2011 Toyota RAV4 Mini Overlander Build

We transform our 2011 Toyota RAV4 V6 AWD from a sensible and stock grocery getter to something that is ready for the elements and much more.
Over the course of 3 days we do the following
Northwoods Performance 1.5 inch lift kit with upgraded rear Bilstein shocks
Reika Wheels 17x8 +20 5x114
Nitto Tire Nomad Grapplers 245/65/17
Along with a fully custom projector headlight retrofit complete with upgraded SUPER bright fog lights.
The 3rd gen #ToyotaRAV4 is quite honestly one of the most underrated and capable overland / off-roaders that no one talks about. That’s why we wanted to put ours under the knife and see what we could do to elevate its looks and performance.
The headlights are A HUGE upgrade over stock, and the ride quality is significantly improved in every way. We are super stoked to build out this minimobber.
Parts:
Fog lights: amzn.to/3RUv59D
Head lights : amzn.to/48tjWlE
HID’s: amzn.to/4bjHWK4
Projectors: amzn.to/3REfOsb
High beam splitter: amzn.to/3RyHcrn
Lift kit: northwoodsperformance.com/pro...
Wheels: reikavs.com/toyota/rav4-awd/g...
Tires: simpletire.com/brands/nitto-t...

[@YungSteambuns]

Thanks for making these vids man, I got a similar loadout with a 14 plat sequoia, 08 lim v6 rav4 and a 99 gs400, my wife pretty much wont let me do any of the stuff I want to do to the sequoia/rav4 and the little bit of mods I do on my gs she gets mad about spending money so I get to live through these vids, im also in WA but down in vancouver, keep up the good work and videos man

[@ethandeuel4313]

Thankyou for listing all these cool parts 👍

[@CoolGuyClub]

No problem 👍

[@toyotabrony]

#TeamNorthwoodsPerformance These guys are to talk with. These are my dream off-road suspension upgrade for my 2015 lifted Scion xB. I only did front 3rd/4th gen RAV4 suspension 2” and rear 2.5” spacers. That’s all I did. Had it for almost 3 years with no issues. But. Now I want full suspension upgrade for my lifted xB. And with bilstein b6 and 10% of front and rear loaded springs and Tacoma with rear shocks with shock extenders. It will ride much firmer but I prefer that to keep the vehicle planted. And will have sale way better. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 The 2008-2015 Scion xB has the same the new mc platform as the 2006-2018 Toyota RAV4. So that’s why I’m running a RAV4 suspension.

[@ReZShot]

thinking of doing this for my rav4 and also mounting a top flood light bar.. looks beautiful!

[@CoolGuyClub]

Yes. We have considered getting some lightbars on there as well. Great idea

[@perspicator5779]

Excellent job and super sweet look! Love the transformation! I have an '08, v6 great little rocket-Ravs!

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you thank you!

[@toyotabrony]

And maybe Reika wheels like those, jeez they are gorgeous. Got black rhino boxer gloss gold, 16x7 +15 offset, wrapped in Toyo - open country at3. These all terrain tires are freakin amazing. Never goo off-road before but one day. But these tires are perfect for my daily. And I live up north Illinois. These tires are the way to go. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@botapinha]

Que projeto massa! Parabéns!

[@Run_n_gunz]

This thing is so dope ! Perfect little daily . I’m in the market for one , this is exactly what I was looking for ! Cool little rig , enjoy ! -B

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you thank you !

[@TheDiveWatcher]

Nice work man! Looks fantastic. I have a 2018 Nissan Rogue SL AWD that I put one inch wheel spacers on and upgraded the tires to a 235/60/18 Toyo open country AT3 super aggressive all terrain and it turned out to look really good. Wished now after seeing your awesome build that I would have lifted my 4wd Rogue and went up to a 245 or maybe even a 255. Well done on your Rav man!

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you thank you!!

[@impedenzes13]

fantastic!

[@vee950]

Appreciate the knowledge you gave on the Rav4 I have a lifted jeep had a outback but about to get a 4 cylinder rav4 but the V6 has a locking diff. Also I'm not a fan of those CVT Trannys that why I didn't get a 2010 of newer outback but tge Rav um getting is a 2011 like you guys thanks for sharing the content

[@CoolGuyClub]

Heck yes, you'll love the RAV. It's so lowkey and so good out of the box.

