Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Yep, Another Hauling Stuff Blurb

Alright, so I've already established the hundreds of newspapers that get hauled around every weekend by my ride... I also covered the transportation of a clothes dryer... this next post is about what the RAV hauled around last night.

So one of my closest friends TV's died and we decided it was time for her to replace the 27incher with some ginormous big screen/wide screen unit that takes up half the wall of her living room. Hey, it is football season after all, this isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.

Off we head to Circuit City. While pleased with the helpful service, the selection just wasn't that great. So I suggest heading to Best Buy - the service is usually terrible, but they seem to have a wider selection of TV's (I learned this a year ago when helping another friend upgrade to a new unit). Off we go to Best Buy. Of course, the service is beyond terrible - for example 'Hi Best Buy person, we have decided we are buying one of these large screen TV's, we just need a little help narrowing down the specs of the stand'... Best Buy idiot looks at us, points to the TV's and says 'yeah, about all the stands we have are out underneath the TVs'... 'yes Best Buy idiot, we can see that - but we have some questions as to whether the one's we want would properly fit the TV we want'... Best Buy idiot says 'oh, well, you can see the measurements on the price tag (if that stand happens to have a price tag)'... Grrrr...

Well, we finally got someone's attention (I think it mighta been security... ummm, cuz I kinda got mad and just grabbed all the price tag stands and started walking to the cash registers... that was the only thing that they noticed and FINALLY sent some guys to help). Alright, so that's an entirely different story. But they did have a better selection, so we put up with the AWEFUL Best Buy service yet again.

So my friend decides on her TV, we pay and then head out to the RAV to get it ready to haul stuff (good thing we didn't take her Camaro). I start putting the seats down, taking down the cargo net stuff, and make plenty of room inside my champ of a vehicle. It wasn't too tight of a fit, but there were 3 of us, so the ride back home was cramped. We ended up fitting a 50inch projection-style TV (not the flat kind, the kind that still has a [somewhat slimmer] picture tube) and a 50inch projection TV stand in the back of the RAV. Like I said, it was a snug fit (if there would have only been 2 of us it wouldn't have been a problem at all), but everything still fit great.

We ended up stopping by my friend's house, unloading, and then brought my roommate home. We ordered a pizza, headed back to my friend's house and then started putting everything together. Overall it was a very smooth purchase and delivery (except for the HORRIBLE Best Buy customer service) - a task we couldn't of done with my friend's Camaro, and I dont think we could have done it in my roommate's Outback either... overall, another job well done by the RAV.

A Bit More Comic Relief

Here's another break with some comic relief... a compilation brought to you by the Trunk Monkey's:


Monday, October 30, 2006

Overseas RAV4 Commercial

Inspired by the half-way decent RAV4 commercials that permeated the airways during this past weekends football games, I just had to post a decent commercial from overseas:

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Antenna Picking Up Engine/Alternator Noise

I didn't notice this problem when I had my stock stereo system in (of course, the RAV had terrible speakers stock, so I probably couldn't hear it if it was there). Since I've upgraded the head unit (Alpine CDA-9815) and the front speakers (Polk components), I've noticed alternator whine in the passenger side front speakers.

I've eliminated the following sources of noise:
- Problem existed before any other components were hooked up (no rca's, amps, etc)
- Problem only in front passenger speakers
- Only exists when the engine is on; frequency/volume matches car's RPMs
- Still existed when I bypassed the stereo harness and hooked up speakers directly to head unit harness
- Remained when grounds were checked, moved and rechecked
- Does not exist when the antenna cord is unplugged from the head unit

I've read that these symptoms point to the hood transmitting engine noise to the antenna. Common solutions would be new spark plugs/wires, clean distributor cap, and a variety of fixes for a car that isn't *FIVE WEEKS* old. So I'm not sure what the answer is on this problem. Would the Big 3 upgrade help? I don't know, I guess I'm asking if you have any ideas. I've never had problems with noise on an install before, so I'm trying all the basics, but they aren't solving the problem.

I've also seen that grounding the hood to the firewall (with a copper braided wire) may help. That, the big 3, and possibly a noise filter are what I'm thinking of trying next. Not sure that a noise filter will make a difference if the problem is obviously connected to the antenna.

If you've got any ideas, I'm more than open to suggestions.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Replacing Head Unit (Stereo / Radio / CD Player)

If you are interested in replacing the head unit / radio in your 2006 or 2007 RAV4, this post may be very helpful for you. For starters, let me say that if you are taking out the stock system, you will need a dash mounting kit in order to completely install your new unit. These kits aren't readily available on the market yet - you can order them online, but finding them in your local store may prove to be difficult. The two best places to purchase a mounting kit is Toyota Japan (~$80) or Crutchfield.com (~$25) plus shipping. If you haven't purchased your head unit yet, order one from Crutchfield and they will include the dash mounting kit for free (along with installation instructions and speaker adapters if you also buy speakers). Just make sure you have everything you need gathered together, because you may get stuck needing a part that you can't just buy at the local parts store.

