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

Securing loads

246
Always switch off the engine before opening
the sliding door or rear door. Never drive the
vehicle when the sliding door or rear door is
open.
Securing loads: check that the load is
X
secure before every journey and at regular
intervals during a long journey, and correct
if necessary.
Doors: close the sliding doors and rear
X
doors.
Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
X
according to the vehicle load (
Driving style: adapt your driving style
X
according to the vehicle load.

Load distribution

General notes
! Excessive loads on individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair
vehicle handling characteristics and could
cause damage to the floor covering.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
On Cargo Vans and Passenger Vans:
Always transport loads in the cargo com-
X
partment.
Always place the load against the backrests
X
of the rear bench seat.
Move large and heavy loads as far towards
X
the front of the vehicle as possible against
the rear bench seat. Stow the load flush
with the rear bench seat.
Always additionally secure the load with
X
suitable load-securing aids or tie downs.
Observe the following notes:
Do not stack loads higher than the upper
R
edge of the backrests.
Transport loads behind seats that are not
R
occupied.
If the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
R
the seat belts crosswise into the buckle of
the opposite seat belt.
Securing loads
Important safety notes
page 292).
Y
G
WARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak-
ing maneuvers or an accident:
the cargo tie-down rings may become
R
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
the load may not be restrained.
R
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be
tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads.
G
WARNING
You may not transport anyone in the cargo
compartment or on the load surface. Never let
more people ride in the vehicle than there are
seat belts available. Make sure everyone rid-
ing in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a
separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for
more than one person at a time.
! Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the