The Peugeot 407 Berline 2.0 HDI 16v with a Bessacarr Cameo 525 with an actual weight of 1598 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Peugeot is in general fairly good. But the weight of the Bessacarr with a normally distributed User Payload (200 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
217
186
Mountains
Risk of snaking
236
98
Weight ratio: 89% (101% of kerbweight)
1598 kg
1805 kg
Free does not exist
Good and independent information cannot be free on the Internet.
You can continue to use the TowCarCalculator by paying a contribution towards the costs of this website.
Please be so kind as to donate a small contribution to Caravantrekker for every useful calculation you made.
Thank you!
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 217 points).
Speeds of 73 mph (117 km/h) to 78 mph (126 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is sufficient power at low engine speeds (score to compare 186 points).
Slightly higher revs (1800 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 20.4 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally good (score to compare 236 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 16%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (3100 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 63 mph (101 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Peugeot 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 101%.
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 fairly good.
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.