I'm looking to get a RAV4 V6 in the next few days. The tow rating is 3500 pounds, and I'll be towing about 2500. Those of you who have used your RAV for towing, how does it do? Is it pretty stable? I'm assuming power is adequate, but there's more to a pleasant towing experience than power. Thanks for input.

I have an 07 Rav V6 with a tow package, and I have pulled my trailer many times with no problems. Im not sure about the 08s, but when I bought mine, the sticker on the window stated the tow package included "Pre Wiring". I thought that "Pre Wiring" meant that there was a plug that you could wire your lights to......NOT. If you dont get the hitch from your Toyota dealer, you will have to have the wiring harness installed. I didnt have a hitch installed from the dealer, as the cost was completely overpriced, but when I went to a hitch company to get a hitch, they would'nt do the wiring because of the L E D taillights being on a differant voltage. I went back to the dealer and complained, and they quoted me another outrageous figure to do the wiring. I told them that I would remember that experiance when I completed my Customer Satisfaction survey from Toyota. Suddenly, they decided to install the wiring harness, parts and labor, for free. Oh what a feeling!

Interesting. I appreciate the comments. I may have to try having them install the pigtail. I agree with you on the hitch; it's pretty ridiculous in price.

The LEDs are not on 12 volts? How is that?

Im really not sure what voltage the taillights run on, but I was told that they work off of alot less power then standard lighting. I do know that the wiring harness Toyota sells for the Rav, must be run from the front of the car, connecting somewhere near the fuse panel, and running all the way to the rear of the car. I have read the service proceedure in the Toyota manual, and it looks like a real pain to install. Much easier for me to let the dealer handle it.

Is this the same dude who's trying to lower his RAV? C'mon man, how you gonna tow or carry anything after lowering it? You should of bought an El Camino or Subaru Brat.

Oh, I'm sorry, I don't believe your comments are helpful or on topic here. Please keep them where they belong.

Should HAVE bought, not should OF bought.

I'm moving on, and so should you.

You're right dude....I apologize.


Do you think a fifth wheel plate will fit on your RAV? Oh, then you could use those heavy duty airbag and sway bar kits too. They'll help stabilize your trucks lowered ride while it's pulling your goods.

I say you open a freight company with your RAV.

Uh huh. So anyway . . .

Anyone else done towing and have thoughts to share?

Hello,

To add to the CONSTRUCTIVE part of this post......
I don't have much info on towing a large trailer near the max. Here's what CR said:
"With the V6, the RAV4 towed our 3,500-pound trailer to 60 mph in 16 seconds."

I did have some input, take it or leave it, regarding the tow package.

I bought an aftermarket hitch and wiring harness for about $150 total (I think!). The hitch was 4 bolts and 30 mins to install and the wiring harness was actually more of a pain. I had to remove a few plastic trim pieces and such from the back to get to the wiring, so you'll want to do it on a warm day.

Here's a link to a factory wiring install:
http://www.brandhollow.com/rav_wiring_harness.doc (it's large so don't try it on a dial-up or slow connection)
It's also here, but the site is down 'til next week:
http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?...der=asc&start=0

Here's a link to wiring kit:
http://www.etrailer.com/pc-VWH~118412.htm

If I remember correctly I actually got mine off Ebait for a bit less.

Also, I did NOT run the wire all the way to the battery, but found a 12V in the back of the RAV that works fine.

Good Luck!

IRIE RAV4,

I find your above reply (to the individual who actually started this topic) to be extremely sarcastic and not constructive.
Please watch your tone.

Consider yourself warned (I have not formally actioned any warnings against you in these forums as I want to see if you accept this notice).

Regards,

Pongo
Forum Moderator

wtdash-- Great! Thanks for the information.

We go to pick up our RAV tomorrow, so I'm eager to get in an see how it does all around. I don't think I've mentioned it yet, but we decided on a Sport V6 4x2 in White. I think with the darker colored wheels and the window tint they're giving us that it should look pretty sharp (haven't seen it yet since they didn't stock any Sports on the lot).

I'll try to give some impressions of the truck after I've had time to pry it from my wife's grip.

Thanks for the fantastic information. I just placed an order for the wiring kit for my RAV4. I was a little upset to find that the tow prep package didn't include the wiring. Can you tell me where in the back you found a 12V to connect to? I'd really hate to take all those panels off or drill a hole and run the wire under the car in case something gets kicked up.

Thanks again

PONGO

IRIE RAV4,

I find your above reply (to the individual who actually started this topic) to be extremely sarcastic and not constructive.
Please watch your tone.

Consider yourself warned (I have not formally actioned any warnings against you in these forums as I want to see if you accept this notice).

Regards,

Pongo
Forum Moderator


Hey I'm just glad this forum has finally got some energy. It was dead for a while. Thanks for the heads up Pongo.

Thank you Pongo.
Perhaps I will stick around after all.