Rav 4 Towing

RonM · Newbie

Rav 4 Towing

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang RonM, enjoy here and out in the playground.

You seem to know they can't tow all that weight so all good there.

I had a Rav4 many moons back now and I really liked it. I just needed to go bigger for my future plans at the time. That said, when I have to come to a grinding halt with my now lifestyle I would not hesitate going back to a Rav4.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Possum3 · Guru

Welcome to GN's RonM, Great choice RAV4 - neighbour bought a 2020 plated one last week very pretty little truck.
Ensure you download all the free technical reports and check-lists at www.caravancouncil.com.au/ to ensure you get correct advice regarding towing.

yobarr · Guru

RonM wrote:
Hi new to the site and this is first post We are awaiting the delivery of our new Rav 4 Hybrid AWD Cruiser 1500kg towing limit Any information regarding experience towing a camper/ caravan with this or similar model would be appreciated. I realise what the terrain limitations are but are ok with that Looking forward to your thoughts Regards Ron .

Hi Ron....a preliminary check shows this to be a good little bus,with 150kg towball weight and a good GVM.However,it is vital that you ascertain the GCM, (Gross Combination Mass),or total allowable weight of car and van.Today I will see what I can find for you....you might like to contact the dealer that sold you the car? Cheers

Bobdown · Guru

My missus has a 2017 Rav 4 GXL, great little car, but putting an 7 x 4 box trailer with a cage on it to go to Perth once, she said it was like driving with a parachute out the back.

Not intended as a tug I don't think.

Cheers Bob

yobarr · Guru

Bobdown wrote:
My missus has a 2017 Rav 4 GXL, great little car, but putting an 7 x 4 box trailer with a cage on it to go to Perth once, she said it was like driving with a parachute out the back.
Not intended as a tug I don't think.
Cheers Bob

Good comments Bob....I was being a little more diplomatic,but RAV 4s and caravans are not good mate,in my opinion. Still to track down GCM.Cheers

Whenarewethere · Guru

May be the roof is less of an anchor!

5893992265102537776~2.jpg

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I towed a small 2 birth Cub Camper Trailer, all the camping gear needed, my late wife and myself, without any dramas. We had good times in it.

KJB · Guru

Cub Campermatic - great concept , great little camper , light , cheap , user friendly. We bought one second hand in 1980 , towed it with a Commodore wagon and travelled the Outback with 3 kids....great times.

RAV 4 should handle one easily - I have seen the "narrow" version behind a motorbike.

-- Edited by KJB on Wednesday 20th of January 2021 04:56:15 PM

RonM · Newbie

Thankyou What a good response I am looking at the Technical Reports Dougwe and Yobarr here are the Toyota Specs Kerg weight 1620kg GVM 2125KG Toyota dont give a GCM in the spec sheet but I found this not sure how reliable GCM 3630 KG I also found this review which wasnt completly good but I wouldnt be interested in this size caravan or design https://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/details/toyota-rav4-hybrid-2019-tow-test-119784 Thanks to everyone thats responded it a great foru Regards Ron

yobarr · Guru

RonM wrote:
Thankyou What a good response I am looking at the Technical Reports Dougwe and Yobarr here are the Toyota Specs Kerg weight 1620kg GVM 2125KG Toyota dont give a GCM in the spec sheet but I found this not sure how reliable GCM 3630 KG I also found this review which wasnt completly good but I wouldnt be interested in this size caravan or design https://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/details/toyota-rav4-hybrid-2019-tow-test-119784 Thanks to everyone thats responded it a great foru Regards Ron

Hi Ron...the figures I found vary from yours,but neither here nor there.My kerb weight is 1730kg,with GVM 2230kg,but doesn't matter much.The important thing is that,with 1500kg ATM van and 10% towball weight,your GTM (weight on van wheels) will be only 1350kg,while your car will be around 2000kg (+/-).The car is thus a lot heavier than the van,and safe,BUT you will need to be careful that you do not exceed your rear axle load carrying capacity. Other than that,it all looks good! Cheers.

P.S You will never get near your GVM,as towball weight transfers weight from the car's front axle to the rear....this weight can NEVER be returned. If you need figures,I can do the calculations,but it now is "Beer o'clock."

Mamil · Senior Member

You will be very limited in your choice of caravans and campers at that weight, but have a look at Adria vans, and Cub campers.

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

Welcome RonM, I trust you'll find what you're looking for.
Also consider looking at another site - campertrailer.org.au - there is a wealth of technical info there that can be used for camper trailers, vans.

Without looking at light weight caravans, there are quite a few camper trailers that fall into this car's capabilities.

Also have a look at the Teardrop campers - or build your own. There is lots of info on the internet. In the last RACQ's magazine (On the Road), there was an article about a member who built one using a 7x5 trailer as the base.

RonM · Newbie

Thankyou Warren for the information. We are in a good situation these days where we can rent at a reasonable cost a variety of campers/ caravans for a few days or weeks. This will be a practical way of seeing the pros and cons and if the lifestyle lives up to our expectations. Hopefully we will join up with people like the ones on this forum. Regards Marj & Ron