heat, causing them to burst. There is a risk of
an accident.
When transporting a load, always observe the
permissible wheel loads, axle loads and the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
for the vehicle (including occupants).
!
If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof carrier
load.
!
Excessive point loading on the loading area
can lead to a deterioration of the driving char-
acteristics and can damage the loading area.
!
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.
Load distribution and securing loads
The handling characteristics of your vehicle are
dependent on the distribution of the load within
the vehicle. Therefore, please observe the fol-
lowing notes when loading:
R
the overall centre of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centred and
between the axles near the rear axle.
R
when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum gross vehicle weight or the permis-
sible axle loads for the vehicle (including
occupants).
R
transport loads on the loading area.
R
move large and heavy loads as far towards the
front of the vehicle as possible against the
cab's rear panel. stack loads flush with the
cab panel.
R
secure the load to the lashing eyelets and
spread the load as evenly as possible.
R
use lashing eyelets and fastening compo-
nents which are suitable for the weight and
size of the load.
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
R
the load is secured against slipping, tipping,
rolling or falling off in normal traffic condi-
tions, should the vehicle swerve to avoid an
obstacle, in the event of full brake application
and on poor road surfaces.
Always observe the operating instructions of the
respective manufacturer when using suitable
load securing aids or lashing material and par-
ticularly the information on the end of service
life contained in these operating instructions.
Load securing aids or lashing material must not
be used if:
R
the identification is missing or is illegible.
R
there are yarn breaks, damage to load-bear-
ing seams or other traces of crack formation.
R
there is cutting, deformations, squashed
areas or other damage.
R
the compensation elements or fasteners are
damaged.
These types of load securing aids or lashing
materials are worn out; they should not be used
and must be replaced. If you use load securing
aids and lashing materials that are ready to be
discarded, the load is not secured sufficiently.
In the event of an accident, have a damaged
loading area, the lashing eyelets and the lashing
material checked at a specialist workshop. Oth-
erwise, when you next transport a load, it may
not be sufficiently secured.
When loading:
X
observe the notes on load distribution.
X
secure the load.
X
fill spaces between the load and the load
compartment walls or wheel arches. For this
purpose use rigid load securing aids, such as
chocks, wooden fixings or padding.
X
attach secured and stabilised loads in all
directions to the lashing eyelets.
X
when securing a load, always use the closest
lashing eyelets and pad sharp edges for pro-
tection.
After loading:
X
make sure that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey, and correct it if necessary.
X
adjust the headlamp range (
Y
page 79).
Stowage areas
73
Seats
and
stowage
Z
