I have the opportunity to put my hand on a slightly used 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD (19,000 miles) for a low price. I currently have a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan as a tow vehicle for a very small 8-foot box popup camper (1400 lb dry), but I need to mention that our popup has been "stripped" up and is only used as a tent. I doesn't have anymore appliances, nor propane, nor battery. So at this point I don't talk about a weight reduction, but I am 100% sure that the "running" weight is lower or equal to the dry weight. Obviously behind our Grand Caravan, it's like if the popup is "invisible" behind a near-300 HP V6! The RAV4 would be the replacement vehicle for the Grand Caravan and I want to continue towing my popup camper a few (4-5x) times per summer.The RAV4 is a pretty mysterious vehicle to me because the XLE have a towing capacity of 1500 LB, but if you order the same XLE but with the "Trail" package, the towing capacity raise up to 3500 LB, with the same L4 2.5L engine, same 6spd transmission, same body structure, same towing hitch, same everything except that Toyota added a larger radiator and an external oil/transmission cooler and voila, a 3500 LB towing cap? The this is all these things can be easily purchased and installed aftermarket in a professional trailer shop... so what?I never plan to tow a 3500 lb trailer with a RAV4... but if I add extra cooling, can I consider towing my 1400 lb popup a few time a year?

How many people travel with you? That class SUVs have some pretty low tow ratings.

donn0128 wrote:How many people travel with you? That class SUVs have some pretty low tow ratings.Two kids and my wife. But as explained before, the XLE with Trail package have 3500 pounds towing capacity. That's the point!If it would be a Honda CRV ou whatever else, I wouldn't even ask the question, but as for the RAV4 specifically, it have this very simple package that is available and increase towing capacity at 3500 pounds like a full-size SUV.

Like a "full size SUV"? A full size SUV is a Chevy Suburban or Ford Excursion. A late model 'Burb has a TC of 6000# or more. Adding the aux trans cooler is usually an easy job. But you are prepared to put in the larger radiator? That's a bigger deal. A trailer shop is not going to replace a radiator. If you can't do it yourself you'll need a qualified auto shop to do it.

Campfire Time wrote:Like a "full size SUV"? A full size SUV is a Chevy Suburban or Ford Excursion. Adding the aux trans cooler is usually an easy job. But you are prepared to put in the larger radiator? That's a bigger deal. A trailer shop is not going to replace a radiator. If you can't do it yourself you'll need a qualified auto shop to do it.Well, in this specific case the "larger radiator" is kinda plug&play as Toyota apparently use same radiator supports based on part numbers between the XLE and XLE-Trail models. It's only a matter of ordering the factory "larger" radiator (from XLE-Trail) from Toyota or from a jobber shop, as using the part number of the XLE-Trail and not the XLE. In both circumstances is doesn't sound like a much big deal?

Of course the mounts are the same. However, have you ever done one before? Pulled and/or changed out a radiator? It's a big deal. You may have to disconnect AC hoses (which means an AC recharge), you'll certainly have to remove the fan(s). Who knows what else? This isn't a '65 Chevy where it's a couple of hoses and bolts.

Towing a small popup with a 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD?

donn0128
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2019
How many people travel with you? That class SUVs have some pretty low tow ratings.
vlopddap
Explorer
Jan 23, 2019
donn0128 wrote:
How many people travel with you? That class SUVs have some pretty low tow ratings.

Two kids and my wife. But as explained before, the XLE with Trail package have 3500 pounds towing capacity. That's the point!

If it would be a Honda CRV ou whatever else, I wouldn't even ask the question, but as for the RAV4 specifically, it have this very simple package that is available and increase towing capacity at 3500 pounds like a full-size SUV.
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Jan 23, 2019
Like a "full size SUV"? A full size SUV is a Chevy Suburban or Ford Excursion. A late model 'Burb has a TC of 6000# or more.

Adding the aux trans cooler is usually an easy job. But you are prepared to put in the larger radiator? That's a bigger deal. A trailer shop is not going to replace a radiator. If you can't do it yourself you'll need a qualified auto shop to do it.
vlopddap
Explorer
Jan 23, 2019
Campfire Time wrote:
Like a "full size SUV"? A full size SUV is a Chevy Suburban or Ford Excursion.

