The Opel Frontera 3.2 with a Dethleffs Rally Nomad DD 520 with an actual weight of 1500 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 good. And also the weight of the Dethleffs with a User Payload (180 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is pretty good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
243
260
Mountains
Risk of snaking
262
162
Weight ratio: 73% (81% of kerbweight)
1500 kg
2061 kg
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Opel Frontera 3.2 Dethleffs Rally Nomad DD 520
Actual Weights
Dethleffs Rally Nomad DD 520: 1500 kg.
Opel Frontera 3.2: 2061 kg.
Noseweight: 80 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 73%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 243 points).
Speeds of 78 mph (125 km/h) to 84 mph (135 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is a lot of power at low engine speeds (score to compare 260 points).
Higher revs (2000 rpm) are usually not necessary on flat roads, under most circumstances.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 18 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 15%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines higher revs (3300 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 66 mph (107 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Opel is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you will need a B+E (or B96) driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 73%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 81%.
There is a small chance of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are great at high speed. For drivers with knowledge of, and experience in driving a caravan it is safe to drive, but proper and careful loading is still important! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is worth considering.
Recommended noseweight is 80 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 162 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 good.
If the caravan is well loaded 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.