Aprazur

After dropping considerable $ in my 1999 120K rx, and a lot of work. In doing a 12 quart flush through the cooler of Toyota IV in to the bucket and adding 10 + quarts of Amsoil to the Trannie, Installing new ball joints and tie rods and getting a awd alignment. Almoat forgot, New rotors & ceramic brake pads.

And, replacing all four strut mounts, front bearings, the Lexmex plastic hose, and four new Good Year tires. I also oiled the squeak in the steering wheel and a few other miscellany things. I thought that I might keep the old girl for another 100K+ miles.


But living here in FL, I caught the itch to buy a boat. I've found a nice little 18' outboard that I want to buy. Boat, motor and two wheel trailer weigh in at 3,000 lbs including gas and fishing gear. I know the rx has a lousy reputation trans wise particularly my awd model.

I've checked the prices for new RAV-4 V6, Jeep Grand Cherokee, & a few others and don't like what I'm hearing. The 10K used boat is turning into 40+K with a new vehicle. I've decided to keep the rx and tow the boat until the trans blows. Its 95% flat easy tow ground here in Florida. I'm in the process of getting bids from two independent garages for a re-manufactured unit with a warranty. A $2,500 trans is cheaper than a new ride.

The questing was/is: Anybody towing a boat with their RX? how heavy and for how long so far?

Thank you for your support...

Jerry

hypervish

This isn't really relevant to your question, but I'm just putting it out there.

I suggest to drain and fill more often if you are towing (ie. after 1 season of towing) . With proper fluid changes, I'm sure the transmission will survive even when towing.

Also, make sure your transfer case and rear differential oil has been changed.

bcg02

I have an 03 - plan on towing a 16' jet boat that weighs 1450 lbs. Add 500 for the trailer and gear. Changed the trans and diff oil to Mobil 1, and performed a drain and fill on the fluid. I have confidence it will pull it no problem.

In your case, stay on top of the trans oil and you will be fine. I assume it is an AWD with trans cooler?

Aprazur

Transfer case and differentials have all been Royal Purpled.

Yep...AWD with trailer package: Larger radiator, high amp alternator and trans cooler. Newly complete ejaculation of old fluid and 10+ quarts Amsoil fluid & a trans temp gauge installed.

Amsoil runs 30 to 50 degrees cooler than Toyota IV oil due to more slippery viscosity (so they say). The temp gauge shows about 30 degrees cooler. Amsoil has about twice the life span of factory grade trans oil, so they say, again.

I'm going to give it the test with a 3000 lb boat, motor, & trailer this summer. If it blows the first (original) trans I'll replace it with a re manufactured guaranteed one. If it blows that one, I'll replace it and sell the vehicle. And buy a Toyota 4 runner, RAV 4 or what ever.

As Kennedy said to Mary Joe at chappaquiddeck.... Well cross that bridge when we get to it.

Jerry