Driving tips/Loading your vehicle
the vehicle and create a safety
hazard.
Cargo can be carried after securing the
roof crossbar kit to the roof molding and
installing the appropriate carrying attach-
ment. When installing the roof crossbar
kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
When carrying cargo on the roof using the
roof crossbar kit and carrying attach-
ments, never exceed the maximum load
limit as explained below. You should also
be careful that the vehicle does not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). For information
about loading cargo into or onto your
vehicle, refer to “Loading your vehicle”
F8-10. The maximum total load on the
roof (including crossbars, carrying attach-
ments and cargo) must not exceed 176
lbs (80 kg). Refer to the crossbar installa-
tion instructions for the maximum crossbar
capacity. Place the heaviest load at the
bottom, close to the roof, and evenly
distribute the cargo. Always properly
secure all cargo.
! Installing carrying attachments on
the crossbars
When installing any carrying attachments
such as the load carriers, crossbars, bike
carrier, ski carrier, kayak carrier, cargo
basket, etc., follow the manufacturer’s
instructions of the load capacity and make
sure that the attachments are securely
installed. Use only attachments designed
specifically for the crossbars. Before
operating the vehicle, make sure that the
cargo is properly secured on the attach-
ment.
8-13
! Removal and installation of the
crossbars
NOTE
Remember that the vehicle’s center of
gravity is altered with the weight of the
load on the roof, thus affecting the
driving characteristics.
Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard
cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind
effects will be increased.
Each of the two roof moldings has two
mounting points for crossbars. Each
mounting point is fitted with a cover. Use
a screwdriver to remove the covers. When
installing the crossbars on the roof mold-
ing, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.