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

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Tyre pressure: adjust the tyre pressure
according to the vehicle load (
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Handling characteristics: adapt your driv-
ing style according to the load being trans-
ported.

Load distribution

General notes
! Excessive loads on individual points of the
load compartment floor or on the load surface
impair vehicle handling characteristics and
could cause damage to the floor covering.
The overall centre of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centred and
between the axles near the rear axle.
On panel vans and crewbuses:
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Always stow loads in the load compartment.
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Always place the load against the backrests of
the rear bench seat.
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Move large and heavy loads as far towards the
front of the vehicle as possible against the
rear bench seat. Stow loads flush with the
rear bench seat.
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Always additionally secure the load with suit-
able load-securing aids or lashing material.
Observe the following notes:
Do not stack loads higher than the upper edge
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of the 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

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page 275).
Important safety notes
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If you attach the lashing strap incorrectly
when securing the load, the following may
occur in the event of abrupt changes in direc-
tion, braking manoeuvres or an accident:
the lashing eyelets may become detached
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or the lashing strap may tear if the permis-
sible load is exceeded
the load may not be restrained.
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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 lashing straps in the
proper manner and only between the descri-
bed lashing eyelets. Always use lashing straps
designed specifically for the loads.
! 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 between the lashing
points or eyelets.
Please also refer to the notes about qualified
specialist workshops (
Always observe the operating instructions or the
lashing strap manufacturer's instructions for
the operation of the lashing strap.
Notes on the maximum loading capacity of the
lashing points can be found in the "Technical
data" section (
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
The load is secured against slipping, tipping,
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rolling or falling off. This applies both in nor-
mal traffic conditions and if the vehicle must
swerve to avoid an obstacle, in the event of
Securing loads
WARNING
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page 27).
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page 305).
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