Can a RAV4 handle the sandy roads of Botswana?

[JJJ]

Ignoring ground clearance for the moment: the RAV is not 4x4. The Jimny and Terios have gears transmitting torque to front and rear as far as I know, the RAV and Duster and and and have AWD. Torque to the rear axle is transmitted through some friction set-up that will get hot when too much is demanded from it. Loose sand requires permanent push from both axles.

Part 1: Yes, ultimately. But how much is "too much"?
Part 2: Not so sure, see here: http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/...400#post446400

Also, what is the definition of "loose sand"?

If the RAV has a similar AWD setup as the Subaru Forester - Viscous Central Differential - traction won't be an issue if you can keep the belly off the sand.

In the case of the Forester, an added advantage was the self-levelling suspension at the rear which maintained ground clearance when loaded.

[XJ Junkie]

- the D4D Rav is miles better than both the Duster and Jiminy in normal flatish sand, as mentioned the mm becomes a problem.

With its 190 mm clearance I don't think do

[dirtshark]

With its 190 mm clearance I don't think do

".......in normal flatish sand"


Driven the Suz and the previous Rav on flatish sand and will take the RAV anyday!!


We are debating all this and as I mentioned earlier:
The OP has still not told us what model it is(unless I missed it) - this makes a big difference - the earlier model is a lot better offroad than the current one - the D4D Rav is miles better than both the Duster and Jiminy in normal flatish sand, as mentioned the mm becomes a problem.

[XJ Junkie]

".......in normal flatish sand"

Fair enough. In deeper sand if rather have clearance though.

[dirtshark]

Fair enough. In deeper sand if rather have clearance though.

The RAV also has some decent rubber standard - 225/65/17 ...........but back to the OP I think I would rather leave the RAV at home unless he carefully plots routes that minimise thick sand......or get a FJ!!

[XJ Junkie]

Of course there are better vehicles but I think he just wanted to know if it could, which appears quite possible, depending on the required ride height.

[Ungie]

Kang, Maun, Shakawe, Kasane all reachable by tar roads, very nice camping sites and lodges around those reachable by a bit of gravvel road. The only time the entire trip where we had to use 4x4 was through some thick sand but that was in the Kaprivi for about 20 km.

Did Kubu, Moremi (Xakanaxa), Savuti and Ihaha with a Jimny during April/May this year. Except for the struggle to get all the equipment to fit we had no snags. Did not get stuck once.

[mdevilliers]

Hi everyone


Very interesting to read all the responses.


I will be travelling in a group. I am trying to gather as much data before I make a final decision. Thanks for all the facts and opinions being shared.


It is a 2010 model.


Mavis

[Jan Lock]

YIP sorry gone off topic. The OP should take some recovery equipment, compressor and a spade and go enjoy his trip.

+1

[JuanB]

You can effectively raise and modify it to suit the terrain. The other real softies does not have that luxury.

Maybe the Jimny club should invite the Duster, RAV4 etc guys to a day at Hennops so they can see where the line should be drawn?

This has been done at De Wildt and a lot of Jimny guys were surprised at what the duster could do. But we are talking about sand here right and not a full trail.
Anyway I will happily take the Duster anywhere in Bots and be confident that it can tackle all the roads.

P.S I drove it in Sodwana where the "4x4 with low range brigade only" struggled.

[Danie Joubert]

Just do not load it a ton! We have been there with or accompanied by: Subaru Forester, 4x2 Isuzu KB; Suzuki Grand Vitara with trailer; Condor and Hyundai Tucson.


A good driver helps, but be careful as well!

[myburgjc]

I would not do it with an Xtrail, RAV4 or Duster. Jimny I would probably try and make it. Just from my trip to Mababe from Maun, all OK until you get to the seasonal detour. If you walk it, you would most probably take the right road and get through. If, like me, you just take the one "most" traveled, you will get your softie stuck on a middelmannetjie. I took the wrong route, as there are 3 to choose from, on the way there with the caravan behind me and almost did not make it. Later on, and wiser, I found an easy route through.

This time of year you never know if there is an seasonal detour, which most probably is a deeply rutted sand road.

Hi, Thanks for the info. Can you perhaps give us an idea of the easier route? Thanks.

[JCMN]

Hi Mavis,

I been to Kubu Island, Kharma Rhino, Nata and Elephant sands in my BMW X3
in May 2014 and again in September 2014. Didn't get stuck but lost a plastic cover under the auto box. Here's a clip, watch from about 50 seconds into the clip

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndCjmxw0HwM

But we have up graded to a Pathfinder now, the softies take a beating.

Cheers

[JayKay]

Hi Mdevilliers

I was in 3rd bridge, Moremi in April this year in a Prado ( 2004) and got stuck in some water. The local who was in charge of the campsite drives a old Rav 4 and came to our rescue and pulled us out of the water. He also gave us a lift to Xakanaxa campsite and drives all around Moremi in his Rav 4 without getting stuck. There was a little scraping of the undercarriage on the trip to Xakanaxa with 4 adults in the vehicle but never a hint of getting stuck. I guess it depends on how you drive but the Rav 4 seems to be able to handle Moremi quite well.

