2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER MY13 Operator’s Manual

Useful information
............................232
Loading guidelines ............................232
Load distribution .............................. 234
Securing loads .................................. 234
Carrier systems ................................ 236 231Transporting loads

Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment
of your vehicle that were available at the time
of going to print. Country-specific variations
are possible. Note that your vehicle may not
be equipped with all of the described
functions. This also applies to systems and
functions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Loading guidelines
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
As a result of improperly placed or unevenly
distributed loads, the center of gravity of the
load being transported may be too high or too
far back. This can significantly impair handling
as well as steering and braking
characteristics. There is a risk of an accident.
Always make sure that the center of gravity of
the load is:
R between the axles
and
R as low as possible, near the rear axle. G
WARNING
When objects are unsecured or inadequately
secured, they can slip, turn over or be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants .This also
applies to:
R luggage or loads
R a rear bench seat which has been removed
and is being transported in the vehicle in an
exceptional case.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of braking maneuvers or abrupt
changes in direction.
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about. Before traveling,
secure objects, luggage or loads to prevent them slipping or tipping over. If you remove a
rear bench seat, it is advisable to store it
outside the vehicle. G
WARNING
When the permissible wheel loads, axle loads
and/or the maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight are exceeded, driving safety is
compromised. The handling as well as
steering and braking characteristics may be
significantly impaired. Overloaded tires may
overheat, 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). G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving
characteristics change. If you exceed the
maximum roof load, the driving
characteristics, as well as steering and
braking, will be greatly impaired. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof
carrier load.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 327) and information about roof
carriers in the "Carrier systems" section
(Y page 236).
R Do not stack luggage or loads higher than
the backrests.
R Objects to be transported should
preferably be stowed in the cargo
compartment. 232
Loading guidelinesTransporting loads

R
When transporting luggage, always use the
cargo tie-down rings and a parcel net, if
present.
R Use cargo tie-down rings and fasteners
which are suitable for the weight and size
of the load.
Always observe the operating instructions of
the respective manufacturer when using
suitable load securing aids or tie downs. In
particular, the information on the end of
service life.
Load securing aids and tie downs may not be
used, for example, if:
R identification marks are missing or illegible
R there are yarn breakages, damage to
bearing seams or other signs of tearing
R there are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
R there is damage to clamping or connecting
elements
Load securing aids and tie downs in this
condition are ready for discard and must be
replaced. If you use load securing aids or tie
downs which are worn out, the load may not
be sufficiently secured and could cause
damage to property.
After an accident, the following must be
checked at a specialist workshop:
R a damaged cargo compartment floor
R a damaged loading area
R the cargo tie-down rings
R the tie downs
Otherwise, the load may not be correctly
secured the nextt ime anything is stowed.
Even if you follow all loading guidelines, the
load increases the risk of injury in the event
of an accident. Observe the tips in the
"Securing a load" (Y page 234) and "Load
distribution" (Y page 234) sections. Before loading
! The anti-slip mats cannot be used for
securing goods and must be replaced when
they show signs of:
R Permanent deformation and crushing
R Crack formation
R Cuts
X Tire pressure: checkthe tire pressure and
correct if necessary (Y page 278).
X Cargo compartment floor: clean the
cargo compartment floor.
The cargo compartmentf loor must be free
fro mo il and dust, dry and swept clean to
prevent the load fro mslipping.
X Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary. During loading
! 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.
X Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible gross vehicle weight for your
vehicle.
Take into account that your vehicle's curb
weight is increased if accessories or
optional equipmen tare installed. The
maximu mpayload is thus reduced.
X Observe the notes on load distribution
(Y page 234).
The overall cente rofgravity of the load
should always be as low as possible,
centered and between the axles near the
rear axle.
X Secure the load (Y page 234).
Always observe the relevant country-
specific legal requirements, laws and
regulations. Loading guidelines
233Transporting loads Z

Checks after loading
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases, such as carbon monoxide. If the sliding
door or rear door is open when the engine is
running, exhaust gases can ente rthe vehicle
interior, especially during the journey. There
is a risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the sliding door or rear door. Never drive the
vehicle when the sliding door or rear door is
open.
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.
X Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
according to the vehicle load
(Y page 278).
X Driving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load. Load distribution
General notes
! Excessive loads on individualp oints of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair
vehicle handling characteristics and could
cause damage to the floor covering.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
On Cargo 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 downs.
Observe the following notes:
R Do not stack loads higher than the upper
edge of the backrests.
R Transport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
R If the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
the seat belts crosswise into the buckle of
the opposite seat belt. Securing loads
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction,
braking maneuvers or an accident:
R the cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
R the load may not be restrained.
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be
tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads. G
WARNING
You may not transport anyone in the cargo
compartment or on the load surface. Never
let more people ride in the vehicle than there
are seat belts available. Make sure everyone
riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained
with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat
belt for more than one person at a time. 234
Securing loadsTransporting loads

