The Volvo S80 2.4 aut. with a Lunar Chateau 500 with an actual weight of 1320 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Volvo is in general fairly good. And also the weight of the Lunar with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is pretty good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
226
164
Mountains
Risk of snaking
251
173
Weight ratio: 72% (80% of kerbweight)
1320 kg
1845 kg
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Volvo S80 2.4 aut. Lunar Chateau 500
Actual Weights
Lunar Chateau 500: 1320 kg.
Volvo S80 2.4 aut.: 1845 kg.
Noseweight: 75 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 72%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 226 points).
Speeds of 74 mph (119 km/h) to 79 mph (128 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is sufficient power at low engine speeds (score to compare 164 points).
Slightly higher revs (2400 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 18.7 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 251 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 16%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (3900 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 64 mph (104 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Volvo 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 72%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 80%.
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 75 kg.
Safe speed up to 62 mph (100 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 173 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.
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.