Securing Loads - Mercedes-Benz Vito 111 CDI/BlueTEC Operating Instructions Manual

Securing loads

314
The overall centre of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centred and
between the axles near the rear axle.
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Always transport loads in the load compart-
ment and with the seat backrests folded up
and properly locked in position.
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Always place the load against the backrests of
the front or rear seats.
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Move large and heavy loads as far towards the
front of the vehicle as possible against the
front or rear seats. Stow loads flush with the
rear or front seats.
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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.
Load compartment variants
You can vary the load compartment according to
your transportation requirements as follows:
by folding the luxury rear bench seat forward
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to the table position
by folding the luxury rear bench seat forwards
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by removing the rear bench seat or the seat/
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berth combination
by folding up or removing the bed extension of
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the seat/berth combination
You will find information about rear bench seats
in the "Rear bench seats" section (
Securing loads
Important safety notes
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WARNING
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 across lashing points/
lashing eyelets. You will find information on the
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page 96).
maximum loading capacity of the lashing points
under "Lashing points and carrier systems"
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( page 389).
Do not attempt to modify or repair the lashing
points/lashing eyelets or lashing materials.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
the load is secured against slipping, tipping,
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rolling or falling off in normal traffic condi-
tions, should the vehicle swerve to avoid an
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page 32).