2010 Mercedes GL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 197

Loading and storing The cargo compartment is the preferred place to carry objects. Always use cargo tie-down rings, and if so equipped, always use the cargo net when transporting cargo. Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open. Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death. 195 Load distribution i The cargo compartment is the preferred place to carry objects. The expanded cargo volume (Y page 201) should only be used for items which do not fit in the cargo compartment alone. Please pay attention to and comply with the following instructions when loading the vehicle and transporting cargo: RAlways place items being carried against front or rear seat backrests, and fasten them as securely as possible. RThe heaviest portion of the cargo should always be kept as low as possible against front or rear seat backrests. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the weight of the vehicle including: Rfuel Rtools Rspare wheel accessories Rinstalled Rpassengers Rluggage/cargo It must never exceed the load limit and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your vehicle. The load limit and the GVWR are specified on the placard located on the driver's door B-pillar (Y page 242). In addition, the load must be distributed so that the weight on each axle never exceeds For additional safety when transporting cargo while the rear seats are unoccupied, fasten the outer seat belts crosswise into the opposite side buckles. Z Controls in detail the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle. The GVWR and GAWR for your vehicle are indicated on the certification label located on the driver's door B-pillar (Y page 242). For more information, see "Tire and Loading Information" (Y page 242). The handling characteristics of a fully loaded vehicle depend greatly on the load distribution. It is therefore recommended to load the vehicle according to the illustration shown. The heaviest items are to be placed towards the front of the vehicle.