The BMW X5 3.0d aut. with a Knaus Sudwind 400 FD with an actual weight of 1120 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the BMW is in general very 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
276
335
Mountains
Risk of snaking
344
287
Weight ratio: 47% (51% of kerbweight)
1120 kg
2390 kg
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BMW X5 3.0d aut. Knaus Sudwind 400 FD
Actual Weights
Knaus Sudwind 400 FD: 1120 kg.
BMW X5 3.0d aut.: 2390 kg.
Noseweight: 70 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 47%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally very good on flat roads (performance score to compare 276 points).
Speeds of 83 mph (134 km/h) to 87 mph (141 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is a lot of power at low engine speeds (score to compare 335 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 13.7 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 344 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads (up to 30%). Not even on Hill starts.
On motorway inclines hardly any higher revs are needed.
A speed of 74 mph (120 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the BMW 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 (or B96) driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 47%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 51%.
The chance of snaking is small even at higher speeds.
Recommended noseweight is 70 kg.
Stability and safety score to compare is 287 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 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.