Tailgate (SUT)
{CAUTION:
Make sure the tire and carrier are secure.
Driving with the tire or carrier unlatched could
injure pedestrians or damage the vehicle.Before you can open the tailgate, you must rst move
the spare tire carrier out of the way. To do this,
follow these steps:
1. Lift the latch located on the left side of the tire
carrier to release it.
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2. Swing the tire carrier to the side. 3. Open the tailgate by lifting the release handle while
pulling the tailgate toward you.
To close the tailgate, do the following:
1. Swing the tailgate up until it latches rmly into
place.
2. Move the spare tire carrier back into place until it
latches.
3. Pull on the spare tire carrier to make sure it is rmly
latched.
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Off-Road Driving
This off-road guide is meant to provide advice for when
you drive your vehicle off paved roads. Also, see
Braking on page 4-6.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have
some de nite hazards. The greatest of these is
the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means you have left the great North
American road system behind. Traffic lanes are not
marked. Curves are not banked. There are no
road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill or
downhill. In short, you have gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that is
why it is very important that you read this guide. You will
nd many driving tips and suggestions. These will help
make your off-road driving safer and more enjoyable.
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 are properly attached. Make sure any
equipment you may need ( rst aid kit, cell phone,
ashlight, etc.) is securely stored in the vehicle.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 in ated? Are the uid
levels up where they should be? What are the local
laws that apply to off-roading where you will be driving?
If you do not 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.
Removable Side Steps
Your vehicle may be equipped with removable
side steps.
Remove the steps prior to off roading to give your
vehicle more ground clearance and to prevent damage
to the vehicle from the side steps dragging and/or
catching on obstacles.
Notice:Do not drive off road with the side steps
attached to your vehicle. You can damage the side
steps and/or your vehicle’s frame if they get caught
or drag against an obstacle. This damage would not
be covered by your vehicle’s warranty. Always
remove the side steps prior to any off road driving.
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