Renault Megane III Estate 1.5 dCi Energy [88g] Bailey Unicorn Vigo
Performance
Weight
The Renault Megane III Estate 1.5 dCi Energy [88g] with a Bailey Unicorn Vigo with an actual weight of 1498 kg is a match just suitable for most journeys but also with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Renault is in general more than sufficient. But the weight of the Bailey with a User Payload (154 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
191
158
Mountains
Risk of snaking
188
76
Weight ratio: 95% (110% of kerbweight)
1498 kg
1583 kg
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Renault Megane III Estate 1.5 dCi Energy [88g] Bailey Unicorn Vigo
Actual Weights
Bailey Unicorn Vigo: 1498 kg.
Renault Megane III Estate 1.5 dCi Energy [88g]: 1583 kg.
Noseweight: 80 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 95%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 191 points).
Speeds of 68 mph (110 km/h) to 74 mph (120 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is sufficient power at low engine speeds (score to compare 158 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 23.7 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally fairly good (score to compare 188 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 14%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 58 mph (93 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Renault is sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, a B driving license is enough.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 95%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 110%.
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 80 kg.
Safe speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 76 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 more than sufficient.
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.