The Volvo V70 D5 aut. with a Sterling Eccles SE Topaz with an actual weight of 1282 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 good. And also the weight of the Sterling with a User Payload (121 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is very good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
238
272
Mountains
Risk of snaking
303
198
Weight ratio: 67% (75% of kerbweight)
1282 kg
1909 kg
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Volvo V70 D5 aut. Sterling Eccles SE Topaz
Actual Weights
Sterling Eccles SE Topaz: 1282 kg.
Volvo V70 D5 aut.: 1909 kg.
Noseweight: 75 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 67%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 238 points).
Speeds of 76 mph (122 km/h) to 81 mph (131 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is a lot of power at low engine speeds (score to compare 272 points).
Higher revs (1600 rpm) are usually not necessary on flat roads, under most circumstances.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 16.9 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 303 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads (up to 25%). Not even on Hill starts.
On motorway inclines higher revs (2200 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 67 mph (108 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).
The car is too heavily loaded.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 67%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 75%.
The chance of snaking is small even at higher speeds.
Recommended noseweight is 75 kg.
Stability and safety score to compare is 198 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.