Weight

• The towing limit of the Volkswagen 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 60%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 66%.
• The chance of snaking is small even at higher speeds.
• Recommended noseweight is 70 kg.
• Stability and safety score to compare is 225 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 very 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.

Distribute the User Payload by yourself in the caravan and the car and then find out the stability rating of your loading configuration.

More information

More detailed information and specifically calculated top speeds and performance of this outfit.

Specifications

User Reviews

limecc reviewed a Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.8 V6 4-Motion aut.:

"I agree with the other reviewer here that four wheel drive is a MUST for towing. When you have had it you would find it very difficult to go back to slipping and sliding on icy roads or a muddy field.

Anyway, my Passat also has an LPG conversion, and it's just as well because towing the Fleetwood makes the economy dip to as low as 15mpg, but in price terms its still quite good (=30mpg). I'm towing at 93% and have checked the car and van several times on a local weighbridge to make sure and this was confirmed. Towing wise its far more stable than my old 1500kg single axle van, as you would expect from a twin axle, and I don't have to be so fussy about nose weight anymore. The only point of concern for me is worry about the gearbox overheating in the summer, so I will be having the OEM transmission cooler uprated soon.

The car has plenty of power on the motorways, but don't expect the same acceleration from roundabouts and traffic lights with a heavy van. This is the most noticeable thing, apart from the welcome extra stability from the second axle. This is a great towcar, but people do give you a few looks as they expect to see a huge 4x4 towing a van of this size. (Maybe it's in my head or they like the van!)"

See more Volkswagen Passat reviews.

Review your Volkswagen

Tell other caravanners what you think of your Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.8 V6 4-Motion aut. towing a Bailey Ranger 470/4 (1167 kg).

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