Mercedes-Benz 2009 R-Class, Operator'S Manual

Page: 209 / 412

Loading and storing
207
Load distribution
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) which is the
weight of the vehicle including fuel, tools,
spare wheel, installed accessories,
passengers and luggage/cargo must never
exceed the load limit and the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) for your vehicle as
specified on the placard located on the
driver’s door B-pillar (
Y
page 255).
In addition, the load must be distributed in
such a way so that the weight on each axle
never exceeds the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for the front and rear axle. The GVWR
and GAWR for your vehicle are indicated on
the certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar (
Y
page 255).
For more information, see “Tire and Loading
Information” (
Y
page 256).
The handling characteristics of a fully loaded
vehicle depend greatly on the load
distribution. It is therefore recommended to
load the vehicle according to the illustration
shown, with the heaviest items being placed
towards the front of the vehicle.
Please pay attention to and comply with the
following instructions when loading the
vehicle and transporting cargo:
R
Always place items being carried against
front or rear seat backrests, and fasten
them as securely as possible.
R
The heaviest portion of the cargo should
always be kept as low as possible against
front or rear seat backrests.
i The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects. The expanded cargo
volume (
Y
page 209) should only be used
for items which do not fit in the cargo
compartment alone.
Roof rack
For information about further roof rack
equipment, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
G
Warning!
Only use the roof rack when the basic
carrier bars have been completely
mounted. The left and right roof rails are
only stabilized by means of the basic carrier
bars being mounted.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicles without the roof rack loaded.
Controls in detail
Z