[Atejeraval]

I have a Rav4 2019 XLE AWD,
I did install a tow hitch and now I want to tow a small boat that weights around 2200#. So I was wondering how can I add a transmission cooler? To help with the extra towing weight.

Also i was planning to add:
Cusco Strut Tower Brace Front and the Cusco Power Brace Rear Member to help with the extra load .

I live about 5 miles from the boat slips, I just want to make sure it will tow the boat and safely load and unload it from the trailer without damage to the Rav4.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Quickdtoo]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the transmission for short trips like that as long it's flat towing, no long, steep climbs, considering the tow limit for the same vehicle in other parts of the world is well over 3000lbs, just keep the speed down. I'd be more concerned about having brakes on the trailer which are required over 1,000lbs tow weight and make a big difference for emergency stops, specially on wet pavement.

 

[Foryota]

If you really want to, and it’s a good idea for transmission longevity anyway, a stacked plate cooler is the better way to go. If you’re in a colder area (someplace that actually gets winter) you can fine them with a cold bypass too.

I agree completely with Quickdtoo about the brakes though. I wonder if the 4.5 XLE carries larger brakes than the LE, as was the case with the 4.4 - does anyone know about that? Either way, at 2200 lbs, I highly recommend trailer brakes too.

 

[FLTRU]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the transmission for short trips like that as long it's flat towing, no long, steep climbs, considering the tow limit for the same vehicle in other parts of the world is well over 3000lbs, just keep the speed down. I'd be more concerned about having brakes on the trailer which are required over 1,000lbs tow weight and make a big difference for emergency stops, specially on wet pavement.

Most states require trailer brakes at 3000lbs. There are a few that require brakes at 1500lbs (Cali, NV, NH, Idaho). NC is 1000lbs.

https://www.rvia.org/media/145

 

[Quickdtoo]

Most states require trailer brakes at 3000lbs. There are a few that require brakes at 1500lbs (Cali, NV, NH, Idaho). NC is 1000lbs.

https://www.rvia.org/media/145

The 1000lb unbraked TWR is a manufacturer required limit, read page 204 of the your owner's manual, it varies with models, the 3rd gen had an unbraked TWR of 600lbs, with or without the V6 tow package!

https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM0R025U/pdf/OM0R025U.pdf

 

[Lowcountry Rav]

I believe all ICE Rav's have a transmission cooler.

Someone else can speak up if I am wrong, but the only difference I can find between the 3500lb tow rating on the Adventure and the regular ICE is the engine oil cooler. I actually wouldn't mind adding an engine oil cooler to mine even though I do not tow - but I haven't delved into how much it would take.

Also, the SAEJ2807 tow rating standard which everyone follows is a bit of a farce based on some of the requirements in it - for example you need to be able to tow up this monumental hill in Arizona at highway speed in 100F temps with the AC on - something most of us will never encounter.

 

[FLTRU]

I believe all ICE Rav's have a transmission cooler.

Someone else can speak up if I am wrong, but the only difference I can find between the 3500lb tow rating on the Adventure and the regular ICE is the engine oil cooler. I actually wouldn't mind adding an engine oil cooler to mine even though I do not tow - but I haven't delved into how much it would take.

Also, the SAEJ2807 tow rating standard which everyone follows is a bit of a farce based on some of the requirements in it - for example you need to be able to tow up this monumental hill in Arizona at highway speed in 100F temps with the AC on - something most of us will never encounter.

It's definitely a farce. Most single axle trailers with a 3000lb (or less) rating, do not have brakes. Any trailer with brakes already weighs over the 1750lb towing limit on our vehicles. This is just Toyota covering their asses. Pulling a trailer is an acquired skill that requires instruction and practice. Toyota can't write this into the owners manual so they choose to write a ridiculously low towing limit assuming that all people are dumb.

 

[Melwig]

I contemplated installing a transmission cooler just for transmission longevity since I plan on keeping the vehicle long term. I decided against it while the vehicle is still under warranty. I feel that an after market cooler could give the dealer ammunition to deny warranty coverage if there are any transmission issues later. Installing a cooler involves tapping into the existing lubricating and cooling lines. I don’t believe for a minute it would actually cause a problem if done correctly, but any manufacturer is motivated to deny coverage if there is a reasonable argument to be made.

 

[Foryota]

I contemplated installing a transmission cooler just for transmission longevity since I plan on keeping the vehicle long term. I decided against it while the vehicle is still under warranty. I feel that an after market cooler could give the dealer ammunition to deny warranty coverage if there are any transmission issues later. Installing a cooler involves tapping into the existing lubricating and cooling lines. I don’t believe for a minute it would actually cause a problem if done correctly, but any manufacturer is motivated to deny coverage if there is a reasonable argument to be made.

