Toyota RAV4

We are looking at buying either a Elkmont 22 footer or a Trailmanor 2720. They are both at the approximate 2800 - 2900 dry weight range. Has anyone ever towed one of these units with a Toyota RAV4? Mine is a 2011 with the towing package and can tow up to 3500 pounds. It's cutting it close and before I buy something I'l be sorry for, I would like some opinions. Thanks in advance.

[rvcycleguy]

There has been a serious conversation here recently about a 3500 lbs tow limit vehicle. Its not a pretty sight. The overall conclusion is NOT to attempt it. For many reasons like the appox weight is not accurate for the "wet" weight, camping gear, TV gear, and the most vital and important reason is stopping distance or braking power.
here is a basic scenario..

My 3300 lb trailer is really a 3500 Lb trailer when loaded with weekend camping gear. It has a tongue weight of 350 lbs. 825-350=475 lbs.
So I have 475 lbs for passengers and cargo.
Two adults at 170 lbs each, or 340 lbs, and we have 135 lbs left.
The two kids are 100 lbs each, for 200 lbs, so we’ve just exceeded the LOAD CAPACITY by 45 Lbs. One of the 100 Lb kids has to stay with friends, so we have 35 Lbs left over for baggage and for Fido. Fido goes to the kennel, and we’re good to go with a cooler and toothbrushes. No clothes. Sorry.

Now we’re loaded to GVWR. Will we be over GCVWR? For my RAV-4, GCVWR is 8100 lbs. GVWR is 4720. 4720+3500=8220. Whoops, I’m over by 120 Lbs. So I have to leave 120 Lbs of my 200 Lbs of camping gear behind to hit GCVWR. I didn’t even include the bikes and canoe, which are a total no go.

So, according to weight, the RAV-4 CAN NOT TOW a 3500 Lb trailer with a family of four people, and normal gear. No need to go to the scales.

Before I bought my 2720SL I was thinking about the Ford Edge to tow it with the towing package but I thought again. We went with the new Ford Explorer which tows 5000 pounds (instead of 3,000 pounds) and very happy with it. You have to think of all the extra weight you will put in the TM. Plus the weight that the factory gives you I think is a little off, not sure if they include the A\C, filled LP tanks, awning and other things, plus the stuff you will put in the TV. Remember when you hit the gas pedal in the mountains you want to move and go. We camp in the mountains all the time.

Dave

The Rav4 has a very short wheelbase. I'd be very reluctant to pull with that as a TV.

Just my opinion.

Keith

[ELM-JLM]

We own a 2011 Rav4 as our second vehicle! I would never, ever, consider it as a tow vehicle!

[hillbillyhotel]

would have to say ditto,
nice ride, just not a tv for that size of tm behind it,

randy

[Bill]

Originally Posted by Scottie Dogs

... You have to think of all the extra weight you will put in the TM. Plus the weight that the factory gives you, not sure if they include the A\C, filled LP tanks, awning and other things, plus the stuff you will put in the TV.

Dave

The weight published on the TM site is, as stated the "dry weight". TM also tells you to add 500-1000 pounds to determine the "towed weight". This is about a minimum, in my opinion - you should about 1000 pounds to determine what your tow weight is likely to be. Yes, you can come in lighter, but few of us ever do.

The "dry weight" on the spec sheet does NOT include any factory options such as air conditioner, awning, battery, or swing tongue, since these are not standard items and you might not buy them.

All of this is shown on the web site, though you do have to be attentive to understand it.

Bill

[scrubjaysnest]

Our 3200+ lb dry 2720 sl is much closer to 4000# when we add food and other things 40# for two propane bottles, Roof ac around 100#, swing tongue, power tongue jack, 35 # for solar panels plus the wiring for it. You can see where this going because we don't carry water. With the Elkmont you will also need to take into account the square footage of frontal of the trailer.
My old jeep wrangler is limited to 25 square feet.

We have the 24' Elkmont, and it weighs in at ~4000# with about 620# tongue weight. I wouldn't tow it or the 22' Elkmont with a Rav4.

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll rethink my plans. I appreciate all your input.