I went ahead and installed an old unit that I had in my Blazer - a very nice Alpine CDA-9815. It's a couple years old, but was top of the line when it came out about 3 years ago... so it's still a great unit. Anwyays, I went ahead and ordered the mounting kit from Crutchfield (ok, I really wanted the stereo in first, so I installed it before the Crutchfield kit got here... it fit just fine in the dash without it, the trim just didn't match and it was obviously missing some superficial parts). So I knew I wouldn't be able to finish the install, but I did as much as I could.

The first step to installing a new unit is taking the old one out. I started by slipping a removal tool under the trim pieces next to the head unit:

Dash by Radio











Once the removal tool was under the trim piece, I gently pulled it straight back towards me until the quick connect insert slid out of the dash. After the bottom piece of trim was loose, I simply pulled straight back on the top portion of the piece also. The trim piece popped out and I undid the wiring harness attached to the backside (for the hazard lights [r] and Auto Slip Differential [l] buttons). Once both sides of trim have been removed, four (4) 10mm bolts are the only things left to take out in order to remove the unit.












After the bolts are removed, just undo the wiring harnesses at the back of your stock radio and install the aftermarket harness with your new head unit (you will need an aftermarket Toyota harness, and the harness that comes with your new radio - splice the wires together by color code, hook it up to your car harness and you'll be ready to go).

The one thing you need to be careful about is prying the trim pieces out of your dash. I used part of an old head unit removal tool and placed electrical tape around it to protect the plastic trim. Other people have used a plastic pry tool from Scosche (pick it up at Walmart) that comes bundled with some car audio kits. Here's a pic of the tool I used:

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Amazing Amount of Storage Space

It's really amazing everything you can fit into a car like the RAV4. I start by pointing out the several hundred copies of the Sunday paper I can haul around for work every weekend. These hundreds of copies can be piled into the passenger seat and into the back of the car without ever getting in the way of driving, reaching for anything, or interfering with views out the window. I can also toss a couple of lawnmowers, drop spreaders (for seeds or fertilzer), fence post diggers, shovels, a wheelbarrow, and just about anything else I need to do yard work in back of the RAV - as long as I make sure my tarp is covering the interior, my supplies and I are just happy as little clams.

When I first purchased the RAV, I needed to go pick up a new dryer for my house. I found a great deal on Craigslist and headed across town to take a look at a listing. When my friend and I arrived, I decided right away to buy the dryer and handed some cash to the seller. They asked if I had a way of transportting the dryer to my house, and I said "yeah, I'll put in the back of my car." The seller looked at me like I had an arm growing out of my forehead, like "oh, ok... you're gonna put *that* dryer in *that* car?" To which I responded, "sure, no problem... it'll slide right in and fit easily." They then watched in disbelief as my friend and I proceeded to slide the dryer into the RAV, just as I had predicted. We ended up having to stuff some blankets around the dryer simply because there was too much space and we had to keep it from moving and damaging the interior.

I anxiously await to see what else I can fit into this amazing little vehicle.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

I Love My RAV4

You know, sometimes it takes losing something before you really appreciate what you had... I guess you could say the same thing about my car and I. I've had my RAV4 for about 5 weeks now, and I now remember why I will never buy an American car again. No, there's nothing really wrong with American cars, it's just that Toyota's (and Honda's) are made so much better. This is the third Toyota I have owned, and God-willing, I'm, going to hold onto this one for many years.

My other cars have included 1 Nissan Pickup (purchased new in 1996), 2 used Honda's ('84 Civic Hatchback & 2001 CRV), 2 used Toyota's ('88 pickup & '98 Corolla) and my most recent - a 2000 Chevy Blazer (purhased used). My only American car. My last American car. Now don't get me wrong, I love my country, and there are thousands of things we can do better than any other people on the planet... but consistently building really good cars isn't one of them.

I never knew if I was going to head out to my driveway and have to go grab a neighbors car to give me a jump. The battery was fine (2 brand new Red Top Optimas), but sometimes the Blazer just didn't have any energy left to start. Then there was all the rattles and excessive squeaking, and the poor door/window seals... Ha, I see people on Toyota forums complaining about a small rattle near the rear door on a RAV and I cringe just remembering the CONSTANT sonic dissonance created by the Blazer. I really did like my Blazer, but I couldn't afford the $55-$60 in gas for 175 miles of driving either.

