Rav 4

[Jon_374306764]

I am thinking od swapping my laguna tourer for a Rav4. one of the reassons is the very soft rear suspension on the laguna. I never feel quite at ease when towing. It's a great car otherwise. Is the Rav 4 that much better as a tow car.? I'm looking at the petrol versionI can't seem to find any data on the max vertical tow bar load. Any help anyone?

Thanks

 

[Mike_5041144]

Hi Jon

Why not phone your local Toyota dealer who should be able to give you this information - failing that contact Toyota UK Tel: 0845 275 5555

 

[Dustydog]

Jon

I had a 2.2 diesel Laguna sport tourer three years ago. It was a lovely tug and to improve the rear end I installed Grayston rubber spring assistors. It was great after that.

Cheers

Alan

 

[Bezzer]

Towbar load weight for the Rav4 is 60kg for the petrol versions and 80kg for the diesel. That's from 06 onwards models (they call it the 4.3 version) don't know what the earlier ones might be. No problems with mine (a 57 reg)lovely motor to drive solo and towing.

The earlier 4.2 version could have a problem with the dual mass flywheels fitted to them,the flywheel bolts started breaking up resulting in a very expensive repair bill, didn't affect all but a fair few. Toyota extended the warranty to 5 years to cover 00-02 models that were affected and changed the flywheel design in 03.

The 4.3 models don't have any issues I know of. Only thing that keeps coming up in the owners club is the high cost of spares and repair to tyres on models that aren't fitted with a spare wheel. Those without use either special run flat tyres or just have an aerosol for temporary repair. Made sure I got one with a spare on the back door, don't fancy towing without one and being stranded because not all Toyota dealers have the facilities to change the run flats, it's a unique machine they need so you can't get it down at normal tyre centres.

 

[EmmanuelMuldoon]

Usefull post Bezzer, I had heard of the flywheel problem but did'nt know which years it applied to. Was'nt there also something about the rear door fouling the towball?

Thinking of one of these myself at next vehicle change.

 

[Bezzer]

If you have a 4.3 with a spare wheel on the back you "have to" have a detachable towbar, the number plate is on the bumper and legally you can't obstruct it when not towing so you can't have a fixed one. That's why some people mistakenly say you can't open the door with a towball fitted where in fact you have a good 4" clearance above the ball. Though being a side opening door it does get restricted when the van is hitched up, no great problem as you have the rear passenger door to get access if need be while the van is hitched up.