I thing the operative word is OLD. In many vehicles (Honda CRV, RAV4, Tucson) the newer versions are lower and softer than the early ones. I went places in my Tucson CRD that I would never tackle in an ix35. It is just too low with things hanging out below.

[BADBOYJACK]

Should not be a problem. Many around Ponta da Ouro in Mozambique and Kosi Bay areas and doing fine.

[Johnman]

I know I am coming into the thread a bit late, but in April 2010 I did Khama, Khubu Island, Nxai Pans and Moremi in my 2006 X-Trail - with 3 adults and all camping equipment. Not a single problem - did not get stuck; nothing broken. Worst part was entrance road to Nxai Pans. Don't under estimate the softies - just take a little bit more care.

[ZS6AF]

If Topgear can do it in three cars Opel Kadett (Hammond), 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé (Clarkson) and 1985 Mercedes-Benz W123 (May) crossing the Makgadikgadi Pan i am sure u will be able to do it with 4 wheels removed and only the spare wheel and steering wheel.

[MichaelS]

Hi mdevilliers,

I hope you read this as I went through a very similar discussion about 2 years back here: http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/...76#post2028976

I still have the Freelander 1 that was used on the trip and she is still chugging along nicely. There is even a photo of the vehicle tackling the wet/flooded roads of the CKGR and we went through some very soft sand. The Freelander is a softroader and from what I understand, I do believe the 2010 RAV4 is a very capable vehicle.

Reading through the responses to this thread, my only points would be to reiterate that you will need to travel with a bigger brother and the party needs to be aware of the inherent risks and be willing to help you. I was very lucky I had such great support but lucky I never needed to call on their services. My other point would be is to understand the limitations of your vehicle - take it on a 4x4 route and test it. This also helped my driving skill and what I was prepared to risk and what I wasn't prepared to risk. Lastly, one can never over plan such trips, make sure you have all the necessary items with you.

In my closing point in my original post as per the link, I say that do not let such opportunities pass you by, it really is a magical place (the whole of Botswana that is) and you must enjoy it.

Good luck

[Jovan Djokic]

Hi everyone


Very interesting to read all the responses.


I will be travelling in a group. I am trying to gather as much data before I make a final decision. Thanks for all the facts and opinions being shared.


It is a 2010 model.


Mavis

I've been following this thread for a while now, as I too have a RAV4 (albeit an earlier 2001 model, 2.0 with AWD) and am trying to find out where exactly in Botswana I can go with it.

I have since, been to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary which has the sandiest tracks of all the (very few) places I've been to thus far and the RAV4 didn't have any trouble driving around the reserve. There are sections where the sand is a little deeper and the middle part is a bit higher, and all it took was a little bit more acceleration and that was it. We even drove along some of the less-frequented tracks in the reserve (where there was long grass on the middle sandy bits, indicating that no one had driven that path recently) and even there the RAV made its way along without any issues, although I tried to not lose any momentum as I went along.

Now, I presume the other places up North have deeper sand, so I cannot really compare, but so far, so good is what I can say regarding my experience with sand and my RAV4. I hear Khutse has deeper sand and higher middle bits, but I've also heard that it's not that bad. I guess I need to go check it out for myself.

Before going on any trips, I did take part in a couple of 4x4 courses in Gaborone and one had a "sand race" where we had to drive along a dried-up sandy river bed in the quickest time. I was first in line, deflated my tyres a bit and then just put foot, gathered momentum and made it to the finish line with no worries. Later on I heard from the other drivers behind me that a Fortuner and a Jeep Wrangler had actually gotten stuck in the sand. Perhaps they didn't deflate their tyres enough, or were just too heavy, unlike the relatively light RAV4.

Of course when going on a trip, the car won't be empty, so will be heavier and ground-clearance is reduced and I personally think that momentum and careful driving is essential for the RAV to tackle sandy (and even rocky) tracks to an extent. I presume the very sandy areas up north are not RAV-friendly, but I suppose it's all a matter of how much you are willing to explore and find out. I don't have a problem with turning back if I see I can't go further or if I'll probably get stuck if I do.

On that note, have you been on your trip and how did the RAV do? Please share your experience (and photos if you have any) so that we can see what the RAV really is capable of.

[Sandrover]

Hi


Don't know if I will get any response ... for questions on a RAV4.


I am aware that it is a wannabe 4x4, (but beggars can not be choosers), but want to know of any of the experienced 4x4 members have ever tested a RAV4 to see what it is capable of?


I am just planning to drive sandy areas and I feel at ease with the control that I get with the diff lock and tracking control.


Any one to agree or disagree. I want to take the RAV up to Botswana in the dry season.


Mavis