[Boar]

Last year I went to Pikes Peak in my Jeep. On my way down, at the brake temp. inspection checkpoint I was congratulated by the ranger by having the coolest brakes of the day. Just over 200 degrees (>300 and you have to have a timeout). In the Jeep (which are known for their low gears) I was in low (automatic trans.) the entire trip down the mountain. However, this past weekend, I did the same thing with the RAV, and I had to sit in timeout. My brakes were at 401 degrees! I was in low the entire way down!? Not good. I couldn't use the DAC because the speeds would occasionally be greater than 15 mph. Any thoughts, comments? Brake upgrade kit, lol?

 

[Boar]

co_mtn_grl - My jaw dropped - I don't believe you, lol! 185? Were you drifting around the turns?

Seriously though, I really didn't think my brakes would have been that hot. I was dumbfounded when the ranger said it was 401. I didn't think I was that heavy on the brakes, but apparently I was. Note: I did have ~1000 pounds of cargo - adults, gear, etc.

I used the DAC for a bit. I wanted to experiment, but that was at the top. I didn't use it very long. Besides the few hundred feet I used the DAC, I was in 2-L the entire trip down. I don't recall my revs, but while driving, all the RAV wanted to do was scream down the mountain. My RAV does the massive V6, but still [little humor]. In a few weeks I will have to drive some mountains again and see if I can run a little cooler.

Thanks for the input. I am still learning the RAV.

 

[Boar]

I just face-palmed. Well, I think I found my problem. It's quite obvious now, but it wasn't on my down from Pikes Peak. I didn't realize there was a 2 and L compared to the 2L that I saw in my head on the way down the mountain. I had the gear selector moved all the way down and not right which would then shift it to L. I feel stupid, oops. Actually, on second thought I feel better. Now I know. Live and learn I guess. My wife is gonna laugh at me tonight when I tell her.

Thanks everyone for the resolve.

and as I hit Submit, I am still shaking my head. I am gonna laugh at this one for awhile.

 

[Boar]

Thanks Junebug, I got that.

Clearly I was in a low gear RAV4 mess going down the mountain this past weekend.

Texas, I wasn't overloaded. I have the V6. It's 1300 lbs of payload where the I4 has around 950 lbs. That was one of the main reasons I got the V6.

Thanks everyone - 1 more point for the forum.

 

[Boar]

So what is the regular V6's load capacity?

According to Toyota's vehicle comparison the V6 limited shows a load capacity of 1300 lbs. It says nothing about only in the 3rd row seating version.

Does the third row seating version have stiffer springs? If so, I feel Toyota should of made a note of it.

I need some clarification.

 

[Boar]

Ok, thanks, friendly_jacek.

Whelp, live and learn I guess.

Anyone want to buy a RAV4 Limited? Lol, jk.