We do not recommend towing a caravan that is heavier than 1250 kg kg with this Opel.
In this advice we assume an average caravan with a weight of 1250 kg. Remember that the exact performance depends on the chosen caravan and that air resistance and dimensions have an influence.
Performance
Weight
The Opel Rekord 1.9 with a Caravan as an example with an actual weight of 1250 kg is a match just suitable for most journeys but also with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Opel is in general bad but for your use maybe sufficient. The weight of the Caravan with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), kgis 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
75
57
Mountains
Risk of snaking
9
110
Weight ratio: 89% (104% of kerbweight)
1250 kg
1400 kg
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Opel Rekord 1.9 Caravan as an example
Actual Weights
Caravan as an example: 1250 kg.
Opel Rekord 1.9: 1400 kg.
Noseweight: 70 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 89%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally (very) moderate on flat roads (performance score to compare 75 points).
Speeds of 52 mph (84 km/h) to 61 mph (99 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only very moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 57 points).
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 44 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally (very) moderate (score to compare 9 points).
Performance is not great on steep mountain roads. Hill starts more than 7% requires experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 38 mph (61 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Opel is 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 89%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 104%.
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 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 110 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 bad but for your use maybe sufficient.
Proper and careful loading is still important!
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.