Towing Uhaul Trailer w/ a 4 Banger

[G4S]

Hey everyone, Long time lurker first time poster here. I have a 2009 4 banger.

So, I am moving from Ohio to Texas and my wife and I are trying to get our belongings down to a 6 x 12 UHaul trailer. Now, my dad has known this for about a month now and last night he decided to tell me that I should get a transmission cooler put on (three days before I am scheduled to start driving down there!! ) I think it will be a pretty flat drive, but he has put a little seed of panic in me since my trip is so close. Do you guys think I will need to get one installed?

Also, I have been doing some reading on the forum here and people have suggested driving in 4th gear, but my tranny does not have that option, its either D or 3. Can someone clarify that?

I am planning on putting my cruse control at 55 and taking my time getting down there.

Thanks in advance

[G4S]

So after talking with a friend of a friend at Toyota it looks like the trailer empty is more then the Rav4 should be towing. So since it is such a long trip I think i am going to have to break down and get a UHaul truck and tow the Rav4. Do I need to get a full trailer for the rav or can i use the one that just picks up the front tires?

I have a FWD with the AWD button for slippery conditions.

[CroMath]

Originally Posted by G4S

So after talking with a friend of a friend at Toyota it looks like the trailer empty is more then the Rav4 should be towing. So since it is such a long trip I think i am going to have to break down and get a UHaul truck and tow the Rav4. Do I need to get a full trailer for the rav or can i use the one that just picks up the front tires?

I have a FWD with the AWD button for slippery conditions.

What button is that? Here's the long and the short of it - if your RAV is 2wd then you can leave the rear wheels on the pavement, but if it is 4wd you need to get all four wheels off the ground.

Check out pp. 411-417 in the manual.

[cpotoso]

How about the 4'x8' trailer. If you do not load it too heavily you should stay under 1,500 lbs.

[RTexasF]

Having moved cross country many times I'll be the first to say "Get the full sized trailer to haul the RAV". You'll be so glad you did, just do it.

[nhcycle]

Originally Posted by RTexasF

Having moved cross country many times I'll be the first to say "Get the full sized trailer to haul the RAV". You'll be so glad you did, just do it.

+10 It's just a whol lot easier and you'll be able to see the car behind the truck as you tow vs. the dolly.

[Mikey D.]

Originally Posted by nhcycle

+10 It's just a whol lot easier and you'll be able to see the car behind the truck as you tow vs. the dolly.

^ What they said!

I towed a '74 MGB behind an 18 foot truck on my move from FL to NY in '81 and I'll tell you this, not being able to see that car in my rear view mirrors was a b*&%h!

Be safe, go with the trailer as was mentioned earlier by the others!

Good luck!

Mike

[G4S]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Turns out a buddy of mine is going down there as well and we are going to split a truck that he is going to drive 8) So i am just going to throw a bunch of stuff in the Rav and go.

Thanks again for all the replies!

[ellocovg]

I actually saw a dude in a slk hardtop convertible towing one of those 4x8 trailers the other day on 80 thats ballsy!

[Nismopowered]

My mom towed one loaded with furniture over the sierra's with no problems. I wouldnt make a habit of it.