How to Tow a Toyota Avalon Behind an RV
MSN Auto has called Toyota Avalon the automaker's flagship sedan. This full-sized car makes for a luxurious tow car with a sunroof, comfortable seating and a peppy 268-horsepower engine. How you tow your Avalon is somewhat dependent on its year. All Avalons have automatic transmissions, and the older models can be customized for flat towing. New models must be towed using a dolly.
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Instructions
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1
Find out the weight of your Avalon. The 2011 Avalon Limited has a curb weight of 3,616 lbs., and is slightly heavier than the base model. If you are storing anything in your Avalon while it is in tow, this will add to the weight of the car. Check to make sure that your RV towing capacity is above this weight.
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2
Custom fit your Toyota Avalon with the necessary towing equipment if your car is older than 2008. Avalons require a transmission lube pump, which circulates the automatic transmission fluid while the car is in tow. An RV specialist should install this for you, along with the customized base plate. Purchase a tow bar, which connects the base plate to the RV hitch. An optional brake system can also be installed, which automatically engages your car brakes when your RV is decelerating.
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Select a tow dolly if you have an Avalon that is a 2008 model or newer, or if you don't want to install a transmission lube pump. Factor in the weight of the dolly when calculating the total weight that you will tow.
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4
Wire the Avalon so that it has working brake lights while in tow. If you are not comfortable wiring your car, ask your RV specialist. Included with this is a plug that connects the RV to the Avalon electronically. When the RV is braking, it sends a signal to the Avalon to light up the brake lights.
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Check that the weight rating and height of your RV's hitch is separate from the weight that your RV can pull. This weight should be stamped on the hitch, and it should be more than the weight of your Avalon. Compare the height of the tow bar or the ball on the tow dolly with the height on the RV hitch. Install a drop receiver onto the RV hitch if there is a large height difference to keep the tow bars level.
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Connect the safety cable or safety chains from the car to the RV hitch. This safety equipment accompanies both a tow bar and a tow dolly. Check to make sure that the car is ready for towing following the tow-equipment directions.
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Tips & Warnings
You can always tow with a trailer, which keeps all four wheels off the ground. Remember to add in the weight of your trailer to the total weight you will be towing. As the heaviest tow option, remember that it will impact your acceleration, braking and turning capabilities.
Whether you choose to use a dolly or a tow bar, make sure that you understand all of the safety steps involved with hooking up your Avalon.
Towing a vehicle can sometimes void the warranty.
References
- Photo Credit vacationing in an rv 1 image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
