Dodge 2007 Sprinter - Manual (Page 159)

158
Controls in detail
Transporting
3
The load's overall center of gravity should
be as low and central as possible, between
the axles near the rear axle.
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.
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.
̈ 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.
Load distribution
! CAUTION
Excessive loads on individual points of
the load compartment floor or load sur-
face have a negative effect on handling
characteristics and could damage the
floor covering.
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Observe the following notes:
ț Do not stack loads higher than the
upper edge of the backrests.
ț Transport loads behind seats that
are not occupied.
ț 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
i
Information about how to secure a
load correctly can be obtained from the
manufacturers of transport aids or
lashing materials for securing loads.