Expert Weighs in with Trailer Tips for SUVS, Minivans

    CHICAGO, Feb. 12 With SUVs and minivans like those shown
at the Chicago Auto Show comprising half of all new passenger vehicles sold,
more drivers are considering adding towable RVs to their vacation arsenals.
But what do you need to know to successfully match your SUV or minivan with a
trailer?

    "Start with four basic pieces of information," says Bill Mirrielees, an
exhibitor at the 33rd Annual RV, Camping & Van Show, running Wednesday through
Sunday at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, and general manager of
Crystal Valley RV, Crystal Lake.

    -- First, know what size engine is in your tow vehicle.
    -- Second, know whether the vehicle is two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
    -- Third, know the rear axle ratio.
    -- Finally, make sure the vehicle has a "hitch package," consisting of a
       hitch, a transmission and oil cooler, and a wiring harness for easy
       connection to the trailer.

    "Towing causes a vehicle's engine and transmission to work harder and run
hotter, making it necessary to have cooling capabilities over and above those
of an ordinary vehicle," Mirrielees says.  The rear axle ratio is a number
(such as 3.73 to 1 or 4.10 to 1) representing how many turns the vehicle's
drive shaft makes in relation to the wheel turning.  The higher the rear axle
ratio, the higher the vehicle's torque and the more weight a vehicle can tow.

    "One critical misconception many people and some minivan and SUV dealers
make is that vehicles tow length -- as in 'this vehicle can tow a 26-foot
trailer,'" Mirrielees explains.  "That is completely false.  Vehicles tow
weight, not length.  What matters is how many pounds that vehicle is capable
of towing."

    Mirrielees offers these tips for trailer buyers:

    -- Consider picking the trailer you want first, then shopping for the SUV
       or minivan; that way you'll go into the SUV or van dealership armed
       with the exact specs you need to buy a vehicle that can handle your
       trailer.  An RV dealer is usually more qualified when it comes to
       towing knowledge than a vehicle dealer -- who might say anything to get
       you to drive an SUV off his or her lot "today!"

    -- Be aware that an SUV on a dealer's lot can appear identical to the two
       vehicles next to it, yet the three models can have three different rear
       axle ratios with each gradient representing the ability to pull 500 to
       1,000 lbs.

    -- Remember that your vehicle will not only be pulling the weight of the
       trailer, but also another 1,000 to 2,000 lbs. of supplies and luggage.
       Look for a trailer with a completely enclosed underbelly, which cuts
       drag and makes the unit easier to tow.