The Mercedes-Benz Vito 115 CDI with a Knaus Sudwind 500 FDK with an actual weight of 1350 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Mercedes-Benz is in general good. And also the weight of the Knaus with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is very good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
235
258
Mountains
Risk of snaking
262
208
Weight ratio: 64% (70% of kerbweight)
1350 kg
2120 kg
Free does not exist
Good and independent information cannot be free on the Internet.
You can continue to use the TowCarCalculator by paying a contribution towards the costs of this website.
Please be so kind as to donate a small contribution to Caravantrekker for every useful calculation you made.
Thank you!
Number of useful calculations:
x
Mercedes-Benz Vito 115 CDI Knaus Sudwind 500 FDK
Actual Weights
Knaus Sudwind 500 FDK: 1350 kg.
Mercedes-Benz Vito 115 CDI: 2120 kg.
Noseweight: 75 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 64%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 235 points).
Speeds of 77 mph (124 km/h) to 82 mph (133 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is a lot of power at low engine speeds (score to compare 258 points).
Higher revs (1600 rpm) are usually not necessary on flat roads, under most circumstances.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 19.9 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 262 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 18%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (2700 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 65 mph (105 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Mercedes-Benz is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you will need a B+E driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 64%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 70%.
The chance of snaking is small even at higher speeds.
Recommended noseweight is 75 kg.
Stability and safety score to compare is 208 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.
Safe driving is possible.
It's a perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.