Towing With A 1999 Swb Rav4

[rav4all]

I would like to use my 1999 3-door RAV4 to tow a single-axle 9m glider trailer with an estimated all up weight of around 750kg. Although the engine has enough torque, i am not sure that the wheelbase is sufficient. I would be grateful for advice from anyone who has done any towing with the 3-door RAV.

Many Thanks,

Chris

[Gina]

I would like to use my 1999 3-door RAV4 to tow a single-axle 9m glider trailer with an estimated all up weight of around 750kg. Although the engine has enough torque, i am not sure that the wheelbase is sufficient. I would be grateful for advice from anyone who has done any towing with the 3-door RAV.

Many Thanks,

Chris

[Gina]

Hi

My daughter has the 2003 diesel Rav 4 swb and she has done a lot of towing trailers the heaviest being a horse trailer with her cleveland bay which is a fairly heavy horse! The car managed very well, she did say that it may strugle with two horses though.

Good Luck

Gina

[bothwell_buyer]

Hello rav4all

You'll have no problems at all in towing. The car is well able to handle that weight and the short wheelbase will make it easier for reversing. You might want to think of a stabiliser bar mainly cos of the wind affects that you will get with such a trailer.

I've pulled a 2+ton caravan with my 3 door 94 RAV without any problems....also used it for pulling the car transporter trailer with a car on.

Your car weight unloaded is about 1100kg if i remember right.

[local hero]

Hello rav4all

You'll have no problems at all in towing. The car is well able to handle that weight and the short wheelbase will make it easier for reversing. You might want to think of a stabiliser bar mainly cos of the wind affects that you will get with such a trailer.

I've pulled a 2+ton caravan with my 3 door 94 RAV without any problems....also used it for pulling the car transporter trailer with a car on.

Your car weight unloaded is about 1100kg if i remember right.

Weight wont be a problem, A 3 door rav with a 30ft trailer (sorry don't do metric) should be just like driving an articulated lorry

[RaverT180]

I would like to use my 1999 3-door RAV4 to tow a single-axle 9m glider trailer with an estimated all up weight of around 750kg. Although the engine has enough torque, i am not sure that the wheelbase is sufficient. I would be grateful for advice from anyone who has done any towing with the 3-door RAV.

Many Thanks,

Chris

Hi Chris, your baby Rav should handle the glider trailer with no problems, would guess that your car GLW is approx 1000kg, therefore trailer weight of 750kg is an ideal match. The comparatively SWB should not make a difference.

To state the obvious:-

1. Would suggest fitting a stabilizer given the length and allowance for tailfin area, for peace of mind should you encounter any adverse crosswinds.

2. Carry a spare wheel for the trailer or a can of holts blow up and get you home gunk.

3. As you have mentioned the weight of the trailer, I guess you have towed in the past and even as an experienced tower, will not exceed the weight of the tow vehicle. As a caravaner etc for over 30 years, I have seen too many examples where people have towed vehicles exceeding the weight of the tow car with catastrophic results from their own stupidity.

Happy gliding and towing.

Regards John

[rav4all]

Thanks to everyone for your responses - am convinced and will now noty sell the RAV!

Regards,

Chris