Ford Transit Connect 1.5 TDCi 100 Caravan as an example
Advice with maximum weight
We do not recommend towing a caravan that is heavier than 1350 kg kg with this Ford.
In this advice we assume an average caravan with a weight of 1350 kg. Remember that the exact performance depends on the chosen caravan and that air resistance and dimensions have an influence.
Performance
Weight
The maximum train weight is exceeded by 122 kg!
The Ford Transit Connect 1.5 TDCi 100 with a Caravan as an example with an actual weight of 1350 kg is in general a good match and suitable for journeys on most kinds of roads, sometimes with some limitations in the mountains.
The motor preformance of the Ford is in general sufficient. And also the weight of the Caravan with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is not too heavy, if the caravan is well loaded.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
173
141
Mountains
Risk of snaking
152
155
Weight ratio: 77% (87% of kerbweight)
1350 kg
1752 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!
Number of useful calculations:
x
Ford Transit Connect 1.5 TDCi 100 Caravan as an example
Actual Weights
Caravan as an example: 1350 kg.
Ford Transit Connect 1.5 TDCi 100: 1752 kg.
Noseweight: 75 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 77%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 173 points).
Speeds of 66 mph (107 km/h) to 73 mph (118 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 141 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 28 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally fairly good (score to compare 152 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 12%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 54 mph (87 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The maximum train weight is exceeded by 122 kg (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 77%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 87%.
There is a small chance of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are great at high speed. For drivers with knowledge of, and experience in driving a caravan it is safe to drive, but proper and careful loading is still important! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is worth considering.
Recommended noseweight is 75 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 155 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 sufficient.
If the caravan is well loaded safe driving is possible.
It's a good match, sometimes with some limitations in the mountains.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.