Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-drs. 1.6 16v Swift Challenger 480
Performance
Weight
The Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-drs. 1.6 16v with a Swift Challenger 480 with an actual weight of 1391 kg is a match just suitable for most journeys but also with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Suzuki is in general very moderate but for your use maybe sufficient. The weight of the Swift with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), kgis (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
121
66
Mountains
Risk of snaking
52
81
Weight ratio: 92% (105% of kerbweight)
1391 kg
1520 kg
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Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-drs. 1.6 16v Swift Challenger 480
Actual Weights
Swift Challenger 480: 1391 kg.
Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-drs. 1.6 16v: 1520 kg.
Noseweight: 75 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 92%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally sufficient on flat roads (performance score to compare 121 points).
Speeds of 60 mph (96 km/h) to 69 mph (111 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only very moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 66 points).
Slightly higher revs (3300 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 37.5 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally (very) moderate (score to compare 52 points).
Performance is not great on steep mountain roads. Hill starts more than 8% requires experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 43 mph (69 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Suzuki is more than 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 92%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 105%.
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 75 kg.
Safe speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 81 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 very moderate but for your use maybe 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.