By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
Anybody who has improperly loaded a U-Haul trailer and experienced the ensuing fright at highway speeds will appreciate the latest technology available on two new SUVs.
Despite the fact that most trailers have the centerline clearly labeled, it can sometimes be hard to judge proper weight distribution. The end result of an improperly loaded trailer is violent swaying which can cause a loss of vehicle control leading to collisions, jackknifing or a rollover.
Chrysler and General Motors are incorporating new technologies into their SUVs helping to reduce the risk of accidents. The new technology uses the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and traction control system to help keep the vehicle on the road and the driver in control.
In late 2006, Chrysler engineers were the first in the industry to incorporate a Trailer Sway Control technology into full-size SUV, the 2007 Chrysler Aspen. In addition to the Trailer Sway technology, the Aspen uses Electronic Stability and Electronic Roll Mitigation to give drivers the highest level of control and should equate to one of the safest SUVs on the market. The Aspen has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) up to 14,000 pounds and a maximum trailer weight of 8,950 pounds.
The Aspen’s trailer sway control uses software to compare the vehicle’s movement and momentum to the driver’s intended path. If the Aspen’s yaw sensor detects a sway, not from the driver’s steering input, the system will kick in to apply the brakes on the one front wheel that would counteract the swaying. As the trailer continues to sway, the system will alternately apply the front brakes to lessen the swaying, while also reducing the vehicle’s speed using the rest of the brake system and reducing engine torque. 
As Saturn continues to improve its brand image with all-new vehicles, the 2008 Saturn Vue will be added to the lineup this year and will come standard with GM’s StabiliTrak system. While StabiliTrak is a common traction control system across GM’s gamut of cars, the 2008 Vue's system adds a Trailer Sway Control system.
While the 2008 Vue has a towing capacity of less than half of what the Aspen hauls, anyone experiencing the aforementioned U-Haul scenario knows that it really does not matter on the weight being hauled but rather the distribution of weight in the trailer. The V6-powered Saturn Vue models can have a maximum trailer weight of 3,500 pounds, while the four-cylinder models (including the Green Line hybrid) can tow up to 1,500 pounds. GM fully integrated its Trailer Sway Control program into the StabiliTrak system.
The Vue’s system reacts automatically but still relies on some driver input to fully protect against trailer sway. When the StabiliTrak system detects trailer sway, it automatically applies the brakes to help maintain vehicle control. A light on the instrument cluster will also flash to indicate to the driver to reduce the vehicle’s speed. If the system detects continual trailer sway, it will decrease engine torque and slow the vehicle.
Both systems are helping to ensure that the driver maintains complete control of the vehicle and keep the top-heavy SUVs planted firmly on all four tires.
[source: Saturn and Chrysler press releases]