AWD*V70XC
04-16-2006, 03:55 PM
I know it has been talked about on previous threads, and a lot over on the '90 board so here is a non sided, non spec'ed look at choosing your car and some towing tips that might have a broarder view on the aspect of towing rather than the car you drive. Picking out the right towing vehicle - especially one that's agreeable as a standalone driver, too - can be a very difficult decision. Most dealers wouldn't allow you to actually hook up your trailer and actually test it out. Much of what you have to go by has to depend on the vehicle's specs, its towing capacity, and your on-road impressions. But even once you think you've chosen a model, there are likely a lot of choices to be made about the engine and transmission, the suspension, comfort and luxury features, and whether you want two- or four-wheel drove. Here's some background information, and a brief rundown of some of these important choices:
Know the weight of your trailer. Look for the trailer's gross weight rating. If you can't find it, or if you always have a particular payload (like a particular boat or jet skis), and you have access to a tow vehicle, bring it to a truck stop and weigh the trailer section.
Consider the weight to be carried in your vehicle. Every vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the maximum permissible weight of everything onboard your vehicle, including the vehicle itself plus passengers, cargo, and fuel. Estimate the weight of all your vacation gear, passengers, and luggage that's going to be in the vehicle, then add the weight. If you'll be carrying close to the maximum GVWR while towing near the maximum towing weight, you should forget about that particular vehicle and go to something with more load and towing capacity.
Sedan, wagon, minivan, SUV, or pickup? For no-nonsense hauling, heavy-duty pickups with towing packages and big diesel engines can't be beat. But for towing a small boat or a pop-up camping trailer on the weekends, or occasionally bringing a flatbed trailer of trash to the dump, you don't necessarily need a truck. You might be able to get by with a passenger vehicle - maybe even a compact - if the load to be towed is less than 1000 pounds. Check with the vehicle's tow rating. Beware, though, that seemingly similar vehicles (in power, size, and weight) can have quite different towing capacities, and some vehicles don't allow towing at all.
Are unit-body SUVs okay for heavy hauling? Full-frame vehicles and traditional trucks are still a better choice for hauling very heavy loads, but for lighter trailers, modern unit-body vehicles are just fine. The tow hitch can be attached directly to the frame with pickups and full-frame SUVs, sparing the rest of the body from strain - but it's just attached to the body or bumper in a unit-body vehicle. If you tow heavy loads regularly in a unit-body vehicle, you're likely to find more creaks, rattles, and body integrity issues. If you just tow occasionally on weekends, it's nothing to worry about.
Front-, rear-, all-, or four-wheel-drive? The undisputed choice for serious towing is rear-wheel drive. It offers better traction and stability compared to front-wheel drive. Truck-style four-wheel drive is not advised, as it should never be used while towing, and it just adds weight. All-wheel-drive systems are a mixed bag: some aid in towing, while others have a reduced towing capacity and are vulnerable to added wear or damage from towing. If you're thinking about the all-wheel-drive model, check that the trailer capacity for the all-wheel-drive model is similar to the two-wheel-drive version. Some of the more sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems will change the proportion of torque going to the front and rear to compensate for any change in stability due to the trailer - these systems are typically available on the car-like SUVs that are otherwise front-wheel drive.
Automatic or manual? Automatic transmission is usually the best choice for towing. A manual is okay only for experienced, careful shifters. With automatic, just remember a few precautions: make sure your vehicle has a transmission cooler, keep a gently throttle foot when possible, and remember to always disable overdrive to prevent excessive wear.
Choose an engine with plenty of low-rpm torque. Think torque - rather than horsepower - for towing. If the terrain permits, see how confident the vehicle can accelerate from a stop up a steep hill. Diesels really excel in towing, and they're a good choice when available due to their better mileage and long-term durability. Finally, beware that if you choose a smaller engine for economy, it might be so strained that it actually uses more fuel than the larger engine, not to mention all the extra engine wear.
