[f5fstop]

No idea on the towing issue, I haven't towed anything in years. However, I agree, that size of a trailer, in my opinion, should not affect the steering that much.

As for the smell...only thing I can think of is not related to fluids, but I know on some earlier vehices with towing package, they forgot to tie-strap the harness and it lays on the muffler. I happened to see mine one day, and it was starting to burn through the insulation's convering.

Is there any fluid leakage that could be hitting an exhaust part?

The case should not have a problem, as long as the fluid is at the correct level. If you have an early model, the dealer was supposed to add extra fluid prior to selling the vehicle. One way to check, see if you have a slip of paper in the owner's manual that has an update on the correct fluid level for the case.

Or to be sure, send me, via the PM, your last eight digits of your VIN and I'll see if your vehicle was affected.