Phev Tow Vehicles

ALLen said:
I just got a RAV4 Hybrid and was informed that they can't wire in the break controller because its a "Hybrid". Is this correct?
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Who is "they"?
Just curious, and while "not a hybrid" here is a related note on doing homework on all the bits:

I had to seek out an independent euro car shop willing to install the Curt 4/7 harness recommended by Cary for my VW Alltrack. (Because the local VW dealer wouldnt touch it...and while the local truck and tractor shop was willing to try, they candidly admitted no experience with VW wiring...

I've noted in past the unwillingness/inability of shops like Uhaul or basic truck trailer hitch wiring install places to attempt something involving VWs due to canbus wiring. Cary mentioned there has been a learning curve on other german cars, in past.

So, fwiw: I'm guessing new hybrid owners will need to shop advice some too,
to git-r-done right per your individual tow vehicle, and these kinds of vehicle specific forums are often best place to start researching "how-to..."
Thanks and h/t: Ken and Peggy for the link...

Related caution: It took awhile but etrailer started sharing videos on installs on hitches themselves by owners of various car types...use youtoob with caution...

and another caution: e-trailer lays out some info by "human-being" names but they are actually robot accounts sharing info...for related parts, which dont fit...always call and confirm with a human on things like oil seal bearing rings.

One small tip I can share from my direct experience is to be sure to waterproof the connectors in any kit ...

like Curts from e-trailer...
as ice and grime can gather under there and raise the line resistance causing battery line fuses to blow, (or whatever the equivalent might be in the hybrid).

I'd a thunk that waterproofing wire connectors was common-sense by the ND tuner shop I hired to install the harness, but I guess the junior guy was in a hurry
and since the Curt kit didnt include those waterproofing parts/materials, it took me finding out the hard way;

...saved only by Craig and Cary troubleshooting my rig late into a Friday nite to suss it out and provide a road safe alternative until I could pull out of the shop into an approaching winter storm to get home and re-do that bit later.

So, Allen: Please let us know how it goes...

We all learn from one another and
Once again my deep thanks to all on this community, for doing so.

I've learned so much.
 
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Who is 'they'?
I have a Highlander Hybrid, essentially the same drivetrain, I wired it myself.
12 volt wire went directly to the battery in back. Autowbrake controller for braking.
Works fine.
 
ALLen said:
I just got a RAV4 Hybrid and was informed that they can't wire in the break controller because its a "Hybrid". Is this correct?
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How about this Campinn item: NEW for 2019:Trailer Mounted Brake Controller -
With this Autowbrake brand brake controller installed in your trailer, it works with every tow vehicle. Great for families with multiple tow vehicles. (Electric Brakes- Standard, or Electric Brakes- w/Park Option required on trailer).
 
rmbrowder said:
How about this Campinn item: NEW for 2019:Trailer Mounted Brake Controller -
With this Autowbrake brand brake controller installed in your trailer, it works with every tow vehicle. Great for families with multiple tow vehicles. (Electric Brakes- Standard, or Electric Brakes- w/Park Option required on trailer).
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Haha! Excellent point. If this can be added 'aftermarket' it sure would seem to solve this potential problem...correct?
 
I have the AutoW, had it added at the Nest as an aftermarket upgrade to my used but new to me 2010 560UltraSUV.

Its been flawless for two years and 18k miles.
Ability to dial up or down the pressure useful for burning off surface rust on pads after long storage.(see owners manual)

And lightening up on pads on a bad bearing that was heating up the drum, until changed. Cant be sure this made a huge difference but nice to try and helped troubleshooting on the road.

Also- pretty sure the AutoW materially helped keep trailer in trail, stable after two high speed tire fails on the tow vehicle...light braking straightens things out when a wobble might otherwise get sporty...passing a semi at 70mph...

Electric brakes are so worth it.
Being able to tow with multiple vehicles just by using the clicker on key ring or
A bit of velcro stuck to dash,
is a no brainer benefit.
 
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Sweeney said:
That's pretty impressive. But it is a hybrid, you get the best of both worlds (and the problems of both.) So far my hybrid has been trouble free. I just hope the 250,000-mile battery is my reality :)

Do you own one?
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No, not yet. I am hoping to hear from folks who have one to see what they think. Our 2010 4 cylinder Subaru Outback sometimes struggled going up mountains.
 
Chuckwagon said:
No, not yet. I am hoping to hear from folks who have one to see what they think. Our 2010 4 cylinder Subaru Outback sometimes struggled going up mountains.
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our H6 2012 you just fly up anything we've thrown at it --- I havn't been out west, but the east coast mountains are a snap. The biggest hill we've probably taken is in West Virginia between ohio and pennsylvania on US 70 --- couple miles. Climbed right up it. Ironically that mountain was the one I decided the 5.7 Ford F150 was way under powered pulling a grand design full size -- got to the top with my foot mashed to the floor at 45 miles per hour. The little ecobost (3.5 liter -- before they started buying engines at hobbyco) would accelerate up that hill. I think that was the best F150 ever made. I miss it -- a lot! I sincerely loved that truck.

I However have NO regrets about selling the rolling turd that was behind it.

full


TheDogHouse said:
Electric brakes are so worth it.
Being able to tow with multiple vehicles just by using the clicker on key ring or
A bit of velcro stuck to dash,
is a no brainer benefit.
Click to expand...

I would NEVER pull a trailer without them again. Too many people think the few seconds between me and the 18 wheeler in front of me is a space to merge into -- then slam on their brakes. I've puckered too a stop 1 too many times that even with brakes was a a little scary, where had I had no brakes it would have ended in bent metal. And, to add insult to injury, probably would have been blamed on me.
 
Yes definitely need to do some planning but that is part of the adventure.
The nice thing about Rivian is that the charge port is in the front left side which means many times we don’t need to unhook our camper.
They are talking about moving it to the back which I feel would be a major mistake.

TheDogHouse said:
Did you find yourself needing to plan ahead for charging stations?
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David Olson said:
Yes definitely need to do some planning but that is part of the adventure.
The nice thing about Rivian is that the charge port is in the front left side which means many times we don’t need to unhook our camper.
They are talking about moving it to the back which I feel would be a major mistake.
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Neighbor doen the street got one in green, which describes my state of envy.

I recall reading up on these when in early production- impressive tech. Out of my use case and budget but still drool passing by!

Hope to hear more camp reviews! Serious luxe glamping teardrop needs serious luxe tow vehicle, imho!
 
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