The Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi with a Elddis Avante 540 with an actual weight of 1433 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Ford is in general fairly good. But the weight of the Elddis with a User Payload (152 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is quite heavy, but no problem if the caravan is well loaded and the driving speed is not 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
222
239
Mountains
Risk of snaking
250
137
Weight ratio: 80% (90% of kerbweight)
1433 kg
1784 kg
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Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Elddis Avante 540
Actual Weights
Elddis Avante 540: 1433 kg.
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi: 1784 kg.
Noseweight: 80 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 80%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 222 points).
Speeds of 74 mph (119 km/h) to 80 mph (129 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 239 points).
Higher revs (1600 rpm) are usually not necessary on flat roads, under most circumstances.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 20.1 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 250 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 17%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (2700 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 64 mph (103 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Ford 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 80%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 90%.
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 80 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 137 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 still important!
It's a perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.