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Old 08-01-2011, 08:57 PM   #21
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Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle View Post
Bender,

With all do respect, I wouldn't rush to judgment based on a member's "present" signature stats, some of us started out towing with smaller SUV's, etc., I know I did.

I agree that a manufacture "may" build in a little wiggle room within their weight specifications...., I just wouldn't want to be the beta test to find out how little was actually put in .

Take a close look at your Outlander's receiver rating sticker, many of the receivers for small SUV's are not rated for use under weight distribution conditions, only weight carrying.


Bob
I just got back tonight from my trip and it couldn't have gone any better. The combination recommended by Andy worked perfectly.

It is not that I presume any other member has had no experience towing with smaller TV's but instead that a lot has changed in the last several years. Here is what Andy had to say about my specific TV when I e-mailed him asking how capable the Outlander is and how big a trailer could I safely tow.

"The Outlander is a better handling tow vehicle than the 4runner and as
long as you connect your equalizing hitch properly handling should not
be an issue.

You will find in strong headwinds you will find the 3.0 Litre will
shift down a fair bit but by slowing down a little revs can be kept
reasonable. Try and get the most aerodynamic trailer you can, I would
not worry too much about the weight or length as these won't be an issue
for you. Some of the trailers that are 7'6" wide will give you a little
less air drag but at the expense of interior space.

For a Hitch system I would suggest an Eaz-Lift 550 lb with a friction
sway control. The shank on this hitch can be redrilled to keep the ball
in as close as possible.

I hope this helps and feel free to send any further questions.

Thanks for writing.

Andy"

I guarantee a person with any TT/TV combo and any level of experience can learn something by reading his column.
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Old 08-01-2011, 11:25 PM   #22
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thank you

thank you all for the tips and insights. you confirmed my suspicion that the 184bh is a bit too much for my RAV. we will consider a smaller TT in the #2,100 UVW range so out of the dealer with the options it will not exceed #2,300.

thank you

Rosen
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Old 08-02-2011, 03:43 AM   #23
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Rosen,

I believe based on what the potential loaded weights imply with your particular TV's Tow Rating and the limited CCC of the 184BH, you're making the right decision on the 184BH.

Bob
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Old 08-02-2011, 04:13 AM   #24
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snip......I asked my service department about the tow rating and they assured me that the tow ratings are conservative, if anything, because they want to avoid replacing transmissions and engines......snip
Bender,

Looking back on this statement I think I understand the importance of it in the purchase of the 184BH (UVW 2,700lbs, GVWR 3,500lbs), your 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS has a maximum specified Tow Rating of only 2,000lbs......, unlike the OP's RAV4 Tow Rating of 3,500lbs..

Bob
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Old 08-02-2011, 06:48 AM   #25
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Bender,

I stand corrected if you have the 4WD model, it has a tow rating of 3,500lbs, the 2WD model is 2,000lbs.

Bob
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Old 08-02-2011, 08:46 AM   #26
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We just looked at the highlander and it is also uni-body construction. The other problem with the highlander is that in the owners manual it says not to drive faster then 45 mph when towing. So I asked if I did would it void the warranty and they could not give me an answer. Check the owners manual.

Hope this helps.

Cheers
bertscampers;
I think you'll find the reason Toyota places a 45 mph speed limit on this TV's tow rating, is because of a short wheel base in the TV. By placing this limit, Toyota is drawing attention to the mechanical dynamics while towing at highway speeds. Good for you, for looking at the details in the manual. As they say, the devil is in the details.
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Old 08-02-2011, 11:24 AM   #27
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We looked at a lot of vehicles David. After our bad experience with our Ford Freestar we wanted to look at imports. What we found was that Toyota and Honda both said their vehicles could tow but in the owners manuals they had loop holes. Do I think they are great vehicles. I absolutely do but I just did not want to take the chance. The warranty is important. The north american companies tackle towing head on. They give you the specs including hitch weight. It seems they have put more thought into their vehicle with respect to towing. We ended up buying the Chevy Traverse and are very happy with how it tows our 17z.

Before buying our trailer I met Andy and he offered a lot of great advice. He said we could pull with our freestar minivan. What we both didn't know was the condition of the transmission prior to towing. We had been pulling a tent trailer for 3 years without a transmission cooler. I am sure we did some damage. So after towing a couple of times I didn't have an option but to replace our vehicle and I didn't want to go with a marginal vehicle.

Back to the original question. I think you can tow with just about anything but you need to be comfortable with your choice and understand the wear and tear on the vehicle.

Cheers
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Old 08-02-2011, 12:26 PM   #28
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Bender,

I stand corrected if you have the 4WD model, it has a tow rating of 3,500lbs, the 2WD model is 2,000lbs.

Bob
I do have the 4WD model. My owners manual gives my hitch limit (350lbs) and towing capicity (3,500lbs with trailer brakes). The manual doesn't mention any thing about speed limits but does say to use a "good quality" WD hitch.

The only thing I wish I had more of now is power. Atlantic Canada is full of undulating hills which keep my transmission working over time but I just kept my speed at 90kph which helps s lot.
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Old 08-02-2011, 03:10 PM   #29
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snip.....Atlantic Canada is full of undulating hills which keep my transmission working over time but I just kept my speed at 90kph which helps s lot.
If your TV didn't come with one, a transmission cooler will help. Also, check with your Mitsubishi dealer to see if you can upgrade to 100% Synthetic transmission fluid and engine oil. The combination of the two will at least reduce engine/trans towing temps.

Bob
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Old 08-03-2011, 08:40 PM   #30
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The Outlander does have a transmission cooler and I have always run Synthetic Oil and just switched to Synthetic transmission oil just before I left on the trip. I am trying to take every precaution.
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