Dodge 2007 Sprinter Owner's Manual page 159

Transporting
Load distribution
The load's overall center of gravity should
be as low and central as possible, between
the axles near the rear axle.
CAUTION
!
Excessive loads on individual points of
the load compartment floor or load sur-
3
face have a negative effect on handling
characteristics and could damage the
floor covering.
For crewbus models:
Always transport loads in the load com-
partment.
Always place loads flush against the
seat backrests of the rear bench seat.
Slide larger and heavier loads as far for-
ward as possible when looking in the
direction of travel. Stack items against
each other behind the rear bench seat.
Always secure loads with suitable
transport aids or lashing materials.
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Observe the following notes:
Do not stack loads higher than the
upper edge of the backrests.
Transport loads behind seats that
are not occupied.
If the rear bench seat is not occu-
pied, insert the seat belts in a cross-
wise pattern into the opposite belt
buckles.
Securing a load
As the driver of the vehicle, you are respon-
sible for ensuring that the load is secured
against slipping, tipping over, rolling or fall-
ing down, whether driving in normal traffic
situations or on poor road surfaces or as a
result of having to swerve to avoid an ob-
stacle or applying the brakes fully.
Failing to secure the load in accordance
with relevant requirements and sound
practice may be a punishable offense, de-
pending on national legislation and the
consequences that arise.
For this reason, observe the legal require-
ments in all countries concerned.
Before each journey and at regular inter-
vals during longer journeys, check whether
the load is secure and take additional ac-
tion to improve any incorrect or inade-
quate safety measures.
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Information about how to secure a
load correctly can be obtained from the
manufacturers of transport aids or
lashing materials for securing loads.
Fill up any empty spaces between the
load and the load compartment walls
or wheel arches in a form-fitting man-
ner. For this purpose, use solid trans-
port aids, such as chocks, wooden
blocks or storage cushions.