Option up to the heavy-duty hardware. Make sure you get a vehicle with the special towing package if it's available. It should include an oil cooler, transmission fluid cooler, heavy-duty alternator and battery, higher-capacity rear springs, and possibly a stabilizer bar (or larger one than standard). Trucks might also get a lower final drive ratio (a higher number means lower gearing - desirable for towing) and heavy-duty differential. Don't get a stripped-down version of the vehicle you want thinking to add all of these things as needed. It will likely void your warranty.
Be sure you get the right hitch installed. Tow-capable vehicles come with three different types of hitches: Class 1 (up to 2000 pounds), Class II (up to 3500 lb), and Class III (up to 10,000 lb).
If it's not obvious by now, choosing a tow vehicle usually involves compromises. Almost certainly, the best tow vehicle won't be the quietest, the most comfortable, or the best-performing on the road, but it'll get you and your trailer's cargo reliably and safely to your destination.
For many Americans, Labor Day Weekend is a time to cherish the last days of summer out on the boat, in the camper, or with jet skis or ATVs. The AAA estimates that a near-record 28.3 million people will be traveling on U.S. roads over the holiday weekend this year, and more people will be pulling trailers than nearly any other time of the year. We at TCC thought this to be a good time to provide some tips and reminders on safe trailer towing for those of you who don't do it all the time.
There's quite a bit of preparation work involved in safe towing. Just dropping the trailer on the hitch and going isn't enough. Follow these tips to make sure you don't have trouble, or make trouble, on the road:
Use the right equipment. Check with your local trailer store and make sure you have the correct hardware for the type of trailer you have, your vehicle, and the weight you want to pull. Always use a safety chain.
Load the trailer for stability. Distribute your load evenly from side to side, and bias it slightly toward the front of the trailer so that about 60 percent of the weight is in front of the axle.
Don't overload. NEVER exceed the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of your vehicle. This is the maximum permissible weight of vehicle, trailer, passengers, and onboard cargo combined. Maximum trailer-towing capacity is sometimes given based on either two or four people on board the towing vehicle, or sometimes based on a full load, so read your owner's manual and make sure everything adds up.
Check all the lights. Make sure all lights work on the tow vehicle and the trailer. Check the wiring harness for the brake lights and make sure it's not cracked or frayed.
Do a "shakedown" run. Take a short practice run around the block and make sure the setup feels stable. If not, go back and remove some weight or seek an alternative.
On the road, you'll have to adjust your normal driving habits to stay safe with a trailer. Here are some recommendations:
Slow down! Let faster-moving vehicles pass. Most trailer companies recommend a maximum of 45 mph for single-axle trailers and 55 mph for double-axle trailers or ones with full-size wheels.
Allow extra space. Your vehicle is slower to react, due to the added weight, so you must give yourself more reaction time. Plan turns and lane changes well in advance, give yourself four seconds of reaction time to the vehicle ahead of you, and don't tailgate.
Check mirrors frequently. Periodically glancing in the mirror will allow you to see potential problems with the trailer before they lead to serious ones. Use wide-view side mirrors if possible, as they give a better view.
Keep both hands on the wheel. Be prepared for strong crosswinds and buffeting from passing trucks and RVs. Also look out for grooved or rutted pavement, which can make a trailer less stable.
Avoid sudden stops and starts. This saves your towing vehicle from excessive wear, and also assures that the objects being towed will be less likely to shift.
Use lower gears when needed. In most cases, especially if the load is close to the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle, shifting out of the overdrive top gear may actually boost gas mileage and save wear on the engine and transmission. Shift down on downhill grades and don't let speed build up. Speeding downhill may upset the balance of the trailer and lead to a loss of handling control.
Be alert! Take frequent breaks (once every two hours is recommended) and avoid night driving. Driving with a trailer requires more attention and concentration.
