Towing with a rav4

[Jimmy jones]

I am trying to find with anyone is towing a16 or17 feet camper with Toyota rav4 and if I would have a problem Towing one.

[honda03842]

As a reference, I've towed a Scamp 16 with a 4 cylinder Honda CRV. If you're interested in my experience PM me.

[Carol H]

Jimmy cant answer your question as I dont tow with one but I know there are people here that do so hopefully they can answer your question directly.

I have been looking at changing tow vehicles and the RAV4 was on my list until I noted at one of our trailer meets that someone who is towing an Escape 17' with theirs was not able to open the rear door more than about a 8" (thats only a guess) due to the door hitting the tongue of the trailer.... so if you have a large dog or other large items such as golf clubs you like to keep in the rear & take out often while the trailer is still hooked up it may be something to take a closer look at.

[fusedlight]

We tow with a V6 Rav4 without any problems averaging around 17 - 18 MPG. (And that's hauling around 400 pounds of rocks in addition to the trailer!) And, yes, the back door IS a problem. We just fold down the back seat an unload from there. Of course, when you're in camp and unhooked that's not a problem!

[Jon Vermilye]

I tow an Escape 17B (dry weight 2100 lbs, loaded for a trip 3120 lbs) with a 2010 RAV4 (V6 & Tow Package). Average 15 MPG towing, 25MPG unhooked highway & 22MPG around town.

I generally tow off interstates at 55 - 57MPH in 4th gear (no overdrive per recommendations of Toyota) and have little problems keeping up with traffic. Handling is good - no problems with passing trucks, side winds, etc. I do use an Equalizer WDH. Worst case was pulling up I 70 to the Eisenhower tunnel in CO - down to 40MPH in 2nd gear. I've pulled the trailer around 28K miles through mountains on both coasts - currently in Leadville, CO at 10,200'.

Things I don't like - Not being able to open the back door more than a foot or so, small gas tank can make driving in parts of NV & WY interesting in a headwind, and no open storage for things like a generator or fuel for one...

[Mike Magee]

You might have to avoid the Casita 17' Deluxe, because the front bath on that trailer makes the tongue weight pretty high and it would probably be more than the 350 lbs. allowed by the Rav4. Other than that, assuming you're talking about the V6, you should be in pretty good shape. My Highlander has the same engine, I have towed about 100K miles with it, and I'm happy with it.