The Ford S-Max 2.5 20v Turbo with a Compass Corona 544 with an actual weight of 1470 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 very good. But the weight of the Compass with a User Payload (183 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is quite heavy, but no problem if the caravan is well loaded and the driving speed is not too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
270
292
Mountains
Risk of snaking
316
143
Weight ratio: 78% (87% of kerbweight)
1470 kg
1881 kg
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Ford S-Max 2.5 20v Turbo Compass Corona 544
Actual Weights
Compass Corona 544: 1470 kg.
Ford S-Max 2.5 20v Turbo: 1881 kg.
Noseweight: 80 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 78%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally very good on flat roads (performance score to compare 270 points).
Speeds of 82 mph (132 km/h) to 87 mph (140 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is a lot of power at low engine speeds (score to compare 292 points).
Higher revs (1800 rpm) are usually not necessary on flat roads, under most circumstances.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 14 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 316 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 20%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (2800 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 73 mph (118 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, you will need a B+E (or B96) driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 78%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 87%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving exist. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are so great that it could be dangerous. Only if the driver has knowledge of and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 80 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 143 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.
Proper and careful loading is still important!
It's a perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.