JungleJim
North Coast
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Joined: 07/23/2006
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This was going to be the summer we purchased a new vehicle so we could purchase/tow a popup. The vehicle was going to be a 2008 4Runner V6 and the popup was to be a Fleetwood Utah.
These gasoline prices have me second guessing my decision. I've been thinking maybe I should get a higher mpg vehicle and a smaller popup.
The RAV4 V6 seems to get decent mpg with a tow rating of 3500 lbs (and that's with over 1000 lbs of people and cargo).
Does anyone have experience (or know anyone with experience) towing with a V6 RAV4? I was thinking maybe a Cheyenne with a V6 RAV4?
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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Tow ratings are established by manufacturers to determine what effect towing a given weight will have on them honoring their warranty. Certainly it CAN tow a pop up but whether it SHOULD tow any PARTICULAR pop up trailer would depend on the weight rating set by Honda for the vehicle. Best place for information is your Honda dealer.
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Dirtfan
SE MN
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Joined: 11/19/2007
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I have a 99 ford ranger with a 4 liter, I tow a 8ft coleman popup, this weighs less than 1000 lbs and I have no problem with it, my gas mileage gets better when I tow the popup, I accelerate slower and don't drive as fast as I do without it, the Rav 4 is a small vehicle so I would be leary about towing anything with it
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sayby1campers
Rock Hill,SC
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The 08 RAV4 is more than enough vehicle for a pup! Is the V6 RAV4 really a measurable difference from the V6 4 runner? You can find them used for a song over the inflated V6 RAV4! Either way you'll be fine! Make sure you set up the vehicle properly though!
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Hornet28BHDS
Parker, PA
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Joined: 01/29/2007
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skipnchar wrote:Tow ratings are established by manufacturers to determine what effect towing a given weight will have on them honoring their warranty. Certainly it CAN tow a pop up but whether it SHOULD tow any PARTICULAR pop up trailer would depend on the weight rating set by Honda for the vehicle. Best place for information is your Honda dealer.
The RAV4 is a Toyota vehicle.
I think that a V6 RAV4 would be a great PUP puller. It would pull a decent sized PUP, like the Cheyenne you mentioned, and still give you good MPG's when not towing.
Also, the Cheyenne is a great PUP. We had one for 4 years and loved it! My aunt and uncle bought a Cheyenne brand new in '96 and now have handed it down to my cousin. 12 years and that PUP is going strong! Good luck!
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2006 Dodge Ram 2500 HD
5.7L Hemi, Factory Towing Package
Reese Brake Controller, WD Hitch and Sway Bar
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mike4947
N. Syracuse, NY
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While the Rav will have sufficient power to pull the camper in question; it's short (98") wheelbase and the Cheyenne's WAY TO LOW tongue weight should require at least a friction sway control before even towing it home from the dealer.
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Brocktoon
Calgary
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I have been pulling a Fleetwood Cobalt with a Land Rover Freelander for years, and have never had a problem. The Freelander has way less power, similar wheelbase 101", and my trailer has such a light tongue weight I can lift it with one arm.
I have, however moved up to a Mercedes GL Diesel, but have not towed with it yet. Main reason I moved up was for additional space inside the Tow Vehicle, my previous rig towed like a dream, and I thought, very well matched.
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camsa5
Canada
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Joined: 01/20/2007
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Rav4 6 banger with tow package = 3500lbs tow rating
Cheyenne GVWR = 3000lbs
I'd say you should be OK. You may need a WDH and sway control but that's doable with fleetwoods. Good Luck.
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PopUpTom
Murfreesboro, TN
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The RAV4 should be a capable vehicle. Sorry, no first or second hand info, just a lot of shopping as I was looking for the next TV too. The wheelbase is listed as 105 inches, comparable to the Honda 08 Pilot at 106. It does have the lowest curb weight of the small SUV's I've researched which results in better city milage and better acceleration than most others. One con I have for the RAV4 is the rear door instead of a hatch. The 19/27 MPG rating distances it from the rest of the pack.
2009 will see a new Toyota Venza "wagon" based on the Camry, and maybe even Honda will bring their Accord wagon over here for late 2009. Either of those two with V6's and 3500lb tow ratings should get close to 30mpg highway. Hey, remember the unpopular Subaru 4-door truck? It's popularity is about to change.
I have a Sun Valley. I chose it over the Cheyenne as I wanted inside storage vs. the front storage. The Sun Valley also has the most folded down floor storage of any Fleetwood PUP. Same trailer length, larger awning, more countertop space, etc. It's $400 more than a Cheyenne. Just something to consider.
Plan on a WD kit for the hitch (as well as sway control with the Cheyenne) as the Rav4 rear end is going to sag when the camper is fully loaded and it makes a big difference in ride and handling as well.
2001 V6 Highlander, 2002 Coleman Sun Valley, Single Bar WD, Tranny Temp Gage, Prodigy Brake Control
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JungleJim
North Coast
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Joined: 07/23/2006
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Thank you for most of the replies thus far (except the one telling me to check with Honda...??????  )
The RAV4 is much less vehicle than the 4Runner.....The 4Runner is a full frame.
The suggestion of a WDH for the RAV4...I'm not sure if it accepts one. Not all unibody vehicles accept WDH.
I sure wish I could communicate with someone who has actually towed with one, especially since it's been out for a couple of years (the newer V6 version.)
Again, thank you for the input.
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