Suzuki VITARA Series, Owner'S Manual

Page: 262 / 482

5-20
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
54P00-01E
You can use the roof rails or the roof rack
anchors to attach the optional roof rack
which is available at your SUZUKI dealer.
If you use a roof rack, observe the instruc-
tions and precautions in this section and
provided with the roof rack.
• Check that the roof rack is securely
installed.
• To mount various types of cargo (such
as skis, bicycles, etc.) properly, use suit-
able attachments which are available at
your SUZUKI dealer. Install the attach-
ments properly and securely according
to the instructions provided. Do not
mount cargo directly on the roof panel.
The cargo can damage the roof panel.
• The gross weight of the roof rack plus
cargo must not exceed the loading
capacity.
– Roof rails: 75 kg (165 lbs)
– Roof rack anchors: 50 kg (110 lbs)
Also, do not let the gross vehicle weight
(fully loaded vehicle including driver,
passengers, cargo, roof load and trailer
tongue weight) exceed the Gross Vehi-
cle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed in
“SPECIFICATIONS” section.
• Mount and secure the cargo onto the
roof rack properly according to the
instructions provided. Stow the heaviest
items at the bottom and distribute the
cargo as evenly as possible.
• Do not carry large items that hang over
the bumpers or the sides of the vehicle.
Otherwise, these items could block your
view.
• Secure the front and rear ends of long
items such as wood panels and surf-
boards, to both the front and rear of the
vehicle. You should protect the painted
surfaces of the vehicle from scuffing
caused by tie-down ropes.
• Check periodically that the roof rack is
securely installed and free from damage.
• For vehicles with roof rack anchors,
check that the anchors are covered with
the caps when not in use.
Frame hooks
Your SUZUKI not recommend you use the
frame hooks for towing another vehicle.
SUZUKI was originally designed to tow
your vehicle on the road emergency tow-
ing.
If your vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, refer to “Towing” in “EMER-
GENCY SERVICE” section.
WARNING
• Abrupt maneuvers or failure to
properly secure cargo can allow
the cargo to fly off the vehicle and
hit others, causing personal injury
or property damage.
• Mount cargo securely and avoid
abrupt maneuvers such as jackrab-
bit starts, sharp turns, fast corner-
ing and sudden braking. Check
periodically that cargo is securely
fastened.
• Large, bulky, long or flat items can
affect vehicle aerodynamics or be
caught by the wind, and can reduce
vehicle control resulting in an acci-
dent and personal injury. Drive cau-
tiously at a safely reduced speed
when carrying this type of cargo.
WARNING
Observe the following instructions
when using frame hooks. The towing
hook or vehicle body may break and
cause serious injury or damage.
• Do not use the frame hooks for
towing another vehicle.
• Avoid pulling the vehicle to get out
of severe snowy, muddy or sandy
conditions, sudden starts or erratic
driving maneuvers which could
cause excessive stress on the tow-
ing hook.
In such case, we recommend that
you contact a professional service.