I was wondering if any RAV4 Hybrid AWD owners had experience towing a tear drop or other small light van. The sort of thing I mean is found here https://www.theteardropcampercompany.com.au/gallery/ (n.b. I have no financial interest in this or any other brand of small van. These just appeal as they seem to be a bit more aerodynamic than a brick, or many other small vans. And I know there are other models in North America which is absolutely fine )
There is a pretty good video of the scale of an alternative size/big trailer/caravan here
. The most notable feature is that the fuel economy is clobbered (no surprise there) and its useful in that it shows just how big a van can be towed. Currently our roads are still populated with huge 4X4s or whatever you want to call them towing the family home and the kitchen sink guzzling more gas than their owners want to know about. This has never appealed to me as it seems to defeat the purpose of getting out in the bush and not destroying what's left of nature too much. But I am also too old for and tired of the idea of tent based camping and these seem to offer a compromise. Notionally you can cater for more than 2 and a rainy evening does not pose a major setup problem and avoids the risk of being flooded provided you dont park in a riverbed or floodplain just before La Deluge. Another appeal about them is that they are less generally than 750 kg, the unbraked towing weight for the RAV4, so we would not have to modify the car. I'm not against getting the braking system fittings but its another cost though I expect it would add safety to the system and allow towing and hence purchasing a slightly larger version up to say 1500 kg.
Here are some theme questions to stimulate responses:
There is a pretty good video of the scale of an alternative size/big trailer/caravan here
Here are some theme questions to stimulate responses:
- With the aerodynamic shape and small size how much loss of petrol economy is there with these.... this obviously impacts a bit on range and total weight?
- How do the normal suspension vans and the RAV4s together go on moderate quality dirt roads? (I am not thinking roads with 3 foot deep runnels and 6 inch corregations so much)
- What is the general utility of these have your cake and eat it compromises? Do the glossy images omit significant inconveniences other than the lack of a toilet or shower and the need to carry significant supplies?
- How many days would you be happy to travel in one of these between comfort stops (nice bed and clean sheets) in a motel?
- Do you think they are overpriced? Second hand prices and resale value at the end of your use if its mainly for just one or two road trips?
- Safe towing comments? Does the RAV4 need a bull bar given the plastic nature and delicacy of the front end?
- Rental potential ? - (havent found anything and what there is points to it being cheaper to stay in a motel).
- Would it just be better to tow a small trailer with a quick erect tent?
