4 cyl?

Do you already own the Rav4, or are you shopping for a tow vehicle as well?

The previous version of Rav4, the type with the spare tire on the back, had a 3500 lb tow rating (properly equipped) with the very capable 3.5L V6. I could be wrong but I think the 4 cylinder version was rated for 1500 lbs, same as the newer model. The V6 could tow something like a 16' Scamp or Casita, at around 2500 lbs loaded, but the I-4 has 100 less HP and about 60 ft-lbs less torque, so it will struggle on the grades. I see you're in WA, so you probably would be towing up some steep grades, right? The 4-banger could tow a 13' Scamp/Casita, but you will not want to push it hard on those grades. Realize that a non-turbo engine will lose about 2-3% of its power for every 1000' of elevation, too. You would be towing right at the limit even with the trailer loaded lightly. I don't think you will be very happy with the performance. If you were traveling in the flatlands it would be a different story.

I used to own a similar trailer, a 17' Burro, which I towed from OK through the Rockies to Zion NP and back, with the same 3.5L V6 in a Highlander. It handled the 2200 lb. Burro decently well, but I definitely didn't set any speed records. Even with a 13'er I would strongly favor the V6 over the I-4.

If your talking about a small fiberglass teardrop style camper you should be fine. The stand up trailers like a Scamp or a Casita may be doable but you will really need to pay attention to ratings and what not.

I pulled 3000 lbs with my 4 cal Kia Sorento but it had about 200 HP. Worked like a champ,

What year RAV4?

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Not at all. Keep the trailer GVWR within the tow rating for best results.
Don't expect to also load the RAV4 to the very max before you hitch the trailer.

Why would you want to do this? Save money, gas? Don't want a "big" vehicle?
A small vehicle and engine worked at or above it's design limits will generally lead a shorter life. Fuel consumed will be similar if not more than a larger engine not working as hard.
Counting every pound when you pack to go on a trip is not fun. Neither is telling your friends or family they can't come along because you don't have the capacity. Are you aware that a vehicle's tow rating decreases as you add weight to the vehicle. If a 4 cyl. RAV is rated to pull 1,500 pounds that's likely an empty one. If you put 500 pounds of people, pets, and gear in the RAV your tow capacity is likely only 1,000. However, the new SAE ratings may be changing how tow ratings are computed.
In my opinion towing with something like that will leave you going slow up the hills, worried about packing, not saving any gas, and wearing the parts out fast.

What happens a year later to the 4 cylinders when you decide that the trailer you bought is too small?

Bill

Aside from pop ups which are a heck of a lot better than a tent at times, casita makes a 13' patriot that should get you most luxuries like a full bathroom and a kitchen that should be able to be handled by the rav. Be sure of the towing capacity though and I don't recommend exceeding it.

Your RAV-4 4-cyl is rated at 1500 lbs. Since you appear to be just considering a non-folding trailer in which you can stand up, the only one of which I am aware is the new Columbia Northwest ASCAPE. At 1350 lbs you are pushing the limit but if most of your travel is on relatively flat roads, you should be OK. The ASCAPE is aluminum, which is lighter, but more expensive than fiberglass. It is similar to the Cabin-A CNW used to make but the ASCAPE is slightly smaller, lighter, and more streamlined. Don't think CNW has it on their website yet. A couple more pictures are shown here at The Small Trailer Enthuiast website.

Welcome!
Before you buy either, do some research on towing capacity and weights. You might find that a very small investment in different equipment will allow you to tow what you really want.

If you have the six cylinder Rav 4 you could tow a tiny pod, and the four cylinder can just barely tow a pea pod.

Welcome to the forum!

I would say probably not the right tool for the job. However trailerlife tow guide shows a Ford Escape with 2L I4 TC, with tow package capable of towing 3,500. The Rav4 is similar class, but is not listed in tow guide.

Jerry