The Subaru Forester 2.5 XT aut. with a Coachman Amara 550/5 with an actual weight of 1590 kg is a match just suitable for most journeys but also with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Subaru is in general good. But the weight of the Coachman with a User Payload (198 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
266
136
Mountains
Risk of snaking
318
98
Weight ratio: 89% (100% of kerbweight)
1590 kg
1785 kg
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Subaru Forester 2.5 XT aut. Coachman Amara 550/5
Actual Weights
Coachman Amara 550/5: 1590 kg.
Subaru Forester 2.5 XT aut.: 1785 kg.
Noseweight: 85 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 89%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally very good on flat roads (performance score to compare 266 points).
Speeds of 81 mph (131 km/h) to 86 mph (139 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 136 points).
Slightly higher revs (2300 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 14.6 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 318 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 73 mph (117 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, you will need a B+E (or B96) driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 89%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 100%.
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 85 kg.
Safe speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 98 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 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.