[aloharick]

Hi all, recently picked up a great 2003 RAV4 5 speed. Love having a manual again, coming from a 3rd gen auto 4runner, I love the little truck.

A few questions if you don't mind me asking anyone who is building a overland/soft roader build.

1. Ours came with a OME lift and BFG's K02 LT 225-75/R16 E. They look great, but especially with the LT rating I think they are way too heavy a tire for daily use and the 2.0l motor. I had tire rack specs listing them at around 40 pounds, so I'd really like to shave some unsprung weight while still running an agressive tire. I was looking into toyo open country III, the wildpeak (but still pretty heavy on those) and a few others. Anyone have a favorite daily/AT tire that is a good balance? I'm looking to sell the BFGs (about a year old) and pay the difference, so someone will get a great deal on some nice set of 5 tires.

2. Might there be any wisdom in going a little skinnier? I'm a little concerned with loosing stability because it already feels quite high for a little car, but it is a pretty chunky, thick tire.

3. Ditch Lights. Having just come from the insane snow in Big Bear, I'd like to get some yellow fog/ditch lights. Any recs on brackets or good placement, and favorite brands? I was thinking the wireless switch kind I've seen to avoid having to run all the way to the dash.

4. Any other camping/great mods you love? I was thinking some traction pads secured to the back door might be a nice spot.

thank you all for the info!

 

[gladerunner4WD]

Welcome to Rav4.2 World!

I've been running some MotoMaster Eliminator X-Trails ins 235-70-16 (canada only). They are rebranded Cooper Discovererr AT3 4S for the Canadian Tire big box store. In that size the tires weight 35lbs (according to coopers specs, cant find the MotoMaster specs)

I got them on sale last February and have been pretty happy with them considering they're price point.

The Coopers in your 225/75/16 weigh in at 30lbs each.

Both sizes aren't technically LT tires so they dont have the load rating which should save you some weight.

Here is the spec sheet from Cooper. file:///Users/spencerchumbley/Desktop/Discoverer-AT3-4S-Specification.pdf

I probably would of gone with Toyo Open Countries based on the type of driving I do (K02s are a bit overkill for me) if I didnt find the deal on the motomasters.

 

[aloharick]

Thank you for the info! I loved the info on your build! I have many more questions haha. What kind of MPG are you getting if you dont mind me asking? I'm getting in the 18's which suprises me considering thats what my old 3rd gen 4runner got. Not expecting a prius but it for sure seems low! Thinking about doing the spark plugs/ TPS and lighter tires then the 41 pound KO2s to see if i can make an improvement. I think the K02s are kind of overrated.

 

[gladerunner4WD]

I managed about 28 mpg on a trip to Montana this summer (steel wheels tires, etc).

I've been getting around 24.5-25 average lately which is about 50/50 city highway driving. I just replaced my alternator and I have a a downstream 02 sensor on the fritz so I havent seen the MPGs I was getting earlier this summer recently.

But 18 def sounds low. Might also be worth cleaning your MAF sensor and at the same time doing your throttle body as well. (I'm not a mechanic, but have been DIYing a lot on the Rav - sold my 17 Tacoma last year.

 

[aloharick]

28 is awesome! Mid 20s even feels like a good target. I was thinking the LT, E load tires might be a big factor. 40 pounds seems like an aweful lot for a 2.0L engine to push. I really enjoy your build, and I appreciate your advice!

 

[05RAV]

Indeed, an LT in an E load rating is a boat anchor for a Gen 2 RAV! Nothing like having a bumpy ride, no flex, and shit mileage

I've found a sweet spot using tires with composite construction (kevlar/aramid) - lighter than an LT, similar protection: a win win if you ask me.

I've shared the details of my two builds elsewhere on this forum, so I'll just sum it up: An '05 RAV on an OME lift, 225/70s, 4-spd auto, a healthy running engine, premium fuel and not carrying unnecessary weight will achieve 32 mpg! I've sadly added a bunch of weight since those days so I only regularly see high 20s (26-28 mpg) highway and low to mid 20s city (23-25mpg).

You may well do better by going to the 215 series, I would have done the same if I could have found a tire I liked in about a 215/75-16 (shrug). Drivers who use a 235 width tire do so at a 2-3mpg disadvantage . . . or so was my immediate benefit by doing nothing but going from a 235 to 225. Wheel selection here is important, too. The OEM alloys are 7" wide, choose a steel wheel or look closely at aftermarket selections for a 6-6.5" wide model instead. I use a 6.5" wide alloy wheel and saved over five pounds a corner doing so - this can also be contributing to the fuel mileage improvement I received back to back on two different RAVs I purchased.

Skinnier tires also work extraordinarily well on winter roads, if it applies to you.

 

[aloharick]

Thank you so much for the info. I'm amazed your able to get those kind of milage numbers. I'd be happy to be in the 25s! I know the previous owners choice is adding at least 10 pounds I am trying to shed, so I know that will help. Just want to find something still aggressive but not so dang heavy. thanks so much for hte info will check out your build for inspiration for ours!

 

[05RAV]

A member last year shared fuel mileage trouble he was having, and despite throwing the kitchen sink at it, sadly never resolved the issue (shrug).
Not unlike yourself, many of us bought our RAVs second hand and we just don't know the history of the vehicle well enough sometimes. It's a bit of a gamble if we're buying a well kept vehicle, or somebody else's problem they couldn't fix either.
To give you some context, I experienced the absolute worst fuel mileage on a tank of gas this year traveling in a winter storm: Temperature in the single digits, 45mph winds, scrubbing the tires into the wind to crab the RAV down the highway, transmission stuck in 2nd gear pulling uphill grades against the storm, laden with gear, pulling a trailer . . . 20.6 mpg.

If a RAV4.2 is getting worse milage than this, I can't imagine what is going so wrong that a RAV is working harder to move down the road on daily basis than my RAV had to under the worst case scenario!

 

[Coff33]

Personally, I enjoy Yokohama Geolander A/T G015 for great offroad grip , nice smooth road grip and they are not that aggressive.
My 2004 is a 2.4L and the steel wheels are a little heavy, however I feel the yokohamas are the nice mix between A/T and not going over the top in weight