GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

If you have the luggage carrier, you can load things on top of your vehicle.

The luggage carrier has slats and siderails attached to the roof and crossrails which can be moved back and forth to help secure cargo. Tie the load to the siderails or siderail supports.

Notice: Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that weighs more than 200 lbs (91 kg) or hangs over the rear or sides of the vehicle can damage the vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests on the slats as far forward as possible and against the side rails, making sure to fasten it securely.

Don't exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when loading your vehicle. For more information on vehicle capacity and loading, see Loading the Vehicle .

To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you're leaving, check now and then to make sure the luggage and cargo are still securely fastened.

Be sure the cargo is properly loaded.

    • If small heavy objects are placed on the roof, place the load in the area over the rear wheels (behind the rear side door on extended models). If you need to, cut a piece of 3/8 inch plywood to fit inside the crossrails and siderails to spread the load. If plywood is used, tie it to the siderail supports.
    • Tie the load to the crossrails or the siderail supports. Use the crossrails only to keep the load from sliding. To move the crossrails, pull out on the latch release handle at each end. Slide the crossrail to the desired position balancing the force side to side. Push the release handle back into the latched position and slide the crossrail back and forth slightly to be sure the latch snaps securely into place.
    • If you need to carry long items, move the crossrails as far apart as they will go. Tie the load to the crossrails and the siderails or siderail supports. Also tie the load to the bumpers. Do not tie the load so tightly that the crossrails or siderails are damaged.
    • After moving a crossrail, be sure it is securely locked into the siderail.

Your vehicle has a Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) located above the glass or above the rear load doors.

If items are loaded on the roof of the vehicle, care should be taken not to block or damage the CHMSL unit.

If your vehicle has the Z71 option, your vehicle's luggage carrier has a roller crossrail at the rear of the vehicle.

To load cargo, place cargo on the roller and roll the cargo forward onto the two front crossrails.

To move the crossrails do the following:

  1. Loosen the thumbscrew at each end.
  2. Move crossrail to desired position.
  3. Tighten the thumbscrews.

Make sure the crossrail is secured.