The Volkswagen Passat 1.6 FSI with a Bailey Ranger 500/5 with an actual weight of 1244 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Volkswagen is in general sufficient. And also the weight of the Bailey with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is pretty good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
185
75
Mountains
Risk of snaking
178
160
Weight ratio: 75% (86% of kerbweight)
1244 kg
1648 kg
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Volkswagen Passat 1.6 FSI Bailey Ranger 500/5
Actual Weights
Bailey Ranger 500/5: 1244 kg.
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 FSI: 1648 kg.
Noseweight: 70 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 75%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 185 points).
Speeds of 67 mph (108 km/h) to 73 mph (118 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only very moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 75 points).
Slightly higher revs (3100 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 24.1 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally fairly good (score to compare 178 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 12%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines higher revs (5900 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 57 mph (92 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Volkswagen 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 75%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 86%.
There is a small chance of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are great at high speed. For drivers with knowledge of, and experience in driving a caravan it is safe to drive, but proper and careful loading is still important! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is worth considering.
Recommended noseweight is 70 kg.
Safe speed up to 62 mph (100 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 160 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 sufficient.
If the caravan is well loaded 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.