If you purchase the right model with the right transmission type, some Toyota RAV4s can be hauled behind a motorhome. Only the 19962000 vehicles with manual transmissions can be flat-towed behind an RV. From 2001 through 2005 (the last year when Rav4s could be flat towed), both the automatic and manual variants are flat-towable, but only the 4WD manual models.
From 2006 onward, later-generation cars are not approved for flat towing. No Rav4 EV model can be pulled behind a boat.
With the Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive and the TRDOff-Road trim, the 2020 model in particular offers two off-roading variants that make navigating hazardous circumstances simple.
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that you shouldn’t go over 55 mph or tow constantly for more than 200 miles with the 2001 models and the 2002 to 2005 vehicles that can be flat towed.
Special equipment and accessories must be obtained from your motor home’s manufacturer or service provider before you even start flat towing.
Additionally, whenever you dinghy tow, make sure the transmission is in neutral. The wheels may now easily and freely rotate as a result.
Before using the vehicle or starting the towing process again after reaching the distance restriction, it’s vital to let the engine run for at least three minutes.
All of these suggestions work to keep your transmission or the transfer components from becoming hurt.
Automobile Producer The Rav4, one of Toyota’s several off-road cars, would seem to be excellent for flat towing. They may appear to be wonderful while you are driving them through the adventure routes, but that does not automatically make them eligible for flat towing.
As strange as it may seem, the majority of Toyota cars with automatic transmissions are not approved for towing boats.
The transmission’s lubrication is the primary cause of this. Some Toyota automobiles require some ongoing transmission lubrication via a pump to keep the working parts greased.
The purpose of flat towing is defeated if the engine is running since the lubrication pump must be kept running to prevent serious transmission damage.
In This Article...
Which Toyota SUVs are capable of flat towing?
For instance, Toyota has a number of vehicles that appear to be perfect for flat towing. The Land Cruiser and the 4Runner are available for intrepid off-road travelers.
Can an RV tow a Toyota RAV4?
Yes, the Toyota RAV4 is capable of towing a camper trailer, but there are some very essential caveats.
The only two Toyota RAV4 trim levels that are suitable for towing a camper trailer are the Toyota RAV4 Adventure and the Toyota RAV4 TRD. However, even that trailer should be picked carefully.
To recap, out of all the RAV4 trim levels, the Adventure and the TRD can tow the most weight. The maximum weight that may be towed is 3,500 pounds. This means that you should pick a camper that weighs far less than that. You should also be aware of both vehicles’ maximum payloads (1,050). Let’s examine why this is significant:
Payload and towing capacity are related even if they are extremely different. The driver of the car is weighed at 150 pounds when the towing capability of a vehicle is calculated. Both goods and additional passengers are not present in the truck.
You must account for additional weight in your payload, such as passengers, equipment, luggage, meals, and so forth. Again, the 1,050 pound payload limit applies to Toyota RAV4 vehicles. Even more considerations come into play if you plan to transport a kayak on your roof.
Always keep in mind that if you surpass your maximum payload, the suspension will have to support more weight. You run the risk of breaking your car’s frame in addition to having brakes that wear out more quickly.
So let’s look at what kind of trailer camper the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Adventure and TRD can securely pull while keeping towing capacity and cargo capacity in mind.
Can a Honda CR-V be flat-towed?
Your Honda CR-V won’t suffer any damage from flat towing as long as you follow the correct procedures.
A Honda CR-V can be flat-towed safely at up to 65 mph. You’ll protect the 4WD system if all four wheels are on the ground. Naturally, you’ll want to employ a good tow bar.
To learn more about that subject, see our video on connecting and disconnecting a tow bar:
Which vehicle is the simplest to tow behind a motorhome?
The Top 5 Cars for Towing Your RV
- CR-V by Honda. Towing behind our camper is easy and convenient with our Honda CR-V.
- Wrangler Jeep. One popular vehicle for towing behind an RV is the Jeep Wrangler.
- Ford F-150. The Ford F150 is a flexible choice.
Is it possible to tow a 2015 RAV4 behind an RV?
