or hilly terrain, reduce speed and
cargo to maintain stable driving conditions. Carrying loads on only one rack
increases the possibility of vehicle overturn.
CARRY LOADS AS LOW ON THE RACKS AS POSSIBLE. Carrying loads high
on the racks raises the center of gravity of the vehicle and creates a less stable
operating condition.
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 the
vehicle to overturn.
DO NOT BLOCK THE FRONT HEADLIGHT BEAM when carrying loads on the
front rack.
DO NOT TRAVEL FASTER THAN THE RECOMMENDED SPEEDS. Vehicle
should never exceed 10 mph (16 kph) while towing a load on a level surface.
Vehicle speed should never exceed 5 mph (8 kph) when towing loads in rough
terrain, while cornering, or while ascending or descending a hill.
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