Check tire pressures. Check all the tire pressures frequently in both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
If, at any time, the trailer "snakes," or fishtails out to the side, do not brake, accelerate, or try to countersteer. Coast down, with the steering wheel straight, until the trailer is under control. Stop immediately and check to see if the load in the trailer has shifted. Also do a safety check of the hitch and tires.
Remember that speeding while towing puts tremendous, costly wear on your tow vehicle, and it also puts other travelers in jeopardy. Use some common sense, take your time getting there, and have fun!
Have FUN TCC.
Know the weight of your trailer. Look for the trailer's gross weight rating. If you can't find it, or if you always have a particular payload (like a particular boat or jet skis), and you have access to a tow vehicle, bring it to a truck stop and weigh the trailer section.
Consider the weight to be carried in your vehicle. Every vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the maximum permissible weight of everything onboard your vehicle, including the vehicle itself plus passengers, cargo, and fuel. Estimate the weight of all your vacation gear, passengers, and luggage that's going to be in the vehicle, then add the weight. If you'll be carrying close to the maximum GVWR while towing near the maximum towing weight, you should forget about that particular vehicle and go to something with more load and towing capacity.
Sedan, wagon, minivan, SUV, or pickup? For no-nonsense hauling, heavy-duty pickups with towing packages and big diesel engines can't be beat. But for towing a small boat or a pop-up camping trailer on the weekends, or occasionally bringing a flatbed trailer of trash to the dump, you don't necessarily need a truck. You might be able to get by with a passenger vehicle - maybe even a compact - if the load to be towed is less than 1000 pounds. Check with the vehicle's tow rating. Beware, though, that seemingly similar vehicles (in power, size, and weight) can have quite different towing capacities, and some vehicles don't allow towing at all.
Are unit-body SUVs okay for heavy hauling? Full-frame vehicles and traditional trucks are still a better choice for hauling very heavy loads, but for lighter trailers, modern unit-body vehicles are just fine. The tow hitch can be attached directly to the frame with pickups and full-frame SUVs, sparing the rest of the body from strain - but it's just attached to the body or bumper in a unit-body vehicle. If you tow heavy loads regularly in a unit-body vehicle, you're likely to find more creaks, rattles, and body integrity issues. If you just tow occasionally on weekends, it's nothing to worry about.
Front-, rear-, all-, or four-wheel-drive? The undisputed choice for serious towing is rear-wheel drive. It offers better traction and stability compared to front-wheel drive. Truck-style four-wheel drive is not advised, as it should never be used while towing, and it just adds weight. All-wheel-drive systems are a mixed bag: some aid in towing, while others have a reduced towing capacity and are vulnerable to added wear or damage from towing. If you're thinking about the all-wheel-drive model, check that the trailer capacity for the all-wheel-drive model is similar to the two-wheel-drive version. Some of the more sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems will change the proportion of torque going to the front and rear to compensate for any change in stability due to the trailer - these systems are typically available on the car-like SUVs that are otherwise front-wheel drive.
Automatic or manual? Automatic transmission is usually the best choice for towing. A manual is okay only for experienced, careful shifters. With automatic, just remember a few precautions: make sure your vehicle has a transmission cooler, keep a gently throttle foot when possible, and remember to always disable overdrive to prevent excessive wear.
Choose an engine with plenty of low-rpm torque. Think torque - rather than horsepower - for towing. If the terrain permits, see how confident the vehicle can accelerate from a stop up a steep hill. Diesels really excel in towing, and they're a good choice when available due to their better mileage and long-term durability. Finally, beware that if you choose a smaller engine for economy, it might be so strained that it actually uses more fuel than the larger engine, not to mention all the extra engine wear.
Option up to the heavy-duty hardware. Make sure you get a vehicle with the special towing package if it's available. It should include an oil cooler, transmission fluid cooler, heavy-duty alternator and battery, higher-capacity rear springs, and possibly a stabilizer bar (or larger one than standard). Trucks might also get a lower final drive ratio (a higher number means lower gearing - desirable for towing) and heavy-duty differential. Don't get a stripped-down version of the vehicle you want thinking to add all of these things as needed. It will likely void your warranty.
