Securing Loads - Mercedes-Benz V-Class Operating Instructions Manual

Securing loads

330
Load compartment variants
You can vary the load compartment according to
your transportation requirements as follows:
by folding the rear seat backrests or rear
R
bench seat backrests forward to the table
position
by folding the rear seats forwards
R
by folding the rear bench seat forwards
R
by removing the rear seats and/or the rear
R
bench seat
by removing the seat/berth combination
R
by folding up or removing the bed extension of
R
the seat/berth combination
You will find information about the rear seats
and the rear bench seat in the "Seats" section
Y
( page 99).
Securing loads
Important safety notes
! Observe the notes regarding the maximum
load capacity of individual lashing points.
If you combine several lashing points to
secure a load, you must always observe the
maximum loading capacity of the weakest
lashing point.
For example, when the brakes are fully
applied, forces act which can be many times
that of the weight force of the load. To dis-
tribute the load evenly, always use several
lashing points. Load the lashing points as
evenly as possible.
Spread the load evenly across lashing points/
lashing eyelets. You will find information on the
maximum loading capacity of the lashing points
under "Lashing points and carrier systems"
Y
( page 395).
Do not attempt to modify or repair the lashing
points/lashing eyelets or lashing materials.
Read the information on qualified specialist
Y
workshops ( page 31).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
the load is secured against slipping, tipping,
R
rolling or falling off in normal traffic condi-
tions, should the vehicle swerve to avoid an
obstacle, in the event of full brake application
and on poor road surfaces
the applicable requirements and guidelines
R
relating to load-securing practices must be
met
If this is not the case, this may constitute a
punishable offence, depending on local legis-
lation and any ensuing consequences.
Always observe the legal requirements for the
country you are currently in.
Make sure that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey. Adjust the load as necessary.
You can obtain information about securing the
load correctly from the manufacturer of the
load-securing aids or lashing material. Also
observe the safety information in the loading
Y
directions ( page 328).
X
Fill spaces between the load and the load
compartment walls or wheel arches. For this
purpose use rigid load securing aids, such as
wedges, wooden fixings or padding.
X
Attach secured and stabilised loads in all
directions to lashing eyelets and the guide
rails in the rear.
Only use lashing material, such as lashing
nets and lashing straps, which has been tes-
ted in accordance with current standards
(e.g. DIN EN).
Lashing material tested in accordance with
current standards (e.g. DIN EN) can be
obtained from any specialist firm or
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
When securing a load, always use the closest
lashing eyelets and pad sharp edges for pro-
tection.
Example: variable lashing points in the guide rails
Guide rails
:
Lashing eyelet
;