Towing without tow package - hitch recommendation.

zippinbye · Apr 2, 2021

The 09 RAV4 Sport I bought for my college-age daughter replaces a Dodge Grand Caravan, for which she is thankful. Only negative is the tradeoff of total cubic feet of cargo capacity. Next trip back to campus (hopefully in the fall) will need to haul an equivalent amount to what the mini-van could handle; I'm thinking a U-Haul 4 x 8 trailer will make the situation work. Laden weight would be about 1100 lbs. Would this be a reasonable tow a couple of times a year over a 300 mile stretch, with some grades and potential temperatures in the 90F range? Having towed 1500 lbs quite a bit with seemingly lessor vehicles in my life, I'm optimistic. Just wondering what you folks with some actual experience might feel? Also looking for hitch recommendations; preferably a tightly tucked receiver-style hitch.

Thanks!

Foryota · Apr 2, 2021

I presume you mean you have a 4-cyl Sport model, and with two rows of seats.

I have a camper with a dry weight of 1000 lbs and a max gross weight of 1500. I’ve taken this on trips up to 250km on the freeway. I also tow up to 1.5 yards of soil/gravel occasionally with my utility trailer. This is usually short hop (couple of km in town). In both cases my RAV has towed the loads just fine, despite having no towing package either. I use a Class 3 U-Haul (Curt) hitch.

A normal aftermarket class 3 hitch will be fine for what you describe. You can check around the forum for the style of hitch you like best - the Curt has cut my departure angle quite a lot, so I would have chosen something else if I could have (I got the hitch used for $40). Per the manual, all 4-cyl models have a max tow capacity of 1500lbs, but over 1000lbs the trailer needs brakes. Many U-Haul trailers have surge brakes (see Dr. Dyno’s opinion elsewhere on surge brakes - it’s not favourable). These will do for the occasional tow, but you need to make sure everyone who will drive towing knows how to tow using surge brakes.

I have upgraded my RAV from its base spec due to frequent towing - as in my signature I’ve replaced the rear springs with the 3row model springs to counter the load sag when towing. I’ve also changed out my front brakes from the small set to the larger set from the V6 and 3-row models. These two changes have made a world of difference in towing and particularly in my confidence doing so - when braking now I don’t feel the camper anymore. For anyone who tows frequently, this is absolutely a worthwhile set of upgrades. I will be adding a stacked-plate transmission cooler this summer, and eventually the radiator from the V6 Tow package model, to increase my cooling capacity.

Last item for towing, and still on brakes. Most states/provinces have unique towing laws, and weight thresholds when brakes are needed. Please see the link below.

Towing Laws - Brake Buddy

Towing Laws It’s Not Only Where You Live, It’s Also Where You are Going. Locate the States/Provences that you are […]

www.brakebuddy.com

By the way - how did you settle on your username? That’s been my license plate since 1998!

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

Blogson · Apr 2, 2021

Which engine does your RAV4 have, and does it have the optional factory tow package installed? Without the towing package and V6 engine the RAV4 can tow 1500 - 2000 lbs. without vehicle modifications being necessary but if towing more than 600 lbs. a towing controller is needed, according to Toyota.

foxtherouge · Apr 2, 2021

Blogson said:
Which engine does your RAV4 have, and does it have the optional factory tow package installed? Without the towing package and V6 engine the RAV4 can tow 1500 - 2000 lbs. without vehicle modifications being necessary but if towing more than 600 lbs. a towing controller is needed, according to Toyota.

The title is literally "Towing without a tow package" lol

OP is asking if towing 1100 is something their Rav can do. Also asking for hitches, meaning they don't already have a hitch. Since even the 2.5l can tow that easily the answer is yes.

Zip, after about 3 minutes of looking online I found this for you:

Rav4 hitch by EcoHitch®

Our Rav4 trailer hitch by EcoHitch® fits the 2006-2012 model. This Toyota Rav4 trailer hitch features our Hidden Design which means only the receiver is visible– no large, bulky metal hitch hanging down low under your SUV. This Rav4 tow hitch is rated at 525 pounds tongue weight at the trailer...

torkliftcentral.com

DL175 · Apr 2, 2021

The OP has not filled out the profile. No idea if the vehicle is a 4 cylinder or V6. The towing capacity is 1500 lbs for the 4 cylinder or 2000 lbs for the V6 (no tow package). The U-haul 4x8 weighs 850 lbs empty. Since the title say no tow package I assume it is a V6. So a V6 (no tow package) should be able to carry 1150 lbs of cargo. (plus 850 lbs for the U-Haul trailer)

As for a hitch that is tucked in the Ecohitch is one of the few hitches available that is tucked in but does cost twice as much. You could pay half that price for just a regular hitch but why spend all that money on an old vehicle.

