Wannabe said:
Thanks for the info, much appreciated!
Compare these two for towing my 1700-2000lb boat:
Isuzu Rodeo 3.2L V6, 4sp auto
4500lb rating
weighs 4163 lbs
RWD/4WD body on frame
RAV4 V6, 5sp auto
3500 lb rating
weighs about 3655
FWD/AWD Unibody construction
Looks like the RAV4 has the edge in power (hp and torque) at similar RPM
And one more gear to choose from. I imagine you could leave it in 4th gear all day long when towing. 3rd in Rodeo revs too high for highway speeds.
OPINIONS please, will the RAV4 equal or exceed the overall towing ability of the Rodeo?
Joe
What is the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) of the Rodeo?
A lot of the time, manufacturers only allow towing their max with a driver on board, you must derate the rating for any additional people or cargo in the vehicle. I have no idea if Isuzu does this with the Rodeo or not. The GCVWR (hopefully in the owner's manual or on the vehicle label sticker on the doorjamb) will provide the info you need to answer that question.
The 2006 RAV4 can pull its full load even with a fully loaded car (accounting for the tongue weight of the trailer). I bet in reality that the 4500 rating of the Rodeo is a lot closer to the 3500 rating in the RAV than you might think.
I personally think the RAV would EASILY tow 2000 pounds without breaking any sweat. It will certainly do it with more gusto than the Rodeo, since it has less weight and more power.
It does not matter where the horsepower is, go by the max. The Toyota engine will wind it up and run there all day long. With the 5-speed box, it will have no problems finding a suitable gear. Torque does matter where it occurs, obviously the lower the better. I was actually quite surprised the RAV's torque curve was as flat as it is and the amount of torque available down low: very impressive! I can't wait to drive the V6!
The only big negative in towing with the RAV is its short wheelbase (don't know the WB of the Rodeo). I would not want to tow over 22' with it, and would be nervous about going over 20', but that's just really some gut feelings without a whole lot of concrete basis.
Don't sweat the unibody versus body-on-frame thing. Unibodies are stronger and lighter!