(Part 3) Top products from r/rav4club

Some tips from my 2015 RAV4:

Replace the internal bulbs whenever you get a chance. It's a very simple job, and makes a huge difference in my opinion. I couldn't see anything at night with the stock done/cabin lights. I can't find exactly what I used, but here's something similar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0186P1MUW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2fk.Bb4B8Y7FB

All weather floor mats are a great idea, mine came installed already and are Lifesavers. I love camping, hiking, and biking, and I can only imagine what my trunk would look like without my mats.

A hitch (can be $$$) is also a great addition. If that's something you're interested in, try to take into consideration what you'd like to use it for. If youre hoping to haul something or fit two+ adult bikes on it, you'll want a 2" hitch receiver. If you think you'll only need it for smaller things, you'd be fine with a 1.25". You'll definitely want some help installing this, not to mention you'll want a torque wrench (auto stores might be able to loan or rent one out to you).

Side rails + cross rails (typically expensive). If you're going to be taking trips up to the snow, but still want to load up the trunk with your other cargo, you definitely need to look into getting some rails for the top of your car. I bought to lowest trim RAV since I knew I could buy after market stuff like this that comes on the higher end trims, but at a fraction of the cost. Again I can't speak for your RAV, but installing this on a 2015 was easy.

As others have been saying, if you're driving an AWD model, try to get familiar with how Toyotas AWD system works. If you're going to be driving in snow conditions, 2WD w/ snow tires can beat an AWD w/ normal tires any day of the week, so be careful :)

Congrats on the purchase and the baby!

We just bought a 2018 XLE. Can’t say enough good things about the weathertech mats. They are expensive but I find they make the interior so much easier to clean. Ours was a rental car so it didn’t even come with the OEM mats. They have been a standard item on all my vehicles for awhile now.

Also bought these cheapo crossbars. BRIGHTLINES 2013-2018 Toyota Rav4 Cross Bars Roof Racks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IQF636Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_j-60CbR125CDG

They are fairly sturdy if you get everything tightened down but I wouldn’t trust a ton of weight on them (just needs to carry a surfboard or two for me). Indistinguishable from the Toyota bars in look.

But the best accessory has to be this silly little thing
Vehicle OCD - Center Console Organizer for Toyota RAV4 (LE, XLE, Adventure ONLY) (2013-2018) - Made in USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XB82MI6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Ua70Cb5XJ858W

Keeps that center console from becoming a mess.

I bought one of these JL Safety EZ Pass-Port - Indestructible Holder fits Mini and OLD size EZ Pass (not the Flex or HOV switch models), I Pass, I Zoom, PalPass hard case and FasTrak transponders. Holder only. Made in USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Y7MJVS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2-XADbRRPR16D

This way in can place it where I want and not muck up my windshield with the Velcro tabs.

Glued some athletic flooring to the top of the plywood for a little more padding. Found this stuff on amazon: BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013A4ASRW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Cut plywood to 38 inches x 73 inches. Fits pretty snug with the seats down and the front seats moved forward. The only disadvantage of the set up is that the front seats have to stay further forward than I usually would have them.

Originally I was going to build a 2x4 frame to prop up the bed near the trunk so everything stays level. This ended up turning into simply stacking some 2x4 pieces because I ran out of time before the trip. Honestly this worked just fine.

Then there’s a 2” mattress topper to help with comfort. This could have been thicker

Sorry for the delayed response. Let me know if I can answer anything else.

The front map lights are different bulbs than the rear seat dome light. For the dome light I used a 31mm 3175 LED and I like it. It is definitely brighter than the stock halogen.

Philips 9005 and 9006. Much brighter than OEM. I suggest buying them online though. Auto parts stores seem to really mark them up.

Philips 9006 CrystalVision Ultra Upgrade Bright White Headlight Bulb, 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SQU14SS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hOhWBb6PQF8Z4

It's actually quite easy to use once you figure out how to properly use it. After screwing up the first few times using the exacto knife to trim the excess off, I did some research and tried some out.

Watch a few YouTube tutorials on how to use it and see if it's something you'd be interested in. It's takes a little bit of practice to get the right amount of tape for each side and guiding it so it doesn't mess up your line of excess that you're trimming off the vinyl.

Knifeless Tape

Unless I'm missing something, the hitch I installed from Amazon said it has a tongue weight capacity of 525 lbs. The dirt bike hitch I have weighs 50 lbs plus a DR350 (285lbs) puts safely under. It's pretty thick metal and held up going 70mph on highway.

• https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00916MMJG/
  
• https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C4B1F7U
  
  The biggest issue is speed bumps because RAV4's aren't very high you scrape the ground if going too fast.
  
  

so im thinking of getting these for my jeep, only the trunk cargo liner tho. I know the dimensions will be different, but on your model, does it slip at all? looks like the edges are lipped up a little to contain all slush and mut, etc.

have you ever seen or tried weather tech and/or husky? or any other brands? im havinga tough time deciding between cheaper ones for around $70 and more expensive ones for $110+.

https://www.amazon.com/Maxliner-MAXTRAY-Custom-Weather-Cherokee/dp/B00HYI2D7O#Ask

Mentioning just for the sake of mentioning.

For AWD vehicles, you need a full set, else risk your drivetrain. I linked below the set I bought off Amazon. They are sold in pairs for about $80, and fits a decent range of sizes. Never owned chains in my life, and they were really easy to put on.

Peerless 0155505 Auto-Trac Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091RCINU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_28LyCb93T3HHB

You can. I’ve added one to my 2013 WRX.

It is one of the most difficult installs you can do though, and I doubt many shops will do it.

I used:
https://www.amazon.com/Weivision-Degree-System-Panoramic-Camera/dp/B0105XR91O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=weivision+1080p+super+hd+360+degree+bird+view+system+panoramic&qid=1562641655&s=gateway&sprefix=weivis&sr=8-1&utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app

Properly connected, hazard lights turn on the front camera, reverse turns on the rear camera, and turn signals turn on lane change cameras. All views have the Birdseye mode.

For the head unit, you can swap to:
Dasaita 10" Android 9.0 Bluetooth Car Stereo Head Unit with 4G RAM/ 64G ROM for Toyota RAV4 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Car Radio Touch Screen GPS Navigation Dash Kit Built in DSP 15Band EQ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RT47S7F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7uajDb1H6YDD0

Which imo makes the factory one look like hot garbage. The CarPlay dongle costs an extra $100 though. Good upgrade for non-factory CarPlay models though.

The radio is plug and play. Harness’ are specific made for the RAV4 and connect right up.

Call a dealership and confirm the model number for the 2018 RAV4, then order online for half the price. I got mine from Amazon for my 2017 last year, even though (at the time) it didn't list it as compatible with the 2017.

Genuine Toyota (PT278-42130) Roof Rail Cross Bar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P3FZIEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mmJJAb5SFC1S3

For the dash: a dashmat from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0157IAJ1O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Try this - it will call for replacing the current display ... may not look as pretty.
https://www.amazon.com/iParaAiluRy-Parking-Universal-function-Birds-eye/dp/B00JRTLV62?th=1&psc=1
We paid a premium for the Limited with Tech Pkg for the added safety factor that 360 view provides.

They make something for that

I use a magnetic one, doesn't impact GPS or phone calls on my iPhone 6.
https://www.amazon.com/WizGear-Universal-Swift-Snap-Technology-Smartphones/dp/B00PGJWYJ0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1465510456&sr=8-3&keywords=magnetic+car+mount

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C0LJJAE/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1