Anyways, I'm not trying to rip on US-made cars, I'm just saying how much better I like the Japanese cars. I'm not going to get into European made cars because I've never owned one (though I did live across from the Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen for one summer - that was interesting). I love knowing that my car will start when I turn the ignition, give me good gas mileage, and get me where I want to go quickly and safely.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Technorati Claiming

Here's an even quicker note to facilitate the claiming of my blog on Technorati. Woo hoo... gonna get the word out about this site. 8-)


My Technorati Profile


California Car Duster

Quick note to share a fantastic car cleaning product - the Original California Car Duster. It doesn't look like much when you first see it, maybe just a floppy brush or funky mop on a short handle, but the first time you use it, you'll see how this productCalifornia Car Duster is just a gem. If you buy one new, it might take a couple of uses before it leaves the true shine that it will later on (the manufacturer says it gets better the dirtier it gets - so far that seems pretty accurate).

All you do is take the duster head and run it across your vehicle's body and it sucks up dirt and dust, leaving a fairly impressive
shine for a simple dry wipe. This thing is invaluable here in Central California because of all the pollution and dust. If you find your car in need of a quick, dry makeover, grab one of these and you'll be amazed with the end results.

These dusters can be purchased just about anywhere: auto part stores (Kragen, Pepboys), discount centers (Wal-Mart, K-Mart), department stores, and a ton of places online too. The original duster will run you about $12-$20 depending on the store and type of handle. There are a number of other products in this companies line which you can see at:
California Car Duster

Sunday, October 22, 2006

History of the RAV4

Toyota's RAV4 is a forerunner of today's popular crossover-style sport utility vehicles. Similar vehicles include the Honda CRV (which I have also owned- it's a very good car), Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Jeep Liberty and Mitsubishi Montero. Look around the road today and you'll find all these cars and more - they are an answer to the huge gas-guzzling SUV monsters that just aren't always practical.

The RAV4 (Recreational Activity Vehicle, 4-wheel drive) has a total of three official generations, and the 2006-2007 RAV's comprise the third generation. Toyota revealed the RAV4 as a prototype in 1989 at the Tokyo Motor Show.

RAV4 1989 Prototype
It was released to the Japanese and UK market as a 2-door in 1994. In 1995, a four-door model was introduced, and at the start of 1996, the RAV4 was released in the United States.

RAV4.1 4DR

RAV4.1 2DR
















The RAV4 proved to be a very popular vehicle and underwent a major redesign for it's 2001 release. The new release was longer, roomier and more stylish. This generation of the RAV4 was produced through the year 2005.

RAV4.2


In 2006, Toyota introduced the third generation of the RAV4. This version is considerably longer, roomier and more aerodynamic than the prior generations. When I picked up my 2007 RAV, alot of my friends were surprised when they saw how large it was compared to earlier models. They were expecting a small crossover SUV with no leg room or storage space, but what they found was a vehicle developed half-way towards it's big brother, the 4-Runner. This generation actually gives you the option of having 3rd row seats and the 2 door model is no longer produced (at least for the US market).


RAV4.3 2006 2007 Model
The RAV has quite a history for only being on the market about a dozen years. There are diesel models available outside of the US, and there was even an electric model that was only recently discontinued (apparently to utilize new clean air act requirements). RAV4's were classified as Low Emission Vehicles (LEV's) back in 2001 and continue to lead the pack in fuel economy and consideration for the environment (ie. oil & filter change recommended after 5000 miles instead of the typical 3000 miles).

This is just a brief overview of the RAV4's history. For more information, take a look at the references for this post:

Additional Sources:
milkmandan
consumerguide


Saturday, October 21, 2006

Introductory Post

2007 RAV4Being the proud new owner of a 2007 Toyota Rav4, I thought I'd write a blog just for my new baby. This blog will start off with some basic information about the RAV4 (in general and mine specifically), and then develop some practical posts about the vehicle. For example, one post I will be working on is how to take off the door panels in order to install new speakers and how to replace the stereo in your dash. My goal is to have pictures and simple descriptions explaining how I managed to do a particular mod.

Well, enough about the blog, on to my car. Just over 1 month ago I drove home a brand new 2007 RAV4. Its color is Barcelona Red Metallic with the Ash (Lighter Gray) interior. I don't have many luxuries on this RAV, but it has everything I was wanting, mainly: power windows, 4 doors and 4-cylinders. The only upgrades it has is power mirrors, a roof rack and the cargo net/tonneau cover. It's nothing fancy, but it's perfect for me. :-)


RAV-4 2007