Saab 9-5 Sport Estate 2.3 t aut. Sterling Elite Explorer
Performance
Weight
The towing limit is exceeded by 4 kg!
It is not allowed to drive with this Sterling. Make sure the towing limit is correct.
We now give advice based on the assumption that the legal maximum towing weight is higher for your car and that the car should be allowed to tow this caravan!
The Saab 9-5 Sport Estate 2.3 t aut. with a Sterling Elite Explorer with an actual weight of 1804 kg is a match just suitable for most journeys but also with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Saab is in general fairly good. But the weight of the Sterling with a User Payload (160 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is (too) heavy. Move the luggage from the caravan to the car and drive not too fast and carefully. 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
217
208
Mountains
Risk of snaking
228
85
Weight ratio: 97% (109% of kerbweight)
1804 kg
1855 kg
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Saab 9-5 Sport Estate 2.3 t aut. Sterling Elite Explorer
Actual Weights
Sterling Elite Explorer: 1804 kg.
Saab 9-5 Sport Estate 2.3 t aut.: 1855 kg.
Noseweight: 100 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 97%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 217 points).
Speeds of 73 mph (118 km/h) to 79 mph (127 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 208 points).
Slightly higher revs (1900 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 21.4 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally good (score to compare 228 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 15%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (3400 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit is exceeded by 4 kg (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 97%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 109%.
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 100 kg.
Safe speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 85 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 fairly good.
Proper and careful loading is essential!
It's a fairly good match, only for experienced (caravan) drivers and with some limitations.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.