Let me think about that one for a moment... The subject of the thread is "will a tandem fit inside an SUV" and it was posted to the Tandem Cycling forum? Hmmmm.

FOO, Safety & Advocacy (much to my chagrin), as well as the Politics and Religion forums are great places to vent on environmentalism issues such as fuel economy, displeasure with SUVs, their owners, or other motor vehicle issues.

My bad for stirring the ashes with a postscript on the outcome of an incidental topic (the demise of a 4Runner that had been used to haul tandems) that was tied into this thread and including a reference to mpg. As always seems to happen in these forums, the mere mention of an SUV brings about snide remarks that may or may have no bearing on the actual topic and, apparently, so do high performance vehicles that don't always top the charts on fuel economy.

So, back to your question, yes. It would certainly help if you owned or rode tandems as part of your cycling regime or had some type of experience with regard to the issues associated with transporting tandem bicycles. Unlike 1/2 bikes (or personal bikes, if you prefer), tandems present unique logistical issues that make portage by vehicle as well as public transit, shuttle buses, trains, ships, and aircraft something that requires forethought and planning. However, if you've never been faced with that particular dilemma, then you may not have an appreciation for the implications and, in turn, an appreciation for why larger vehicles -- including SUVs -- are both a solution and a problem for many tandem teams. After all, given that tandems range in cost from a few hundred dollars to $13,000, with a great many "enthusiast level models" falling in the $3,000 - $7,000 range, the importance of being able to keep the bike out of the somewhat hostile environment that exists on the top of a vehicle moving at 65+ mph in a variety of weather conditions and seasons, as well as having a secure place to store it while attending events or in route to and from events during incidental stop-overs can become a driver for vehicle purchasing decisions. So, while some teams can get by hanging a tandem with the wheels removed from their two door coupe, others may find that a roof-top mount is a better "fit" for their needs (bearing in mind that many fuel efficient vehicles tend to become very fuel inefficient when forced to deal with the added wind drag of a roof-mounted bike or bikes), or that a mini-van, SAV, SUV, or full-sized truck balances all of their various needs.

Just my .02 as a former 4WD mini-truck and sports sedan owner who had to rethink vehicles as our involvement in tandeming became a larger part of our recreational pursuits.