Toyota RAV4 PHEV towing impressions

The return journey yesterday eve was better. Nose weight was between 70-75kg and I had the rear tyres on the minimum pressure setting. Towed rock steady again albeit could tell the tyres were softer the ride is still not great. I suspect the problem is down to car suspension design and set up so probably limited options to improve it. Economy showing at 27mpg on a fast mostly dual carriageway/motorway journey (A64/M1) with one long A road uphill stretch. My next trip to Loch Ness in just over 3 weeks will be a better test so unless I have a brainwave will leave things alone until then. 

We have experienced similar problems with our Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is not quite as stable as our Ford Kuga 2.0 diesel on the rear, you will get used to it, correct me if I am wrong did you not post your previous Volvo PHEV was unstable on the rear ?

The issue with the Volvo was specific to the R Design sport suspension which also comes with larger wheels and skinny tyres. In hindsight and after research the R Design spec is far too firm and not recommended if towing. The non sport set up got good towing reviews especially for handling and stability. However It is not stability that is the issue, more unsettled ride on all but the smoothest roads. Every imperfection seems to come through the car but only when towing. When solo the car is fine and quite nimble by SUV standards. The tyres are 235/55/19 so not excessively low profile. I will keep experimenting! 

At what speed is it becoming unsettled ? 

Have you had any feedback from the Toyota Owners Forum ?

The worse the road surface the lower the speed but in extremis 20mph. There are some on the TOC Forum with the non plug hybrid who tow but so far no one who tows with the plug-in has cropped up. Have also tried searching under Suzuki Across which is the same car with Suzuki badges, nothing. 

UPDATE- we have now towed from west Yorks to Loch Ness via Edinburgh and back south to Melrose. Economy is excellent ranging from 22mpg into a strong headwind to 28 and a typical 24-25mpg. For a 2 tonne petrol SUV towing a 1500kg van that is very impressive. Solo mpg in ICE mode is over 60mpg. Stability from passing vehicles and cross winds is excellent and performance is license threatening - very easy to creep up to 65mph + without trying and hills are a doddle. The fly in the ointment still is the ride which I still need to address although tyres on the lowest pressure setting helps a bit. Another issue is the small tank (45 litres) so fuel stops are more frequent than I am used to with previous tow cars normally having 60 litres or more. Overall though I have to admit there is life after diesel for towing. 

Just a thought, where are the batteries located. Are they at the back of the car?

Colin

Yes they are, under the rear seat just in front of rear axle line (within wheelbase). 

After a bit of searching it looks like the previous generation RAV4 is just over 100kg heavier as a hybrid opposed to petrol only. If you input the vehicle onto the whattowcar website red stars come up as the vehicle had a low towing limit.

If the newer/your current model falls into the same layout of weight distribution then it would appear to a novice such as myself that a hefty amount of extra weight is at the back end and not helping issues. Even though just within the rear axle the weight is not central as I'm guessing the rear drive may be electric?

I am aware that this is a potential issue with for example the Honda CRV. I believed this to be a potentially good towing vehicle until it went hybrid and a 750kg max tow limit was applied. I have been told by  Honda dealer that this will be addressed for next year.

Colin

I too am looking at the RAV4  - but my Bailey Seville only delivers about 35kg noseweight!  My problem has been getting enough weight up front!