The Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5 V6 with a Swift Conqueror 480 with an actual weight of 1555 kg is a match just suitable for most journeys but also with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Suzuki is in general more than sufficient. But the weight of the Swift with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is (too) heavy. Move the luggage from the caravan to the car and drive not too fast and carefully. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly. But even so, a starting caravan driver is better off choosing a smaller and less heavy caravan!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
211
169
Mountains
Risk of snaking
197
91
Weight ratio: 93% (105% of kerbweight)
1555 kg
1680 kg
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Number of useful calculations:
17
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5 V6 Swift Conqueror 480
Actual Weights
Swift Conqueror 480: 1555 kg.
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5 V6: 1680 kg.
Noseweight: 85 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 93%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 211 points).
Speeds of 72 mph (116 km/h) to 79 mph (128 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is sufficient power at low engine speeds (score to compare 169 points).
Slightly higher revs (2300 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 21.7 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally fairly good (score to compare 197 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 12%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines higher revs (4400 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 60 mph (96 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Suzuki 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.
The caravan is too heavily loaded.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 93%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 105%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving is great. 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 a lot of knowledge and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive slowly. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is definitely recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 85 kg.
Safe speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 91 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 more than sufficient.
Proper and careful loading is essential!
It's a fairly good match, only for experienced (caravan) drivers and with some limitations.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.