Blogson · Apr 2, 2021

foxtherouge said:
The title is literally "Towing without a tow package" lol

Thanks - somehow I missed that. Eye check due next week! OP will still need a towing controller to tow that amount of weight. Also would have helped if they had completed their profile, as mentioned by DL175

SoNic67 · Apr 2, 2021

DL175 said:
You could pay half that price for just a regular hitch but why spend all that money on an old vehicle.

If you want to pull 3,500 lbs, the Toyota OE is the safest way to go.
For the rest of vehicles, without tow package... it doesn't matter. Transmission will die because of this:

zippinbye said:
Would this be a reasonable tow a couple of times a year over a 300 mile stretch, with some grades and potential temperatures in the 90F range?

If is anything like my travel in the Summer, over Appalachian mountains, to my son's college... I would be very concerned.

Foryota · Apr 2, 2021

SoNic67 said:
If you want to pull 3,500 lbs, the Toyota OE is the safest way to go.
For the rest of vehicles, without tow package... it doesn't matter. Transmission will die because of this:

If is anything like my travel in the Summer, over Appalachian mountains, to my son's college... I would be very concerned.

It’s about 1100-1200 lbs. all the details are in my post above. If it will be a regular thing, a cooler is a good addition. If the u-haul has brakes it’s fine.

ANYONE towing just needs to temper expectations on travelling speed - charging along at 75-80mph is stupid with a trailer on, regardless of size.

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

zippinbye · Apr 3, 2021

Foryota said:
I presume you mean you have a 4-cyl Sport model, and with two rows of seats.
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Sorry, thought my profile was on display - looks like I have something to figure out. It is a two row Sport FWD V6. The feedback has been very helpful, despite the uncertainty over my drivetrain configuration. I'll look into the spring upgrade. Thinking of adding an aftermarket trans cooler too.

Foryota, glad you mentioned the Curt hitch and the constraint on departure angle, as I identified that option on eBay as the most reasonably priced, recognized brand. I'm open to suggestions that might not have such a significant influence.

Thanks everybody for some good info

RTexasF · Apr 3, 2021

Are you 100% positive that your Sport V-6 does not have the tow prep package? I find that omission to be a bit odd.

Easy way to tell if a Rav has tow prep?

How can I tell if a Rav has tow prep? I'm looking at an 09-10 Limited V6, but it's hard to trust that sales people know what to look for. Case-in-point, I asked if a particular Rav I was looking at had a back-up cam (over the phone), sales guy says no. He was looking for display in the dash...

www.rav4world.com

Dr. Dyno · Apr 3, 2021

RTexasF said:
Are you 100% positive that your Sport V-6 does not have the tow prep package? I find that omission to be a bit odd.

My remembrance is that the 4WD V6s had the tow prep package but not necessarily the FWD models. Does your FWD model have it?

Lucas123 · Apr 3, 2021

I installed a Curt hitch on my Rav 5+ years ago. Generally tow less than 1000lbs no issues with 4cyl. fwd. Yes if I drive where I really shouldn't, the hitch hits the ground. Also, every spring I have to wire brush rust areas of the hitch and repaint, even after spraying it with rustproofing in the fall, but I've never seen a hitch that doesn't rust in this area anyways. It would be nice if they were galvanized or something.

Foryota · Apr 3, 2021

zippinbye said:
Sorry, thought my profile was on display - looks like I have something to figure out. It is a two row Sport FWD V6. The feedback has been very helpful, despite the uncertainty over my drivetrain configuration. I'll look into the spring upgrade. Thinking of adding an aftermarket trans cooler too.

Foryota, glad you mentioned the Curt hitch and the constraint on departure angle, as I identified that option on eBay as the most reasonably priced, recognized brand. I'm open to suggestions that might not have such a significant influence.

Thanks everybody for some good info

IIRC the OEM hitch (most expensive by far) doesn’t affect the departure angle as much. I think the Curt is the worst of the bunch for angle - although if you don’t need the clearance it’s a perfectly good hitch for pavement princesses [emoji6]. I do go off-road with my FWD - not far mind you, but on construction sites - so I do get contact sometimes. The stiffer springs actually gave me about 1” clearance back, at the hitch, along with a 3/4” lift in the rear.

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

jcrystal · Apr 3, 2021

zippinbye said:
Sorry, thought my profile was on display - looks like I have something to figure out. It is a two row Sport FWD V6. The feedback has been very helpful, despite the uncertainty over my drivetrain configuration. I'll look into the spring upgrade. Thinking of adding an aftermarket trans cooler too.

Foryota, glad you mentioned the Curt hitch and the constraint on departure angle, as I identified that option on eBay as the most reasonably priced, recognized brand. I'm open to suggestions that might not have such a significant influence.

