Load Distribution; Securing Loads - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2018 Operating Instructions Manual

272 Transporting
use tie-down eyes and fastening components
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which are suitable for the weight and size of
the load.

Load distribution

* NOTE Risk of damage to the floor cover‐
ing
Excessive point loading on the load compart‐
ment floor or on the load area can negatively
affect the driving characteristics and could
damage the floor covering.
Vehicles with rear-wheel drive: dis‐
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tribute the load uniformly. When doing
so, ensure that the overall centre of
gravity of the load is always as low and
close to the centre as possible and
between the axles near the rear axle.
Vehicles with front-wheel drive: dis‐
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tribute the load uniformly. When doing
so, ensure that the overall centre of
gravity of the load is always as low and
close to the centre as possible and
between the axles near the front axle.
Vehicles with all-wheel drive: distrib‐
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ute the load uniformly. When doing so,
ensure that the overall centre of gravity
of the load is always as low and close to
the centre as possible and between the
axles.
Excessive point loading on the load compartment
floor or on the load area can negatively affect the
driving characteristics and could damage the
floor covering.
On panel vans and crewbuses:
always transport the load in the load com‐
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partment.
always fasten the load to the rear bench seat
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backrests.
move large and heavy loads as far towards
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the front of the vehicle as possible against
the rear bench seat. Stow loads flush with the
rear bench seat.
always additionally secure the load with suita‐
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ble load securing aids or lashing material.
the load must not protrude above the upper
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edge of the seat backrests.
transport loads behind seats that are not
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occupied.
if the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
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the seat belts crosswise into the buckle of the
opposite seat belt.

Securing loads

Notes on load securing
& WARNING Risk of accident and injury
due to incorrect use of the lashing straps
If you attach the lashing strap incorrectly
when securing loads, the following may occur
in the event of abrupt changes in direction,
braking manoeuvres or an accident:
the tie-down eyes may become detached
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or the lashing strap may tear if the per‐
missible load is exceeded.
the load cannot be restrained.
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This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be
flung about, striking vehicle occupants.
Always tension the lashing straps in the
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proper manner and only between the
described tie-down eyes.
Always use lashing straps designed spe‐
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cifically for the loads.
%
Observe the information relating to the maxi‐
mum loading capacity of the individual lash‐
ing points. If you combine various lashing
points to secure a load, always take the maxi‐
mum loading capacity of the weakest lashing
point into account. During maximum full-stop
braking, forces may act which can multiply
the weight of the load. Always use several
lashing points to distribute and spread the
load. Spread the load evenly between the
lashing points or tie-down eyes.
Always observe the operating instructions or the
lashing strap manufacturer's instructions for the
operation of the lashing strap.
Observe the information relating to the maximum
loading capacity of the lashing points
( page 358).
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As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring the
following:
The load is secured against slipping, tipping,
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rolling or falling off.
Take usual traffic conditions as well as swerv‐
ing or full brake application and bad roads
into account.