Plug-in Hybrid As A Tv

GhostOrchid

GhostOrchid

Junior Ranger
I'm intrigued by what I've read about the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, and wondering whether anyone has experience with it, or any other PHEV, as a tow vehicle.

Rated tow capacity is 2,500.

When I'm camping, it's usually at sites with electric, and the tow vehicle often just sits for days. I could be plugged in and recharging -- almost like free fuel! I realize I'll probably never make up for the premium in price with fuel savings (although there's still a 7,500 tax credit available), but am really interested in lowering my carbon footprint.

Thoughts?
 
GhostOrchid said:
I'm intrigued by what I've read about the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, and wondering whether anyone has experience with it, or any other PHEV, as a tow vehicle.

Rated tow capacity is 2,500.

When I'm camping, it's usually at sites with electric, and the tow vehicle often just sits for days. I could be plugged in and recharging -- almost like free fuel! I realize I'll probably never make up for the premium in price with fuel savings (although there's still a 7,500 tax credit available), but am really interested in lowering my carbon footprint.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I have noticed that several campgrounds are not allowing charging of electric vehicles.
 
Van_and_Terri said:
I have noticed that several campgrounds are not allowing charging of electric vehicles.
Click to expand...

This, I really don't have a problem with...

Most campground power systems are ridiculously under spec'd. Campgrounds built in the 70's may have 30 amp power-poles, but these were installed for campers made in the same era. Today, the campers might still have a 30 amp connector on it...but are loaded with a lot more gadgets.

When those hot summer days gets here, it only gets worse. Those 120 volt lines, the voltages drop to unsafe levels, to the point I've seen air conditioners burn themselves up trying to run on 104 volts. You get teslas plugging into that and its going to silly.

Frankly, I don't know why anyone would consider plugging in an $80,000 car into a power pole that would have dirty power. I imagine most of the suburbanites who ran out 2 years ago to buy a camper/rv have a clue how park systems work...or don't....especially in older state parks.
 
Lots there :) I'm a fan boy as well -- I have owned several RV's....from a classic 1960's Scotty, 2 campinns, Grand Design Bunk House, Fleetwood bounder....only 2 of those campers were worth the cost :) I've told my wife if I ever even MENTION the word "sell" and "Camp Inn" in the same paragraph --- to hit me as hard as she can with a cast iron pan. She'd do it too.

Wiring of trailers is really not that hard -- unless you have a modern car. The extreme computerization has taken something that was once a simple splice job into needed a EE certificateion (Electrical Engineer) to not destroy the body control module of the car.

EV's are even worse. I think they have their place, but not are not a fit for everyone --- its the one size fits all solution that grinds my gears.

This forum you will find is FULL of great knowledge - even if, in the end, you decide to spend money and have the work done -- Nothing wrong with that at all! -- at least you can understand what is being done, how much time it should really take and not pay hundreds more for what is really a simple job.

Bad winter up there? Ours this year has been remarkably mild --- we'll pay for it though with bugs in july....

As for tow vehicle, I prefer my wifes 2012 Outback with a V6 -- but my hybrid rav4 does fine as long as I keep my foot light on the peddle, and keep my speed below 65....which is where I like to tow anyway....
 
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