The Saab 9-3 2.2 TiD with a Dethleffs Rally Nomad DD 550 with an actual weight of 1500 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Saab is in general more than sufficient. But the weight of the Dethleffs with a User Payload (180 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is heavy. Try to move luggage from the caravan to the car and drive not too fast. 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
189
136
Mountains
Risk of snaking
186
106
Weight ratio: 87% (99% of kerbweight)
1500 kg
1720 kg
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Saab 9-3 2.2 TiD Dethleffs Rally Nomad DD 550
Actual Weights
Dethleffs Rally Nomad DD 550: 1500 kg.
Saab 9-3 2.2 TiD: 1720 kg.
Noseweight: 80 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 87%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 189 points).
Speeds of 68 mph (109 km/h) to 74 mph (119 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 136 points).
Slightly higher revs (2000 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 23.5 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally fairly good (score to compare 186 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 13%, 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 Saab is sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
The car is too heavily loaded.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 87%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 99%.
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 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 106 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 perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.