Useful Information; Loading Guidelines - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual

Useful information

These Operating Instructions describe all mod-
els as well as standard and optional equipment
of your vehicle that were available at the time of
going to print. Country-specific variations are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be fit-
ted with all of the described functions. This also
applies to safety-relevant systems and func-
tions.
Read the information on qualified specialist
Y
workshops: ( page 27).

Loading guidelines

Important safety notes
G
WARNING
As a result of improperly placed or unevenly
distributed loads, the centre of gravity of the
load being transported may be too high or too
far back. This can significantly impair handling
as well as steering and braking characteris-
tics. There is a risk of an accident.
Always make sure that the centre of gravity of
the load is:
between the axles
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and
as low as possible, near the rear axle.
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G
WARNING
When objects are unsecured or inadequately
secured, they can slip, turn over or be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants. This also
applies to:
luggage or loads
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a rear bench seat which has been removed
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and is being transported in the vehicle in an
exceptional case.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of braking manoeuvres or abrupt
changes in direction.
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about. Before travelling,
secure objects, luggage or load to prevent
them slipping or tipping over. If you remove a
Loading guidelines
rear bench seat, store it preferably outside
the vehicle.
G
WARNING
When the permissible wheel loads, axle loads
and/or the maximum permissible gross vehi-
cle weight are exceeded, driving safety is
compromised. The handling as well as steer-
ing and braking characteristics may be signif-
icantly impaired. Overloaded tyres may over-
heat, causing them to burst. There is a risk of
an accident.
When transporting a load, always observe the
permissible wheel loads, axle loads and the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
for the vehicle (including occupants).
! If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof carrier
load.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
Y
( page 306) and information about roof carri-
ers in the "Carrier systems" section
Y
( page 240).
Do not stack luggage or loads higher than the
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backrests.
Stow objects preferably in the load compart-
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ment.
When transporting luggage, always use the
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lashing eyelets and a luggage net, if present.
Use lashing eyelets and fasteners which are
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suitable for the weight and size of the load.
Always observe the operating instructions of the
respective manufacturer when using suitable
load securing aids or lashing material. In partic-
ular, the information on service life.
Load securing aids or lashing material must not
be used if there is:
missing or illegible marking
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yarn breaks, damage to load-bearing seams
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or other traces of cracking
cutting, deformations, squashed areas or
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other damage
damage to clamping elements or fasteners
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Such load securing aids and lashing materials
are worn; they should not be used and must be
replaced. If you use load securing aids or lashing
materials which are worn, the load may not be
235
Z