Which Rav4?

[yardsale]

Hi folks,

The Sport and Limited are both 6 cyl. trim lines for the 2011-2012 models we are looking at.
Do ALL Sport models have the tow package? If not, how can I tell? Is there a way to tell by looking at the VIN #?

Does the Limited model ever have the tow package?

What is in the "tow package". I thought there was a thread here describing this but I can't find it.

Anyone towing this unit with a 6 cyl. but without the tow package?

17b on order!
Thanks!
Nick

[gbaglo]

Your profile does not indicate where you are.
In Canada certain items were standard on the RAV4 Sport that were optional in the U.S.
It's been five years since I got mine, so you really need to check out the exact vehicle you are buying. Specs can change year to year.

[gbaglo]

Use the search function ( the bottom Google field ) and you will find numerous previous posts on RAV4 and tow package.

[walloe]

I bought a new 2012 Rav4 V6. Just the basic model (not Sport or LTD.). On the window sticker, under Optional Equipment it had the Tow Prep package: Upgraded Radiator, Fan Coupling and Alternator. If you don't have the original window sticker, I wonder if a Toyota dealer could pull it up on a computer if you had the VIN number? To tow up to 3500# it HAS to be a V6. The gas mileage towing a 13' fully loaded 1850# Scamp was about 21MPG on mostly flat roads. It drops to 18-19 in the mountains of CO.
Alice

[J Mac]

It's important to note yardsale that electric breaks are not included in a tow package. My guess is electric breaks, mounted, is an additional $300.00.

[gbaglo]

On mine, the installation of brake controller, wiring harness and hitch receiver was separate from the tow-prep package ( noted above ).
Toyota brought in an after-market installer who did all the work at the dealership and charged $650. Toyota factory hitch receiver was only class II, did not include brake controller install and cost more than $900.

[Vermilye]

A bunch of stuff I've found regarding RAV4's -

The limit on a V6 RAV4 without the tow package is 2000 lbs. I believe you can get the tow package on any V6 model. As to the Sport, my 2010 seems to have stiffer suspension that the Limited, but I don't know it that is true of all years. It comes with run flat tires, which should be quickly thrown away and replaced with real tires, particularly if you live in snow country or want to travel back roads. If you can find one with the optional rear seats, it will have heavier springs which will help with rear end droop...

And lastly, wiring the brake controller, trailer battery charge circuit & 7 pin trailer connector is an all day project. A helpful resource is here.

[J Mac]

Cap-It installed my brake controller hours before pick-up at Escape. I didn't know at the time that Escape did not provide/install them. I think it was 4300.00

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by J Mac

...I think it was 4300.00

I think you slipped a decimal point, J Mac.

[yardsale]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Your profile does not indicate where you are.
In Canada certain items were standard on the RAV4 Sport that were optional in the U.S.
It's been five years since I got mine, so you really need to check out the exact vehicle you are buying. Specs can change year to year.

Vermont, but only 1.5 hours from the border, so purchasing a Canadian model is geographically possible. I know nothing about the legalities of the transaction. Canadian money is on sale right now.

Thanks to all for your responses.

[gbaglo]

Even with the Canadian dollar at 89 cents, I think you'll pay a premium by heading north for a vehicle.
Prices for cars are considerably more in Canada than in the U.S.

[Brian B-P]

Toyota Canada (the toll-free customer phone line) confirmed the towing prep package on my Sienna, based on the VIN; Toyota USA would likely do the same. I doubt it is anywhere in the VIN itself; they would be checking their records for the specific vehicle. A dealer may be able to do the same, but dealership staff competence varies widely by specific location and individual (in any brand).

I agree that for a U.S. resident, buying any Canadian vehicle - and a Toyota in particular - will carry a significant cost penalty. It may also cause warranty support problems, as with any other "grey market" product.

[J Mac]

Originally Posted by ice-breaker

I think you slipped a decimal point, J Mac.

Woops!
Evidently I, from time to time, get my dollar signs and my fours mixed up.

[gbaglo]

And, I need to clarify. I provided the brake controller, but class III hitch receiver, hitch and wiring was included in the $650 installation.