!
Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the
maximum loading capacity of the weakest
cargo tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces
acting could be up to several times the
weight force of the load. Always use
multiple cargo tie-down points in order to
distribute the force absorption. Load the
anchorages evenly.
Spread the load evenly between the cargo tie-
down points or tie-down rings.
Please also refer to the notes aboutq ualified
specialist workshops (Y page 26).
Always observe the operating instructions or
the notes of the lashing strap manufacturer
for the operation of th elashing strap.
Information about the maximum loading
capacity of the cargo tie-down points can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 327).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
R The applicable requirements and
guidelines relating to load-securing
practices must be met.
If this is no tthe case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local
legislation and any ensuing consequences.
You should therefore observe the
respective legal requirements for the
relevant country.
Make sure that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey. Correct an incorrectly or
inadequately secured load if necessary.
You can obtain information about securing
the load correctly from the manufacturer of
the load securing aids or tie down for securing
the load.
X Fill spaces between the load and the cargo
compartmentw alls or wheel housings (form-locking). Use rigid load securing aids,
such as wedges, woode
nfixings or
padding.
X Attach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions. Use the carg otie-down points
or cargo tie-down rings and the loading rails
in the cargo compartmen toronthe loading
area.
Only use tie downs, such as lashing rods or
lashing nets and lashing straps, that have
been tested in accordance with current
standards (e.g. DIN EN).
Always use the cargo tie-down rings closest
to the load to secure it and pad sharp edges
for protection.
Loads, and heavy loads in particular, should
preferably be secured using the cargo tie-
down rings.
i Tie downs tested in accordance with
current standards (e.g. DIN EN) are
available at any qualified specialist
workshop. Cargo tie-down points (example: Passenger Van)
0005
Cargo tie-down rings Securing loads
235Transporting loads Z

Cargo tie-down points (example
:Cargo Van)
0005 Cargo tie-down rings
0006 Load rails
Secure loose loads with a tested lashing net
or a tarpaulin.
X Always fasten the lashing net or tarpaulin
to all available cargo tie-down points .Make
sure that the retaining hooks are secured
against accidental opening.
If your vehicle is equipped with loading
rails 0006in the floor, you can place lashing rods
directly in fron tofand behind the load .The
lashing rods directly absorb the potential
shifting forces.
Securing loads on the cargo compartment
floor by lashing them down is only
recommended for lightweight loads. Place
non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) under the load
to increase load security. Installing/removing cargo tie down
rings for the load rails
G
WARNING
If the cargo tie-down ring is not properly
installed, it may slip or become detached in
the event of abrupt changes in direction,
braking maneuvers or an accident. This may
cause objects, luggage or the load to slip, tip over or be tossed about, striking vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury.
Before using the cargo tie-down rings, always
make sure they are properly installed and
cannot be moved.
X
To install: slide the cargo tie-down ring
through a recess in the loading rail close to
the load until locking mechanism 0005
engages in the recess.
i When you pull locking mechanism 0005up
and out of the recess, the cargo tie-down
ring is able to move within the loading rail.
Make sure that locking mechanism 0005is
always engaged in a recess.
X Check the cargo tie-down ring for firm
seating.
X To remove: pull locking mechanism 0005up
and pull the cargo tie-down ring towards
the locking mechanism and out of the
loading rail through a recess. Carrier systems
G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving
characteristics change. If you exceed the
maximum roof load, the driving
characteristics, as well as steering and
braking, will be greatly impaired. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style. 236
Carrier systemsTransporting loads

You can find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 327).
! Make sure that:
R the screws for the roof carrier are
tightened in the sliding blocks to a torque
of 6.0 – 7.4 lb-f t(8 – 10 Nm)
R the bolts, whe ntightened, do not touch
the rails.
R the slot nuts are not located in the area
of the plastic caps.
R the slot nuts have the right cross-section.
R the mounting rails in the interior are free
of dirt.
R the screws are retightened evenly after
approximately 300 miles (500 km).
We recommend that you only use roof
racks tested and approved by Sprinter.
These help avoid vehicle damage.
! If you want to retrofit securing rails, have
it done at a qualified specialist workshop.
You could otherwise damage the vehicle. 0005
Securing rails
It is possible to install aroof carrier if your
vehicle is equipped with securing rails on the
roof. Special mounting elements (grooved
plates) are available as accessories.
These mounting elements are available at any
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Carrier systems
237Transporting loads Z

238