Adding the aux trans cooler is usually an easy job. But you are prepared to put in the larger radiator? That's a bigger deal. A trailer shop is not going to replace a radiator. If you can't do it yourself you'll need a qualified auto shop to do it.

Well, in this specific case the "larger radiator" is kinda plug&play as Toyota apparently use same radiator supports based on part numbers between the XLE and XLE-Trail models. It's only a matter of ordering the factory "larger" radiator (from XLE-Trail) from Toyota or from a jobber shop, as using the part number of the XLE-Trail and not the XLE. In both circumstances is doesn't sound like a much big deal?
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Jan 23, 2019
Of course the mounts are the same. However, have you ever done one before? Pulled and/or changed out a radiator? It's a big deal. You may have to disconnect AC hoses (which means an AC recharge), you'll certainly have to remove the fan(s). Who knows what else? This isn't a '65 Chevy where it's a couple of hoses and bolts.
vlopddap
Explorer
Jan 23, 2019
Campfire Time wrote:
Of course the mounts are the same. However, have you ever done one before? Pulled and/or changed out a radiator? It's a big deal.

Well, I already did much worst than that... such as replacing timing belt (and a chain too), starter, changing head gasket and even replacing an entire transmission. Only thing I haven't done yet is opening the internals of an engine (except for head gasket) or replacing an entire engine.

Since vehicle is pretty much new, I can just hire a professional mechanic to do this in a shop (not at the Toyota dealer) and pay for a few hours of label at a decent rate.
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Jan 23, 2019
So long as you realize it isn't a simple job. Personally I'd just keep the mini-van. It's a much more comfortable and better riding vehicle, and far more power. I just can't see what you are gaining with the Rav4.
donn0128
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2019
Campfire Time wrote:
Like a "full size SUV"? A full size SUV is a Chevy Suburban or Ford Excursion. A late model 'Burb has a TC of 6000# or more.

Adding the aux trans cooler is usually an easy job. But you are prepared to put in the larger radiator? That's a bigger deal. A trailer shop is not going to replace a radiator. If you can't do it yourself you'll need a qualified auto shop to do it.

Two kids and a wife? That all reduces your towing capacity. Get something like a Highlander or Pilot. You wont be disappointed.
vlopddap
Explorer
Jan 23, 2019
donn0128 wrote:
Campfire Time wrote:
Like a "full size SUV"? A full size SUV is a Chevy Suburban or Ford Excursion. A late model 'Burb has a TC of 6000# or more.

Adding the aux trans cooler is usually an easy job. But you are prepared to put in the larger radiator? That's a bigger deal. A trailer shop is not going to replace a radiator. If you can't do it yourself you'll need a qualified auto shop to do it.

Two kids and a wife? That all reduces your towing capacity. Get something like a Highlander or Pilot. You wont be disappointed.

Obviously, but that's not the point. If this XLE had the "Trail package", the towing capacity would be 3500 pounds, just like my Caravan where I am not even half-way from maximum capacity.

My question should have been "how to upgrade an XLE to an XLE-Trail package" in aftermarket! :-)
vlopddap
Explorer
Jan 23, 2019
Campfire Time wrote:
So long as you realize it isn't a simple job. Personally I'd just keep the mini-van. It's a much more comfortable and better riding vehicle, and far more power. I just can't see what you are gaining with the Rav4.

I was thinking the same at first, but then I found several PROS about the RAV4 that are kinda the opposite with the Caravan...

PROS :
- It's a Toyota (no need to explain why)
- It's 4WD
- It's keep a much better trade-in value in the future
- I have the opportunity to transfer the lease from someone who put a high "cash" on the lease contract, so the monthly payment are very low and at the end of the lease period (in less than 2 years), the residual value is EXTREMELY LOW, it's like 15K$ when list value is 22K+$!
- The XLE is an extremely well equipped model and this one also have the package with JBL sound and sunroof (but not the **** trail package!)
- It's better on fuel mileage than the Caravan (not that much on highway, but in city)

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Towing a small popup with a 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD?

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