Driving tips 209 Driving with a high body centre of gravity behaviour may be severely impaired. There is a risk of an accident. Load the vehicle evenly. Secure the load so that it cannot slip. To prevent an accident, observe the following points: R the vehicle load has a negative effect on all of the vehicle's handling characteristics. Critical conditions are reached sooner. ! Do not exceed the permissible axle loads, wheel loads (half of the axle load) and the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight. The following parts of the vehicle may oth- erwise be damaged: R box-type bodies and high loads increase the vehicle's susceptibility to crosswinds. R good traction conditions, e.g.
dry roads, could result in the vehicle tipping when it reaches the cornering speed limit before the rear axle slips away. Driving mode R wheels and tyres R chassis R suspension R fluid tanks, e.g. fire extinguishers or fertil- iser tanks, that are not empty or not com- pletely full could have a negative effect on the vehicle's handling characteristics. R the vehicle's braking distance increases. R axles The vehicle's driving, braking and steering characteristics vary with the type, weight and centre of gravity of the load. During the journey, check the warning and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster.
R steering R the risk of tipping is increased if the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised. R avoid periodic vehicle movements at high speeds, e.g. a sequence of several steering manoeuvres to the right and left. Additional equipment R bear in mind that there is an increased dan- ger of tipping when driving off-road. Sufficient steerability of the vehicle must be guaranteed. The front axle load, with corre- sponding attached equipment and bodies for all vehicle loads, must be at least 33% of the actual gross vehicle weight. The rear axle load must always be at least 33% of the actual gross vehicle weight. Pay attention to the minimum rear axle load:
R adapt the vehicle speed to the topographic conditions. Driving off-road in less demand- ing terrain increases your vehicle's likeli- hood of rolling. R reduce speed in difficult off-road terrain, especially if your vehicle is turned in alter- nating directions. Mercedes-Benz does not take responsibility for accidents resulting from driving that is not appropriate for the conditions. R U 216 / U 218: 1,950 kg R U 318: 2,200 kg R U 423 / U 427 / U 430 / U 527 / U 530: 2,350 kg This ensures sufficient braking performance and that directional stability is guaranteed during a full brake application.
For reasons of safety, only equipment and bodies that meet the currently valid body/ equipment mounting directive may be used. It can be found on the Internet in the Mercedes- Driving mode Important safety notes G WARNING If you load the vehicle unevenly, driving char- acteristics such as steering and braking Z