One of the most well-liked car brands among consumers today is the Toyota RAV4. They are small sport utility vehicles, yet each one of them is incredibly strong. Within the Toyota RAV4 class, there are many different models with somewhat varying features. However, they are all robust vehicles that can pull campers. Several of these campers are:
- Rock Climber in Quicksilver
- Polydrop Limited Edition Trailer
- Classic Timberleaf Teardrop
- Torn Teardrop Fron
However, you must first confirm that you are aware of the precise type and trim of your Toyota RAV4 before you even begin searching for the ideal camper. Some of the most crucial details you’ll need to be aware of before starting your search are listed in the table below.
As you can see, there are some differences between the towing capacity and weight ratings of each model. However, Toyota RAV4s are typically only able to haul 1,500 to 1,700 lbs. of weight. With a Toyota RAV4 Adventure, you might be able to tow bigger campers like an airstream or small travel trailer.
Generally speaking, this vehicle will wind up reducing some of your camping alternatives, but hang in there! An informational table about some of the campers is provided below. With a tow vehicle like this, pop-up and teardrop trailers are your best options. Miniature travel trailers and airstreams might be available, but they will be the exception rather than the rule.
Which automobiles are flat-towed behind an RV?
Absolutely not! The biggest drawback of flat towing is that many ordinary vehicles cannot be used for it due to problems with various contemporary automobile transmissions. If you attempt to flat-tow a vehicle that isn’t made for it, your transmission could sustain significant damage.
Generally speaking, cars with a manual transfer case and rear-wheel drive, as well as those with four-wheel drive, can be flat towed without risk. Even so, these guidelines don’t always apply. The Motorhome Magazine Dinghy Towing Guide, which covers vehicles made during the previous 30+ years, is the greatest source for finding out which cars are permitted for flat towing.
The owner’s manual of a certain vehicle is the most crucial location to check to see if flat towing is permitted, even after consulting the dinghy towing instructions. Don’t flat tow if it indicates you can’t. or at least not without first altering it. Yes, certain vehicles that can’t be flat-towed can be modified to make them safe to tow. You can read more in this article’s later sections about that.
What kinds of hybrid cars can be flat-towed?
It sounds incredibly thrilling to think about plugging in an electric toad at the campsite and never having to refuel it. Will the brand-new Tesla 3 be able to be towed with all four wheels down?
We’re only now getting a look at the $35,000 Tesla 3, despite the fact that it has been in development for some time. It’s unlikely that it will be able to be towed with all four wheels down, popularly known as dinghy towing. Tesla does not allow its current production vehicles to be towed with the front wheels up; only on a flatbed. The warranty will be void if you tow with two or four wheels down.
You’re not completely out of luck, though. The Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi come very close to being the first all-electric cars that have manufacturer approval to be pulled 4-down, but they are not quite there yet. Because they are plug-in hybrids, you can practically drive them just like an electric car. They include an electric-only mode, and you can charge them overnight by plugging them into a regular 15-amp outlet. Although the range in electric-only mode is only approximately 20 miles, you can still use them to go where you need to go and switch to the gas engine as necessary. The C-max is a tempting alternative at roughly $27,000, including a potential $4000 tax credit, whereas the Fusion costs about $4000 more.
The Fusion and C-Max are also offered in a non-plug-in form that is simply referred to as the “Hybrid variant.” These are truly the only electric or hybrid cars that may be hauled with 4 wheels down without voiding the manufacturer warranty, according to Motorhome Magazine’s 2017 Dinghy Towing Guide. Before towing, you must run them for a minute, and once every six hours while traveling.
Some campgrounds might not allow electric vehicle charging, especially as they become more popular. As they aren’t made to support full loads on both at once, make sure to plug into your RV rather than the auxiliary 15-amp outlet on the campground’s box.
A 1998 RAV4 can it be flat-towed?
According to my investigation, there is no issue if it has a manual transmission, however an automatic transmission vehicle cannot be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. A base plate kit, tow bar, wiring to power the lights, brake system, and perhaps a high-low converter are required to tow the RAV4.