Owners Manual

carriers in the "Carrier systems" section
(Y page 149).
Before loading
X
Tire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary (Y page 288).
X
Cargo compartment floor: clean the
cargo compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to
prevent the load from slipping.
X
Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary.
!
As soon as the non-slip mats show signs
of deformation or develop squashed areas,
or traces of cracking/cutting, they can no
longer be used to secure a load and must
be replaced.
During loading
X
Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible gross vehicle weight for your
vehicle.
!
On passenger van versions with
maximum seating layout, the permissible
rear axle load would be exceeded if the full
payload were to be loaded in the cargo
compartment.
i
Bear in mind that the curb weight of the
vehicle is increased by installing optional
equipment and accessories.
X
Observe the notes on load distribution
(Y page 146).
X
Secure the load (Y page 147). Always
observe the relevant country-specific legal
requirements, laws and regulations.
Checks after loading
X
Securing loads: check that the load is
secure before every journey and at regular
intervals during a long journey, and correct
if necessary.
X
Doors: close the sliding doors and rear
doors.
G
WARNING
Make sure that the sliding doors and rear
doors are always closed when the engine is
running.
Exhaust fumes could otherwise enter the
vehicle interior and poison you.
X
Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
according to the vehicle load
(Y page 288).
X
Driving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load.
Load distribution
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
!
Excessive loads on individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair
vehicle handling characteristics and could
cause damage to the floor covering.
On Panel Vans/Passenger Vans:
X
Always transport loads in the cargo
compartment.
X
Always place the load against the backrests
of the rear bench seat.
X
Move large and heavy loads as far towards
the front of the vehicle as possible against
the rear bench seat. Stow the load flush
with the rear bench seat.
X
Always additionally secure the load with
suitable load securing aids or tie down.
146
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation