Load Distribution - Mercedes-Benz V-Class Series 2015 Operating Instructions Manual

In the event of an accident, have a damaged
luggage compartment floor or loading area, the
lashing eyelets and the lashing material
checked at a specialist workshop. Otherwise,
the load may not be correctly secured the next
time anything is stowed.
Even if you adhere to all the loading guidelines,
an increased payload increases the risk of injury
in the event of an accident. Observe the infor-
mation in the "Securing a load" (
and "Load distribution" (
You will find information about the maximum
roof load and maximum tailgate load in the
"Lashing points and carrier systems" section
Y
( page 353). You will find information about
roof carriers under "Carrier systems"
Y
( page 296).
Before loading
X
Tyre pressure: check the tyre pressure and
correct if necessary (
When loading
X
Observe the permissible axle loads and per-
missible gross vehicle weight for your vehicle.
Take into account that your vehicle's unladen
weight is increased if accessories or optional
equipment are fitted. The maximum payload
is thus reduced.
X
Observe the notes on load distribution
Y
( page 291).
The overall centre of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centred and
between the axles near the rear axle.
X
Observe the legal requirements of the country
in which you are currently driving.
Checking the load
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Y
page 292)
Y
page 291) sections.
Y
page 330).

Load distribution

Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
X
Securing luggage/loads: make sure that
the luggage and/or load is secure before
every journey and at regular intervals during a
long journey, and correct it if necessary.
X
Doors/tailgate: close the sliding doors and
tailgate.
X
Headlamps: adjust the headlamp light cone
if necessary. Adjust headlamp range
Y
( page 115).
X
Tyre pressure: adjust the tyre pressure
according to the vehicle load (
X
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.
X
Always transport loads in the load compart-
ment and with the seat backrests folded up
and properly locked in position.
X
Always place the load against the backrests of
the front or rear seats.
X
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.
X
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
R
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.
291
Y
page 330).
Z