I would like to tow a Toyota RAV. I've talked to a Toyota salesman and he said something like "...none of the newer Toyotas' can be towed 4 down because of the traction control that is standard on just about all of them. When towing it around a corner it could think there is slippage occurring and start to apply the brakes to some wheels."
The salesman sounded like he knew what he was talking about. But could it be true: even with a drive shaft disconnect you cannot/should not tow 2011 and 2012 (maybe others as well) Toyotas'
I would appreciate hearing from anyone knowledgeable about this. It seems that a switch could be installed to disable the traction control. People with opinions can save their comments for another post looking for opinions (sorry). I was hoping to hear about some facts.
Eric Perplies
full timing since 6/04 with best friend and wife: Suzie
1996 Bluebird Wanderlodge, 42'
towing a 99' Honda CRV with M&G braking system.
Well I tow a 2011 Rav 4. I have a Remco pump that I installed. Mine is a 4WD. The traction controll has a switch. Anyway no problem. I had a salesman tell me the purpose of the 4WD lock switch was to make it stronger, so perhaps the person you talked to may have been in error. Remco does not make a pump for all Toyota transmissions. Feel free to PM if I can provide any further info. Marv
Bumpyroad wrote: I am of the opinion that if you are buying a vehicle which you intend to use as a toad 4 down, do not buy something that has to be modified to do so. I had a driveshaft disconnect on my S-10 and hated it.
but specify if you are talking about stick or auto, AWD or FWD, etc.
do NOT go by what the salesman or anybody else sez. go only by what it says in the owner's manual under recreational towing or towing behind a motorhome.
bumpy
+1
I, too, would never buy something that needed modifications to be able to tow it...just not worth the hassle.
2012 Jayco Embark TB390
2009 Honda CRV TOAD with Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow Bar
FMCA #F413428
I currently tow a 2002 RAV4 with Traction Control and a Remco pump and have about 20,000 miles on it under tow without any problems. I also have a 2011 RAV4 with Traction Control that has exactly the same U140F transmission as my 2002, and I'll be equipping that one for towing as soon as I get the requisite "Roundtoit". All of the tow equipment on my 2002 will move over to the 2011 except for the Blue Ox base plate. I have the new base plate on hand. Toyota's Traction Control is electronically controlled, and does not function unless the key is on and the engine is running. My Toyota dealer was very interested in seeing the Remco installation on my 2002, and examined it thoroughly, taking notes and photos. The last time I talked to the service manager, he said they have been in contact with Remco to discuss dealer purchasing.
I am of the opinion that if you are buying a vehicle which you intend to use as a toad 4 down, do not buy something that has to be modified to do so. I had a driveshaft disconnect on my S-10 and hated it.
but specify if you are talking about stick or auto, AWD or FWD, etc.
do NOT go by what the salesman or anybody else sez. go only by what it says in the owner's manual under recreational towing or towing behind a motorhome.
bumpy
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