I'd guess the type of rear suspension is as important (or more) than the axle to hitch length.
Some "performance" suspension designs (with lots of wheel travel) allow more side to side movement than others- a panhard bar would help to control lateral movement as much as anything. Soft coil springs (independant suspension/ McPherson struts) are probably bad, leaf springs with overload supports possibly better.
My guess is that simple leaf designs with stiffer springs are what make pickups better tow vehicles than many SUVs with softer springs. Your overhang theory would suggest SUVs are 25% more stable while towing???
Many foreign SUV suspensions are closer to car designs (designed more for comfort than utility) than the more rugged US designs that evolved from (heavier) pickups- Im sure exceptons exist on both sides.
|