Thanks everybody for some good info

You may not need to upgrade the springs....Sport edition has stiffer springs already

zippinbye · Apr 4, 2021

RTexasF said:
Are you 100% positive that your Sport V-6 does not have the tow prep package? I find that omission to be a bit odd.

Easy way to tell if a Rav has tow prep?

How can I tell if a Rav has tow prep? I'm looking at an 09-10 Limited V6, but it's hard to trust that sales people know what to look for. Case-in-point, I asked if a particular Rav I was looking at had a back-up cam (over the phone), sales guy says no. He was looking for display in the dash...

www.rav4world.com

No. I was basing my query on an assumption derived from the original window sticker, which the PO included in paperwork. There is zero mention of a Tow Prep Package, which one might assume is an option or part of another trim or equipment option. Mine is pretty darn basic; V6 FWD, cloth interior, AM/FM cd player, etc.

But, after learning the cues here, I believe it does have tow prep. Sure enough, there are two rad fans and a 140 amp fuse, so I guess that aspect of towing readiness is covered. Nice!

Any thoughts on ride quality during the 98% of the time the RAV has no load to speak of, if I go with LWB/third row rear springs? Anybody ever try airbags? I love them on my 1 ton diesel pick up; not to increase load capacity, since they do not. But the laden handling and ride quality are vastly improved, and when light with low air pressure, it's like factory. If there's a set available for these vehicles, I'd consider it.

RTexasF · Apr 4, 2021

My remembrance is that the 4WD V6s had the tow prep package but not necessarily the FWD models. Does your FWD model have it?

Yes on both our '08 Base & Limited front wheel drive V-6's. The Base model is gone but I still drive the Limited.

RTexasF · Apr 4, 2021

Any thoughts on ride quality during the 98% of the time the RAV has no load to speak of, if I go with LWB/third row rear springs? Anybody ever try airbags? I love them on my 1 ton diesel pick up; not to increase load capacity, since they do not. But the laden handling and ride quality are vastly improved, and when light with low air pressure, it's like factory. If there's a set available for these vehicles, I'd consider it.

Sport models already have stiffer suspension than the other models. Some owners loved it some hated it. I believe Firestone has air bladder helper springs for the rear but I don't know if it would improve ride quality or not. They are mainly to prevent rear end sag when towing.

Put air springs in the search box above for much more information.

Foryota · Apr 4, 2021

zippinbye said:
No. I was basing my query on an assumption derived from the original window sticker, which the PO included in paperwork. There is zero mention of a Tow Prep Package, which one might assume is an option or part of another trim or equipment option. Mine is pretty darn basic; V6 FWD, cloth interior, AM/FM cd player, etc.

But, after learning the cues here, I believe it does have tow prep. Sure enough, there are two rad fans and a 140 amp fuse, so I guess that aspect of towing readiness is covered. Nice!

Any thoughts on ride quality during the 98% of the time the RAV has no load to speak of, if I go with LWB/third row rear springs? Anybody ever try airbags? I love them on my 1 ton diesel pick up; not to increase load capacity, since they do not. But the laden handling and ride quality are vastly improved, and when light with low air pressure, it's like factory. If there's a set available for these vehicles, I'd consider it.

There are airbag kits available which you would insert inside the coils, and those who have them appear to be reasonably satisfied. Having a set already you are familiar with care and feeding so to speak [emoji846]

Changing to the 3rd row coils is the cheaper option, as RockAuto sells the Moog pair for about $53. The steel is the same gauge as the 2-row coils, but there is one extra loop over the same length. An unloaded 2-row RAV with the stiffer springs does ride a bit flintier than it did, but it’s still acceptable, particularly for someone who has a Super Duty. There are a couple of things to note though: 1. If your inner rear control arm bushings are older/worn you may get a bit more negative camber out back - pay attention to inner tire wear. 2. The handling will change a bit - for the better. It’s much more balanced now, and much nicer to drive - less prone to the usual CUV softness and body roll, and a bit more predictable. Overall I’m happy with the end result. I chose the coils for simplicity, cost, and to avoid the risk of burst airbags or damaged lines, due to using mine on jobsites. YMMV.

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

Foryota · Apr 4, 2021

Ride height (unloaded) with the stiff coils freshly installed. Came to about 3/4” lift at the axle, and gave me about 1” more height at the hitch.

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

Megunticook · Apr 4, 2021

I installed on of these hitches from etrailer.com (https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Toyota/RAV4/2011/e98864.html?VehicleID=201169753 )--do very little towing and not much weight ever but this seems like a solid product (made in USA) and price is reasonable. Zero corrosion after 2 years and I live in a wicked salt environment.

Towing without tow package - hitch recommendation.

zippinbye

Foryota

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Blogson

foxtherouge

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zippinbye

RTexasF

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Lucas123

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zippinbye

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