One viable option could be to have the additional transmission lines and the factory rad with built-in cooler from the Adventure installed in your non-adventure RAV. This would result in a transmission cooler using original Toyota parts, as a Toyota system. Those added parts would not be subject to the comprehensive 3/36 warranty, but would not be cause for warranty claim denial in case something happens with the transmission down the road, since they are Toyota’s own parts. The only catch with this is that it would be quite pricey, using OEM parts. Depending on where the vehicle is registered, there’s a big difference in the way warranty claims would work with an external cooler. In the USA there is the Magnusen-Moss Warranty Act, which many people have described as being very useful in that it requires the manufacturer (or their service rep) to demonstrate that the warranted part failure was caused by the aftermarket part which was used or installed. As I understand it, this was originally intended that owners don’t need to install dealer replacement parts (filters, etc) to maintain warranty coverage - the rumour mill held that some manufacturers were denying a claim for a failed major part (like an engine) because the oil and air filters were NOT from the dealer. The act has (according to the internet, for what that’s worth) been used for cases similar to an external transmission cooler, in that it’s an inert part that transmission fluid passes through, similar to a fluid line, and couldn’t cause a failure by itself. And with transmission fluid we’re not aware of any issue with over-cooling, so to speak. In Canada, we don’t have a specific Act like MMWA and instead have a hodgepodge of regulations and laws which vary depending on which province one is in.

 

[Lowcountry Rav]

One viable option could be to have the additional transmission lines and the factory rad with built-in cooler from the Adventure installed in your non-adventure RAV. This would result in a transmission cooler using original Toyota parts, as a Toyota system. Those added parts would not be subject to the comprehensive 3/36 warranty, but would not be cause for warranty claim denial in case something happens with the transmission down the road, since they are Toyota’s own parts. The only catch with this is that it would be quite pricey, using OEM parts. Depending on where the vehicle is registered, there’s a big difference in the way warranty claims would work with an external cooler. In the USA there is the Magnusen-Moss Warranty Act, which many people have described as being very useful in that it requires the manufacturer (or their service rep) to demonstrate that the warranted part failure was caused by the aftermarket part which was used or installed. As I understand it, this was originally intended that owners don’t need to install dealer replacement parts (filters, etc) to maintain warranty coverage - the rumour mill held that some manufacturers were denying a claim for a failed major part (like an engine) because the oil and air filters were NOT from the dealer. The act has (according to the internet, for what that’s worth) been used for cases similar to an external transmission cooler, in that it’s an inert part that transmission fluid passes through, similar to a fluid line, and couldn’t cause a failure by itself. And with transmission fluid we’re not aware of any issue with over-cooling, so to speak. In Canada, we don’t have a specific Act like MMWA and instead have a hodgepodge of regulations and laws which vary depending on which province one is in.

All Rav Ice models have the same transmission cooler - as far as I can tell by looking in the parts catalog.

The cooler you lack in a non adventure is the engine oil cooler.

 

[Dryl00]

Ii you live in a warmer climate i would also increase your oil to 0w20 0w16 is for best fuel. For more extreme conditions like towing or high speed driving even Toyota recommends a higher viscosity, its stated in the manual

 

[Foryota]

All Rav Ice models have the same transmission cooler - as far as I can tell by looking in the parts catalog.

The cooler you lack in a non adventure is the engine oil cooler.

That would be a change from previous tow package models, but if so, then I’ll claim an “oopsie” on my previous advice. I recall going to look at the 2018 Adventure model at the dealer and there was indeed an integrated transmission cooler built into the radiator (as all automatics once had, I don’t see the sense in them stopping that practice anyway!). I guess they must have found enough cooling in the transmission fluid system in another way.

 

[Variman]

The hybrid version states only 0w16 and states if you use 0w20 to remove it ASAP. I just checked the gas version and it states the same on page 673, only 0w16 and states if you use 0w20 to remove it ASAP. Is 0w20 listed someplace else?

Ii you live in a warmer climate i would also increase your oil to 0w20 0w16 is for best fuel. For more extreme conditions like towing or high speed driving even Toyota recommends a higher viscosity, its stated in the manual

 

[Lowcountry Rav]

The hybrid version states only 0w16 and states if you use 0w20 to remove it ASAP. I just checked the gas version and it states the same on page 673, only 0w16 and states if you use 0w20 to remove it ASAP. Is 0w20 listed someplace else?

The manual states you can use 0w20 if the other is not available and states you should change it at the next oil change - ie 10,000 miles. Not exactly ASAP.

Many here run 0w20 and believe the 0w16 is purely to meet the minuscule benefit for cafe mileage standards - which makes sense because if it were really bad for your engine they wouldn't let you run it for 10,000 miles.

Additionally if you pull the owners manual from other countries it shows multiple grades of oil and the temperature ranges recommended for each.

YMMV - your rig, run what you wish.

