RAV4 Adventure as a tow vehicle for the Tab 320s

mammyd

Looking for input from anyone who has been towing their Tab with the RAV4 Adventure.  Specifically how it tows over mountain passes!

Marco

You have enough power to tow your 320S. I do have a 2019 Rav4 hybrid AWD that is not a Rav4 adventure. It is NOT good for towing esp when going uphill.

jgram2

@mammyd I used the search field in the upper right of the page and searched on Rav Adventure. There are several threads-hope they’re helpful.

YanniLazarus

I did get a Toyota recommendation to use 'S' mode with the shifter when towing.  This stands for Sequential, NOT Sport, and is the S to the left of the D on the shifter.  Mine starts out showing 4th gear when in S mode, which will automatically shift through the first four gears.  I find myself shifting up to 5th on flats, and down to 3rd on long downhills.

But, really, I do have a question.  For the relatively small 4 cylinder engine that a Rav4 adventure has, does it make sense to use 91 octane gas, or is that just a waste...

pthomas745

There is no advantage to higher octane gas if your car is not designed for it.  Look in your owner's manual.

And, a Car Talk link to the same subject: https://www.cartalk.com/blogs/dear-car-talk/higher-octane-gas-better

GatorEgg

But, really, I do have a question.  For the relatively small 4 cylinder engine that a Rav4 adventure has, does it make sense to use 91 octane gas, or is that just a waste...

It depends.  Our vehicles have all the computer controls to adjust for altitude, power,gas, etc.  But they can only adjust so much.
Ive found when towing under strain.  Whether mountains or trailer weight premium fuel makes a difference in performance.  Ie: timing can be advanced or retarded greater without ping sensor kicking in.  More power and better mileage.  But is extra cost worth it?

arunakalu

Finally we are going to get ourselves a Tab 320s Boondock to tow with our RAV4 Adventure (Trail in Canada). For those who have been doing this for the last few years, how has it been? Are you happy with the RAV4 towing ability?

Maple_Geek

I have a 2021 RAV4 TRD Off Road (essentially a Trail with different wheels and slightly tuned suspension).
It has enough power to tow my 2022 320S Boondock, even on some decent hills
Just make sure you put the shifter to the left and limit your top gear to S6 or even S5.
You need to be aware that this vehicle is close to its limit with a loaded 320S so make sure you're aware of your payload, tongue weight and cargo in the TAB.

Other than that it tows the 320S very nicely I find.

YanniLazarus

Now 2 years into towing our 320 with the Adventure model. Very happy. Just remind your dealer to do the extreme use service.