Hi all - I'm thinking about another tow car and I have been looking at the RAV 4 range. Does anyone have/tow with one of the these around the 1350kg all-up van weight? I am getting mixed messages on the 'net' about them. Advise please.
Regards
We have a 2003 2ltr petrol Rav4 5 door and tow a 2006 Abbey Aventura 318 1215kg/1415kg and it tows it very well, country lanes, A roads and motorways, pretty sure our Rav can tow up to 1500kg, we only take the basics and a lightweight porch awning.
A friend tows an Avondale Dart 525/4 with his 2010 manual model.Note that from about 2007 they only have a can of sealer, no spare wheel.If fitting tow-bar get the Toyota wiring as he did, it just all plugs in.
I'm one who has mixed feelings about the Rav4, (I had a '54 reg diesel). We used ours for three seasons pulling as van, 1325kg mtplm. It was OK as a tow vehicle, but just 'OK'. the car kerbweight was 1454 kg and I believe the petrol versions are lighter, so a bit borderline I would think. The max towing weight was 1500 kg, but of course that would have been over 100%.
We also had an issue with the turbo, which, when towing, let us down several times, without warning, by just cutting the engine to tickover. It only happened when towing and three garages couldn't resolve the issue.
The other irritation with it was that the back door wouldn't open with a conventional towbar fitted - had to have a detachable. Possibly doesn't apply to newer versions.
Running solo I had no problems - quite liked the car. Of course the turbo issue was just my particular car; but the weight of a particular model in the range needs to be considered for your needs.
Good luck with your search!
David
just had a look at the v5c for our Rav section 4g, 1480kg as it came from the factory, all fluids plus fuel, but no driver, passengers or luggage. With the van in tow we have driver and passenger plus tv, trolley jack etc in the Rav. This must take our Rav up to at least 1600kg's, not actually weighed our van but would think it to be somewhere between 1300-1400kgs when we go away (1215kg from the factory) As I said before the Rav tows it very well. As for the tow bar I bought and fitted a witter with fixed towball/twin electrics (£111.00 Atlas towbars in Wigan), the rear door opens fully without the van hitched up, but is restricted when hitched (you can still open it but only a bit)
That includes fuel and driver. Its not as heavy as you think.
It may tow it well, A lot of modern cars will tow wel in excess of their limits.
I had a RangeRover Max tow 3.5tons. The manual stated in an emergency it was permissible to tow 7.5tons in low range with the diff lock engaged.
You may want to pop the whole outfit on the weighbridge.
I remember a letter in one of teh caravan mags brand new caravan was way heavier than its stated figures. Miles over the +/- 5% they print.
I think it left him with under 50kg for all his water containers and fluids.
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Topic: Toyota RAV 4
