: Looking at a new vehicle.
: Does anyone have any experience with a Toyota RAV4?
: What rack configuration do you use?
: Recommendations would be appreciated.
: thank you

I have a 2007 Rav4, with the V6 motor and about 58,000 miles on it. It is very powerful for transporting a load on top (had one canoe and four kayaks on top during a muliti state drive this Fall). It easily tows a reasonable load. Handles well for vehicle type, good ride and quiet inside. I have the "Limited" model and my aging back loves the adjustable lumbar support on long trips. Gas milage is reasonable for such a powerful vehicle, about what what my wife's CRV delivers with it's less powerful four cyl. motor. I don't like the reduced rear visibility caused by the modern styling trend of pinching in the rear sides and sloping the rear of the roof down. Much harder to see what you're doing when backing up. Most new small suv's have this styling induced problem-the Forester is one of the few exceptions.

I have had some quality control/manufacturing issues-all were repaired/resolved by Toyota under warrantee at no cost to me. In spite of the issues I've had with the vehicle I still enjoy driving it.

Re racks: I removed the factory roof rack, made adaptor plates and installed the Thule "Fit Kit #8" made for the previous generation CRV. I use Thule Tracker II feet with a Thule crossbar and kayak cradles on them. This set up allows me to change back and forth between crossbars for canoeing or for kayaking, all done with just the push of four buttons. I also remove the racks and crossbars for better gas milage on long trips if I'm not transporting boats. Should you buy a Rav4 and be so annal to want to install this set up we can meet somewhere. I'll demonstrate the rack installation/removal (it's the easiest I've ever seen) and explain what materials are needed to replicated this system and where to purchase them.

Dave