Be sure you get the right hitch installed. Tow-capable vehicles come with three different types of hitches: Class 1 (up to 2000 pounds), Class II (up to 3500 lb), and Class III (up to 10,000 lb).
If it's not obvious by now, choosing a tow vehicle usually involves compromises. Almost certainly, the best tow vehicle won't be the quietest, the most comfortable, or the best-performing on the road, but it'll get you and your trailer's cargo reliably and safely to your destination.
For many Americans, Labor Day Weekend is a time to cherish the last days of summer out on the boat, in the camper, or with jet skis or ATVs. The AAA estimates that a near-record 28.3 million people will be traveling on U.S. roads over the holiday weekend this year, and more people will be pulling trailers than nearly any other time of the year. We at TCC thought this to be a good time to provide some tips and reminders on safe trailer towing for those of you who don't do it all the time.
There's quite a bit of preparation work involved in safe towing. Just dropping the trailer on the hitch and going isn't enough. Follow these tips to make sure you don't have trouble, or make trouble, on the road:
Use the right equipment. Check with your local trailer store and make sure you have the correct hardware for the type of trailer you have, your vehicle, and the weight you want to pull. Always use a safety chain.
Load the trailer for stability. Distribute your load evenly from side to side, and bias it slightly toward the front of the trailer so that about 60 percent of the weight is in front of the axle.
Don't overload. NEVER exceed the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of your vehicle. This is the maximum permissible weight of vehicle, trailer, passengers, and onboard cargo combined. Maximum trailer-towing capacity is sometimes given based on either two or four people on board the towing vehicle, or sometimes based on a full load, so read your owner's manual and make sure everything adds up.
Check all the lights. Make sure all lights work on the tow vehicle and the trailer. Check the wiring harness for the brake lights and make sure it's not cracked or frayed.
Do a "shakedown" run. Take a short practice run around the block and make sure the setup feels stable. If not, go back and remove some weight or seek an alternative.
On the road, you'll have to adjust your normal driving habits to stay safe with a trailer. Here are some recommendations:
Slow down! Let faster-moving vehicles pass. Most trailer companies recommend a maximum of 45 mph for single-axle trailers and 55 mph for double-axle trailers or ones with full-size wheels.
Allow extra space. Your vehicle is slower to react, due to the added weight, so you must give yourself more reaction time. Plan turns and lane changes well in advance, give yourself four seconds of reaction time to the vehicle ahead of you, and don't tailgate.
Check mirrors frequently. Periodically glancing in the mirror will allow you to see potential problems with the trailer before they lead to serious ones. Use wide-view side mirrors if possible, as they give a better view.
Keep both hands on the wheel. Be prepared for strong crosswinds and buffeting from passing trucks and RVs. Also look out for grooved or rutted pavement, which can make a trailer less stable.
Avoid sudden stops and starts. This saves your towing vehicle from excessive wear, and also assures that the objects being towed will be less likely to shift.
Use lower gears when needed. In most cases, especially if the load is close to the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle, shifting out of the overdrive top gear may actually boost gas mileage and save wear on the engine and transmission. Shift down on downhill grades and don't let speed build up. Speeding downhill may upset the balance of the trailer and lead to a loss of handling control.
Be alert! Take frequent breaks (once every two hours is recommended) and avoid night driving. Driving with a trailer requires more attention and concentration.
Check tire pressures. Check all the tire pressures frequently in both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
If, at any time, the trailer "snakes," or fishtails out to the side, do not brake, accelerate, or try to countersteer. Coast down, with the steering wheel straight, until the trailer is under control. Stop immediately and check to see if the load in the trailer has shifted. Also do a safety check of the hitch and tires.
Remember that speeding while towing puts tremendous, costly wear on your tow vehicle, and it also puts other travelers in jeopardy. Use some common sense, take your time getting there, and have fun!
Have FUN TCC.