The Opel Meriva 1.7 CDTi with a Coachman Amara 380/2 with an actual weight of 1195 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Opel is in general fairly good. And also the weight of the Coachman with a User Payload (128 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is very good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
227
204
Mountains
Risk of snaking
262
193
Weight ratio: 69% (80% of kerbweight)
1195 kg
1728 kg
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Opel Meriva 1.7 CDTi Coachman Amara 380/2
Actual Weights
Coachman Amara 380/2: 1195 kg.
Opel Meriva 1.7 CDTi: 1728 kg.
Noseweight: 70 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 69%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 227 points).
Speeds of 74 mph (119 km/h) to 79 mph (128 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 204 points).
Slightly higher revs (1700 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 18.4 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 262 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 18%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (2700 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 65 mph (105 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 69%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 80%.
The chance of snaking is small even at higher speeds.
Recommended noseweight is 70 kg.
Stability and safety score to compare is 193 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.
Safe driving is possible.
It's a perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.