The Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.8 V6 4-Motion aut. with a Fleetwood Heritage 640-EB TA with an actual weight of 1675 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Volkswagen is in general good. But the weight of the Fleetwood with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is heavy. Try to move luggage from the caravan to the car and drive not too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly. But even so, a starting caravan driver is better off choosing a smaller and less heavy caravan!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
246
234
Mountains
Risk of snaking
279
108
Weight ratio: 86% (95% of kerbweight)
1675 kg
1959 kg
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Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.8 V6 4-Motion aut.: 1959 kg.
Noseweight: 90 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 86%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 246 points).
Speeds of 78 mph (126 km/h) to 83 mph (134 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 234 points).
Higher revs (2000 rpm) are usually not necessary on flat roads, under most circumstances.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 17.5 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 279 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 17%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (3400 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 68 mph (109 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Volkswagen is sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you will need a B+E (or B96) driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 86%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 95%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving is great. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are so great that it could be dangerous. Only if the driver has a lot of knowledge and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive slowly. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is definitely recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 90 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 108 points.
If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.
Conclusion
Performance is good.
Proper and careful loading is essential!
It's a perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.