Thule makes trailers for compact crossovers and wagons

Compact crossover utility vehicles and compact "sport wagons" are becoming increasingly popular. But while they may offer enhanced fuel economy figures, they also have smaller cargo capacity and trailer-towing numbers.

To help provide the carrying capacity that active families need, car-top carrier company Thule launched its Adventure trailer series. The Swedish company has been building such trailers in Europe for quite a while. In 2004, it acquired a trailer company in Maine and in 2006 launched snowmobile, ATV, motorcycle and two sizes of "sport utility" trailers that are manufactured in Maine or at Thule's facility in Chicago.

The sport utility trailers are the Model 1700, with a 4x7-foot bed, and the Model 1500, with a 3.5x5-foot bed.

Both have a galvanized steel chassis, a locking and removable composite lid made from the same material as Thule's venerable and aerodynamic car-top carrier boxes, as well as a drop-down tailgate. The trailers ride on torsion-axle suspension and 13-inch tires.

Both models attach to a standard two-inch trailer hitch receiver.

The 1700 had a suggested retail price of $1,499 and the 1500 ran $1,199. DISCONTINUED BY THULE IN 2010 SOON TO BE OFFERED BY WWW.VERSATRAILER.US

Thule Trailers' Jeff Simmons noted that Thule's Adventure trailers may be more expensive than competitors' non-galvanized and open trailers but cost less than similar sized and fully enclosed trailers, especially those made from aluminum.

He added that the Adventure series trailers not only are lightweight to make them easier to tow – the 1700 weights 400 pounds and the 1500 is 220 pounds -- but are designed to store standing on their tailgate, so they can be kept in a garage rather than having to stay outdoors.

The 1700 can carry 1250 pounds of cargo and the 1500 has a capacity of 1100 pounds.

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