Towing an R-Pod

Hello! 

I have had a confusing and frustrating week! 

I own a 2009 v6 Toyota RAV4 without the tow prep package. (no, I can't add it because the dealer wants $3,000 to put that in now)

I am getting a lot of different opinions as to whether I can tow an r-pod 175 that I am thinking of purchasing.

According to the Toyota.com web site http://www.toyota.com/rav4/specs.html, a 2009 Rav4 without the tow prep package can tow up to 2000 lbs. One equipped with the tow prep package can tow up to 3500 lbs.

The Towing Prep Package includes an Upgrade Radiator, Fan Coupling, larger Alternator, and Pre-Wiring

I don't know what the fan coupling would do, and the larger alternator is to run the camper lights, etc. but the r-pod I am looking at has LED lights, so not a problem (?)
The pre-wiring is no big deal because I can get the people who are going to install my brakes to do that also.
The only thing is the upgraded radiator.  The upgraded radiator has a transmission cooler on it.  I can add an external transmission cooler to my RAV for $400.  Although, I don't see how that could make a 1,500 pound difference in towing capacity. 

Yesterday, the transmission guy told me that he didn't think it would be safe to pull a trailer with my RAV because my RAV was too light and I would get blown around by semi-trucks, wind, etc.

The RV dealers are telling me it would be okay.  Of course, they want to sell me something.

I will of course be adding an electric brake module, stabilizer and a sway bar controller hitch to the RAV.

Do any of you have experience with pulling an r-pod with a SUV?  I don't want to make a huge mistake here!

I tow the smallest made R-Pod with a Tacoma with the OEM installed tow-package.  No way in hell would I attempt to tow an RP-17x with a RAV-4, even if you had the OEM equipped tow package.

I tow my 172 with a 2011 Chev Equinox with the 6 cyl engine with around 260 h.p.   I do not use an equalizer hitch or sway control.  I have no problems with sway under any conditions and the trailer tracks true.   My only complaint is that I would like a little more torque for the hills.  I am not a newbie to towing rvs so I'm well aware of towing conditions.

Originally posted by techntrek Welcome tattulip and Jumper!

 You are doing the right thing checking on the different forums and researching the information, but in the end you will have to make a decision that you will be comfortable with. I would always side with caution when it comes to towing. Good luck with your choice and enjoy your new camper.