09 RAV4 unstable

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by melissab

Truck scales put trailer at 1520 lbs this trip. Nothing but paper and plastic products, clothes, 3 bath towels, an electric skillet.

Was that weight while it was still hitched to the vehicle. If so don't forget to add in the tongue weight to get your Total weight which is what the tongue weight of 10% should be based on.


I agree with the others though that as you have the issues with the vehicle when not towing as well as towing I would take it to an independent garage to have it checked out or another dealer.

[David L. C.]

I agree that shocks and struts can change the entire ride of a vehicle once worn down to a certain point, I would check on what heavy duty shocks/struts are available for that rig.

[melissab]

Thasks for all the excellent advice! I will use it to try and find a solution or else trade. Glad to hear none of yall have experienced this with your Ravs.

Yes the trailer was unhitched when weighed not by choice but bc the scales couldn't pick it up otherwise.CAT scales can read a min of 1500 lbs at least that's what it was at that truck stop.

[aaschmann]

Check with Toyota for a recall. I had an 07 with a rear suspension recall-don't recall which parts or which years were affected. Good luck.

[Grant Allen]

I traded my 4 cylinder Rav for the Toyota Venza and hav'nt looked back. Turned out that the claimed 900 lb boler was really over 2000 lbs with a 250 lb tounge weight. Even the Venza was a little floaty feeling with the boler. I bought an escape and it came with a light duty rease equilizer hitch rated for 3500 lbs.. Hugh difference feels and handles much better.

[Glenn Baglo]

We're not talking about a 4 cylinder RAV.
The vehicle in question is a RAV4 V6 and if properly equipped is rated to tow 3,500 lbs. with max 350 tongue weight.
I have no issues towing my 17 foot Escape.

BTW, it doesn't matter what your hitch is rated for, the critical spec is what the vehicle it rated to tow. My WDH is rated 14,000 #. The hitch receiver is rated 4,000 # and the vehicle is rated 3,500 # so 3,500 is the limit.

[MC1]

Originally Posted by Grant Allen

I traded my 4 cylinder Rav for the Toyota Venza and hav'nt looked back. Turned out that the claimed 900 lb boler was really over 2000 lbs with a 250 lb tounge weight. Even the Venza was a little floaty feeling with the boler. I bought an escape and it came with a light duty rease equilizer hitch rated for 3500 lbs.. Hugh difference feels and handles much better.

So true.... The right connection makes all the difference. Doesn't it make one wonder how the Rav4 would have handled with that light duty Reese WDH?

Even so I know how nice those Venza's drive and no doubt you are very happy with your new combo. Any pics Grant?

[MC1]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

BTW, it doesn't matter what your hitch is rated for, the critical spec is what the vehicle it rated to tow. My WDH is rated 14,000 #. The hitch receiver is rated 4,000 # and the vehicle is rated 3,500 # so 3,500 is the limit.

Maybe, maybe not......... oh forget it, the explanation can get complicated and the gal here is ringing the dinner bell. We'll chat another time.

[Glenn Baglo]

Wayne,

Eat your dinner. I've heard you many times already.

baglo

[Mike Magee]

Let's keep this thread on the topic of Melissa's Rav4, shall we? Tangents are so tempting, I know....

[Bob Miller]

Great point Mike, as we have once agaoin started to drift into questioning mfg's limits, aka: Not Defined....


Now, if Melissa can provide us with some tongue weight info we may be able to rule in/rule out the #1 sway inducer.

[Jon Vermilye]

Since she states the problem occurs hooked or unhooked, I don't see how it can be called a "towing problem". First, get the vehicle fixed, then look to solving any towing problems that still exist...

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by aaschmann

Check with Toyota for a recall. I had an 07 with a rear suspension recall-don't recall which parts or which years were affected. Good luck.

Toyota Recall

August 28, 2013
Model Affected RAV4
Description: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

Component SUSPENSION:REAR

Remedy Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage.

Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area.

IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.

[Glenn Baglo]

I've had that recall done, and then they recalled it to do it again ( or at least check it ), since some of the recall work was done improperly.

[Grant Allen]

Do you have an equalizer?

[Grant Allen]

Originally Posted by MC1

So true.... The right connection makes all the difference. Doesn't it make one wonder how the Rav4 would have handled with that light duty Reese WDH?

Even so I know how nice those Venza's drive and no doubt you are very happy with your new combo. Any pics Grant?

Check out the new profile pic

[MC1]

The combo looks great Grant. Nothing wrong traveling in comfort.

[melissab]

I had the recall done as well but I'm gonna have it rechecked after seeing Glenn's post for sure! Tongue weight with full propane was 155lbs.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by Grant Allen

Do you have an equalizer?

Asking me? Pix without and with WDH.

[stevebaz]

If this was my Rav I would take the car at speed on the highway where it likes to dance and have a friend parallel you looking at the tires to see if they are oscillating or bouncing about. In their cell they can shoot video if need be. If a bad strut or out of balance tire will show. You just cant see it from the driver seat.

I would find an independent alignment shop that has been in business at least 15 years or so. NO chain shops you want a specialist. If necessary go to you old school auto parts store and ask for a recommendation they know everyone especially independent long term shops.
Get the suspension specialist in the car with you and let him drive it at speed before any work is done.

Areas of concern to me would be Bad bushing holding the steering rack in place. Bushing holding the rear track alignment, Loose unit bearings or a bad strut.

Isn't you car under warranty with Carmax. When I bought my Nissan from them they were very good about covering the warranty repairs. At the time just pay the $50 deductible and they fixed it. I would't volunteer anything about the trailer.

What ever you do you need to get the mechanic's butt in the seat next to you to really identify what is going on so it can be properly addressed.

The scariest car I ever drove was a 1976 Mustang 2 with the infamous Firestone 500 tires. The tires and car drove straight but the car had a 6 inch wallow on the freeway at speed. It rocked side to side like a baby in a rocker. It was smooth but very unnerving as it wallowed side to side on the flex of the side walls.
A change in the tires made it all go away.
I hope you resolve this to your satisfaction.