The Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi with a Caravan with an actual weight of 200 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 good. And also the weight of the Caravan with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is very good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
223
209
Mountains
Risk of snaking
301
343
Weight ratio: 13% (15% of kerbweight)
200 kg
1572 kg
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Number of useful calculations:
39
Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Caravan
Actual Weights
Caravan : 200 kg.
Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi: 1572 kg.
Noseweight: 50 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 13%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 223 points).
Speeds of 70 mph (113 km/h) to 76 mph (122 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 209 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 13.7 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 301 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads (up to 25%). Not even on Hill starts.
On motorway inclines higher revs (2300 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 66 mph (106 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 13%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 15%.
The chance of snaking is small even at higher speeds.
Recommended noseweight is 50 kg.
Stability and safety score to compare is 343 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.
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.