 

[Automender]

One viable option could be to have the additional transmission lines and the factory rad with built-in cooler from the Adventure installed in your non-adventure RAV. This would result in a transmission cooler using original Toyota parts, as a Toyota system. Those added parts would not be subject to the comprehensive 3/36 warranty, but would not be cause for warranty claim denial in case something happens with the transmission down the road, since they are Toyota’s own parts. The only catch with this is that it would be quite pricey, using OEM parts. Depending on where the vehicle is registered, there’s a big difference in the way warranty claims would work with an external cooler. In the USA there is the Magnusen-Moss Warranty Act, which many people have described as being very useful in that it requires the manufacturer (or their service rep) to demonstrate that the warranted part failure was caused by the aftermarket part which was used or installed. As I understand it, this was originally intended that owners don’t need to install dealer replacement parts (filters, etc) to maintain warranty coverage - the rumour mill held that some manufacturers were denying a claim for a failed major part (like an engine) because the oil and air filters were NOT from the dealer. The act has (according to the internet, for what that’s worth) been used for cases similar to an external transmission cooler, in that it’s an inert part that transmission fluid passes through, similar to a fluid line, and couldn’t cause a failure by itself. And with transmission fluid we’re not aware of any issue with over-cooling, so to speak. In Canada, we don’t have a specific Act like MMWA and instead have a hodgepodge of regulations and laws which vary depending on which province one is in.

I also believe it is in that law that if a manufacturer states a OEM part is needed to maintain warranty then they must supply it free of charge. I however believe an aftermarket system like a oil cooler may be different

 

[Foryota]

I also believe it is in that law that if a manufacturer states a OEM part is needed to maintain warranty then they must supply it free of charge. I however believe an aftermarket system like a oil cooler may be different

I’d heard that also in connection to the MMWA. And yes an external cooler would be completely different. But again my very limited, distant understanding of an interpretation of the Act (lots of disclaimers, but I swear I’m not a lawyer!) is that in order to deny warranty coverage on the transmission for example, the dealer/manufacturer would need to demonstrate/prove that the cooler caused a problem with the transmission that wouldn’t have otherwise happened. As in, the burden of proof is on them, not the owner, within reason. That said, 5 years for the powertrain warranty to expire is a long time to wait, which is why I suggested using the OEM parts and system instead of going aftermarket.

 

[Lowcountry Rav]

That would be a change from previous tow package models, but if so, then I’ll claim an “oopsie” on my previous advice. I recall going to look at the 2018 Adventure model at the dealer and there was indeed an integrated transmission cooler built into the radiator (as all automatics once had, I don’t see the sense in them stopping that practice anyway!). I guess they must have found enough cooling in the transmission fluid system in another way.

I am basing my knowledge or lack thereof purely on the Toyota specs.

For Adventure: Engine oil cooler, automatic transmission fluid cooler and upgraded 150-amp alternator

For everything else Ice:Automatic transmission fluid cooler

Its entirely possible that the Adventure has some kind of upgraded trans cooler, but you would think they would list that.

Also as mentioned I tried finding the engine oil cooler on BAM parts but didn't get very far. My last several vehicles had engine oil coolers and they were simply a piece that went between the oil fiter and the block and circulated coolant through it - so I was sort of hopeful the addition might be simple - but It doesn't look like that is the case, or at least its unclear. Some day I will do a 2 day pass on the Toyota tech system and see if I can find anything about it there.

 

[Foryota]

I am basing my knowledge or lack thereof purely on the Toyota specs.

For Adventure: Engine oil cooler, automatic transmission fluid cooler and upgraded 150-amp alternator

For everything else Ice:Automatic transmission fluid cooler

Its entirely possible that the Adventure has some kind of upgraded trans cooler, but you would think they would list that.

Also as mentioned I tried finding the engine oil cooler on BAM parts but didn't get very far. My last several vehicles had engine oil coolers and they were simply a piece that went between the oil fiter and the block and circulated coolant through it - so I was sort of hopeful the addition might be simple - but It doesn't look like that is the case, or at least its unclear. Some day I will do a 2 day pass on the Toyota tech system and see if I can find anything about it there.

Yeah, I’d like to add the 2018 Adventure model’s oil cooler to my 2012 2AR-FE, as they are substantially the same engine (if possible) and will likely look to change out the rad to the larger one from the V6 if mine rots out. Mine does well with my camper and a full load, but when it comes to cooling a 2.5L 4-cylinder putting out as much power as this one, there’s no such thing as an oversized cooling system. I’m likely going to see if any of the upgraded parts from the NX300 will swap in too, if any. Love to add the turbo from that 2.0 to my 2.5....

 

[JFox562]

This link to the engine description has been posted before but an image of what the optional oil cooler looks like is worth a separate picture post:

Toyota engines - A25·M20 - Dynamic Force series (R4)

Review of Toyota Dynamic Force engines design and components - inline-4 (M20A, A25A)

toyota-club.net

 

[CodaMo]

I installed an aftermarket ATF cooler in mine. That stock fluid-fluid "cooler" is more of a warmer IMO-

Adding a Trans cooler

Hello all, I am adding a trans cooler to my 2019 RAV4 just to take care of the trans while pulling a jet ski. How do I add fluid or make sure it is full after I add in the extra lines and cooler? I thought about just filling the cooler and lines with a funnel but don't want to over fill it...

www.rav4world.com