Rav4 over the mountains

7 posts / 0 new
Last post
maryann509
Offline
Last seen: 3 months 14 hours ago
Joined: 08/09/2020 - 22:38
Rav4 over the mountains

I'd love to take my 13ft Scamp (1350 lbs.) to San Diego from MN. Would you drive a 4cyl. 2014 Rav4,( rated towing capacity of 1500 lbs) over the mountains in AZ/CA to get there?

ac0gv
ac0gv's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 months 3 days ago
Joined: 09/22/2016 - 13:57
Question?

Before to many start to answer, Do you have brakes on the Scamp? I would want brakes but your are within the limit. Some may have a route suggestion also. The "south" route adds 200 miles but would be better this time of the year.

 

 

markjazzbassist
markjazzbassist's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 weeks 15 hours ago
Joined: 12/14/2020 - 15:56
with brakes sure i would. 

with brakes sure i would.  without them i would not.

1987 Scamp 16

athearn2
athearn2's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 day 13 hours ago
Joined: 02/16/2015 - 10:43
RAV-4

The RAV_4 has a 2.5 liter engine. Two years ago we took our 13 Scamp across the country from Maine to Montana, Utah. Arizona, New Mexico, Texas (didn't get to California!) and back east with no towing problems. Our TV was a Nissan Frontier which also has a 2.5 liter engine. We did go over the continental divide on route 2 going west (south side of Glacier Nat. Park). That is supposed to be one of the easier passes to go over. Plan your trip, tell your RAV-4 you love her and you should be fine. Have a good trip!

ac0gv
ac0gv's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 months 3 days ago
Joined: 09/22/2016 - 13:57
2013 - 2018 RAV 4 news

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government is investigating complaints of engine compartment fires in nearly 1.9 million Toyota RAV4 small SUVs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating after getting 11 fire complaints involving the 2013 through 2018 model years.

The RAV4 is the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. that isn’t a pickup truck.

In documents posted Monday, the agency says fires start on the left side of the engine compartment. A terminal on the 12-volt battery may short to the frame, causing loss of electrical power, engine stalling or a fire.

 

Most of the fires happened while the vehicles are being driven, but four owners complained that fire broke out with the engine off.

The agency says improper battery installation or front-end collision repair was a factor. NHTSA says the RAV4 has a higher number of fire complaints in the battery area than comparable vehicles.

Investigators will try to understand better what is contributing to the fires. The vehicles aren’t being recalled but the investigation could lead to one.

Writer21
Offline
Last seen: 2 years 11 months ago
Joined: 06/06/2016 - 08:59
Rav4 over the mountains

I agree with the comment about having brakes. But then, I would always have brakes on the trailer, regardless of State law. My thinking is that I don't want 1000+ pounds pushing me downhill, unassisted by lack of its own brakes.

maryann509
Offline
Last seen: 3 months 14 hours ago
Joined: 08/09/2020 - 22:38
Rav4 over the mountains

Thank you, everyone. These responses really add fuel to my fire. I do have brakes and have another comment about them:

I find it challenging sometimes to keep the brake adjustment in that sweet spot where they are not clutching or grabbing

versus not seem to be working. My mechanic test drove it and said that one stop back from grabbing is the spot you want.

Mary Ann Litfin