The Subaru Forester 2.5 XT with a Coachman Amara 520/4 with an actual weight of 1480 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Subaru is in general good. But the weight of the Coachman with a User Payload (161 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is quite heavy. Proper and careful loading is essential and don't drive too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
284
139
Mountains
Risk of snaking
333
121
Weight ratio: 84% (95% of kerbweight)
1480 kg
1760 kg
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Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Coachman Amara 520/4
Actual Weights
Coachman Amara 520/4: 1480 kg.
Subaru Forester 2.5 XT: 1760 kg.
Noseweight: 80 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 84%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally very good on flat roads (performance score to compare 284 points).
Speeds of 84 mph (136 km/h) to 89 mph (143 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 139 points).
Slightly higher revs (2200 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 12.3 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 333 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 22%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (3100 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 76 mph (123 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Subaru 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 84%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 95%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving exist. 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 knowledge of and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 80 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 121 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 good.
Proper and careful loading is still important!
It's a perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.