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282 Controls in detailTransporting
3
\1
Always attach the lashing net or
tarps to all available lashing points.
While doing so, make sure that the
mounting hooks cannot open unin-
tentionally.
Warning
G
Do not carry out any modifications or repairs
to the lashing points, the lashing eyes or the
lashing materials. The load or the lashing
points could accidentally come loose and
cause serious injury to you or others as well
as damage to property.Distribute loads evenly between the lash-
ing points or lashing eyes.
Observe the loading guidelines.iLoose loads should be secured with
an approved lashing net or tarp.
!
CAUTION
Observe the data on the maximum
load-bearing capacity of the individu-
al lashing points
(\2
page 629).
During full-braking applications, for
example, forces can be involved that
are much greater than the weight
force of the load.
Always use several lashing points in
order to distribute force absorption,
and make sure that the lashing
points have an equal load.
iIf your vehicle has load rails in the
floor, you should position locking
rods immediately in front of and be-
hind the load. The locking rods ab-
sorb possible shifting forces directly.
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283 Controls in detail
Transporting
3
Warning
G
If you tension the lashing straps between
the side walls or between a side wall and
the load compartment floor, the permissi-
ble load for the lashing rails, lashing
points or lashing eyes could be exceeded
in the event of strong braking, sudden
changes of direction or an accident.The load would no longer be secured,
which could result in serious injuries
caused by the load slipping.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
For this reason, do not tension a lashing
strap between the side walls or between a
side wall and the load compartment floor.
Only locking bars or rods may be installed
between the load rails near the side walls. Observe the operating instructions issued
by the locking bar or locking rod manufac-
turer.
iSecuring loads to the load compart-
ment floor is only recommended for
lightweight loads and should be rein-
forced by using anti-slip mats.Warning
G
Before releasing lashing straps, make
sure that the load is stable and would not
tip over even without being lashed down.
Otherwise, you or others could be injured
by a moving load.
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284 Controls in detailTransporting
3
Mounting lashing points for load
rails*1Locking mechanism\1To install:
slide the lashing eye
through a recess in the load rail close
to the load until locking mechanism
1
in the recess engages.
iWhen you pull locking
mechanism
1
out of the recess, the
lashing eye is able to move within the
lashing rail or load rail. Make sure
that locking mechanism
1
is always
engaged in a recess.
Warning
G
If the lashing eye is not firmly anchored in
the load rail, the lashing eye may slip or
snap out of the load rail in the event of
sudden braking or an accident.
The load would no longer be secured,
which could result in serious injuries
caused by the load slipping.
For this reason, always check that the
lashing eye is firmly in place whenever
you install it.
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285 Controls in detail
Transporting
3
\1
Check whether the lashing eye is
firmly in place.
\1To remove:
pull locking mechanism
1
upward and pull the lashing eye
through a recess towards the locking
mechanism and out of the load rail.
It is possible to mount a roof rack if your
vehicle is equipped with securing rails
on the roof.
1Securing railsSpecial mountings (sliding blocks) are
available as accessories. These are
available from any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Carrier systems
Warning
G
Handling and braking characteristics may
change when you have mounted carrier
systems on the vehicle. You could endan-
ger yourself and others.Observe the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. An incorrectly secured carri-
er system or load could:\4come loose\4fall offand thereby endanger yourself and
others.
Continued
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286 Controls in detailTransporting
3
Only install roof racks that have been
approved or recommended for Sprinter
vehicles. These are available in any au-
thorized Sprinter Dealer.Observe the instructions in the “Opera-
tion” section (
\2
page 303).
Warning (Continued)
G
Observe the maximum roof loads
(\2page 630), the maximum axle load
and the maximum load-bearing capacity
of the roof rack.!
CAUTION
Make sure that:
the securing bolts for the roof
rack are tightened to a torque of
6.0 – 7.4 lb-ft (8 – 10 Nm) in the slid-
ing blocks provided
the bolts do not make contact with
the rails when tightened
the sliding blocks are not positioned
near the plastic caps
the sliding blocks have the correct
cross-section
the securing rails are free of dirt on
the inside
the securing bolts are retightened
evenly after approximately 300 miles
(500 km)
This will help to avoid damage to the
vehicle.
!
CAUTION
If you wish to retrofit securing rails,
have them installed at a qualified
specialist workshop which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and
tools to carry out the work required.
You could otherwise damage the ve-
hicle.
The manufacturer recommends that
you use an authorized Sprinter Deal-
er for this purpose.
Trailer towing
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288 Controls in detailFeatures
3
Storage compartments in the doorsYou can use these storage compart-
ments for the safe storage of small and
light items.Storage compartment under the twin
passenger's seat*On vehicles with a twin passenger’s
seat, the storage compartment is under
the seat cushion (
\2
page 119).
You can use the storage compartment
for the safekeeping of tools and other
small items.
Glove box1Glove box handle
2Locked*
3Unlocked*
!
CAUTION
The entire storage compartment is
permitted to hold a maximum load of
66 lbs (30 kg).
Do not store high, bulky loads in the
storage compartment. You could oth-
erwise damage the roof trim in the
event of sudden braking.
iYou can lock and unlock the glove
box using the key*.
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298 Controls in detailFeatures
3
Telephones may only be used inside the
vehicle if they are connected to a sepa-
rate exterior antenna of a type tested
and approved by the manufacturer.
iThe sockets are supplied with power
even if the key is removed from the
ignition lock. Please note that the
battery may be discharged if you
have connected an accessory, e.g. a
coolbox, and the engine is switched
off.Telephone*
Warning
G
You must observe the legal requirements
for the country in which you are driving
when operating a cell phone in the vehi-
cle.If it is permitted to operate a cell phone
while the vehicle is in motion, you must
only operate it when road and traffic con-
ditions permit. You may otherwise be dis-
tracted from the traffic conditions, cause
an accident and injure yourself and oth-
ers.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
Cell phones without exterior antennas
may interfere with the vehicle electronics
and thereby jeopardize the operational
safety of the vehicle. You must therefore
only use these devices when they are con-
nected to a separate exterior antenna.
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299 Controls in detail
Features
3
The installation of the antenna must be
approved by a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Always have maintenance work carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Warning
G
Only use the telephone when road, weath-
er and traffic conditions permit you to do
so. You will otherwise be too distracted. If
you are not using the hands-free system,
pull over to make a phone call.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just
30 mph (approx. 50 km/h), your vehicle
is covering a distance of 44 feet (approx.
14 m) every second.
Telephones without exterior antennas
may interfere with the vehicle electronics
and thereby jeopardize the operational
safety of the vehicle.
iObserve all legal requirements.iThe cell phone battery will be
charged depending on the charge
status and the position of the key in
the ignition lock. The cell phone dis-
play indicates the charging process.
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