The Renault Espace 2.1 dT with a Sterling Eccles Emerald with an actual weight of 1383 kg is a match suitable for most journeys, sometimes with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Renault is in general moderate but for your use maybe sufficient. But the weight of the Sterling with a normally distributed User Payload (200 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
137
85
Mountains
Risk of snaking
94
126
Weight ratio: 83% (95% of kerbweight)
1383 kg
1663 kg
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Renault Espace 2.1 dT Sterling Eccles Emerald
Actual Weights
Sterling Eccles Emerald: 1383 kg.
Renault Espace 2.1 dT: 1663 kg.
Noseweight: 75 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 83%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally sufficient on flat roads (performance score to compare 137 points).
Speeds of 62 mph (100 km/h) to 69 mph (111 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only very moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 85 points).
Slightly higher revs (2500 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 35.1 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally (very) moderate (score to compare 94 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads but the performance is not that great. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 9%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 48 mph (77 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Renault 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 83%. 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 70 - 75 kg.
Towball limit is 50 kg (Check this on the type plate of your towbar!)
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 126 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 moderate but for your use maybe sufficient.
Proper and careful loading is still important!
It's a good match, sometimes with some limitations.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.