Renault Megane III Estate 1.5 dCi Swift Challenger 480
Performance
Weight
The towing limit is exceeded by 91 kg!
It is not allowed to drive with this Swift. Make sure the towing limit is correct.
We now give advice based on the assumption that the legal maximum towing weight is higher for your car and that the car should be allowed to tow this caravan!
The Renault Megane III Estate 1.5 dCi with a Swift Challenger 480 with an actual weight of 1391 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Renault is in general more than sufficient. But the weight of the Swift 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
180
136
Mountains
Risk of snaking
172
101
Weight ratio: 87% (101% of kerbweight)
1391 kg
1606 kg
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Renault Megane III Estate 1.5 dCi Swift Challenger 480
Actual Weights
Swift Challenger 480: 1391 kg.
Renault Megane III Estate 1.5 dCi: 1606 kg.
Noseweight: 75 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 87%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 180 points).
Speeds of 67 mph (108 km/h) to 73 mph (118 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 136 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 26 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally fairly good (score to compare 172 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 13%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 56 mph (90 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit is exceeded by 91 kg (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 87%. 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 75 kg.
Safe speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 101 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 more than sufficient.
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.