[@62CHRIS99]

Nice!!! I got thr 2.5 rav4 2011 built

[@bolivianwonder]

Yes!

[@multirotormanish7220]

Very cool build!!! I have a 3rd Gen with a 2.5L that is my daily commuter and weekend warrior. Love it!!! It doesn't have the power of the v6, nonetheless I really am enjoying it since I bought it used last year.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you very much

[@MsAce0424]

Nice little rig. I have a 5th gen I'm doing things to. I love them. However, you're 100% correct. Those v6 rav4s are underrated. For those who know what they are, call them a unicorn for a reason. I'd grab one up but I need a truck. Might get another tacoma because I miss mine. Have the tacoma and 5th gen rav. Nice little build. I like it.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you thank you. The Tacoma is the gold standard of mid size trucks for a good reason. You just can’t beat them.

[@MsAce0424]

Very welcome. Yes they are!

[@user-it6lb2mx9p]

Thanks for the video. GREAT LOOK. I'm doing the same thing on my 2nd gen3 V6. GREAT little SUV! What brand/model did you go with on the car play radio?

[@tylerthiel8470]

Car looks great! I just picked up one of these with a v6. I love it. How does it do off road with the new modifications?

[@saraj.codding5400]

This looks amazin! Well done andt thank you for the tips and trickc! thoughts on doing this for a 2007 lexus RX 350? Those control arms seem difficult to add a kit (but that's me).

[@CoolGuyClub]

Honestly I LOVE the Rx. It’s another really high quality product that flys under the radar. I don’t know much about the drivetrain or suspension geometry but they run forever and the build quality is excellent

[@michalrech]

This build is looking so good. I also wanna buy RAV 4 soon as my first car. This is a great video, I havent found much up to date videos about third gen, and it really seems like one of few options to get affordable reliable SUV nowadays (Atleast in Europe) Would be great if you made other videos about this car

[@CoolGuyClub]

You got it. I know in Europe you guys get the diesel option and honestly that would have been our preferred choice but we will take the super fast v6.

[@michalrech]

@@CoolGuyClub actually I want to get a gasoline (Petrol), from everyone I hear that japan diesel is not as reliable as their petrol

[@leilaningu]

Hello! Love the build! What CarPlay did you get and how do you guys like it so far? Been looking for one for my 2012 rav4

[@darrenduffey]

Great video. I just picked up a 2009 Sport V6 and some of these mods are on my list. Do you have the compatible years for Tacoma fog lights? I'm seeing some conflicting info out there. Thanks!

[@THEREALDATALORD]

Northwoods is great.

[@cybergrind]

nice car, mate

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you thank you !!

[@tansouftayoub4079]

Just got a 2009 rav4 and wondering what to do to left it and make the lights better , and randmly found this vid wish was very helpfull and gaving me an idea of want to do , off roaf cars are very expensive and i belive this will do for what i wznt to use it for. Thank you for the very helpfull informations i hope it doesn't cost me and arms and leg cuz were iam from spear partd this good are a little bite more expensive

[@CoolGuyClub]

You're welcome!

[@januszz69]

Sick ride! Too bad we have only 2.0 in Europe and not the v6 :(

[@tomaszdolega-dolegowski8474]

Nice, I was crazy enough to put 235/70/17 on it ;) Of course, wheel spacer is needed, but it's worth it.

[@Mathewsmith343]

I put 255/55/18 on 👌

[@mrtubeo]

Hey! Does it feel bumpier when driving or the 70 thicker tire wall provides a smoother ride?

[@hectorsuarez853HOLLYWOODHECK]

Front and rear bash bars and side steps.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Sliders and bumpers are a yes!!

[@mrtubeo]

Thanks for sharing! I live in Vietnam now and have a 2006 Rav4 3.5 V6. I just read there is a version of this car that comes with 225/70 R16. I read around forums like Rav4World and the guys over there fit 235/70r17 and even 245/70r17 tires with only removing the fender for the latter size (30.5 inches) I was wondering how to make the ride smoother since we have terrible roads at some parts and I really want to soften the ride (and the noise). My struts were replaced when I bought the car a year ago and I run my tires at 2.3 BAR only. I wish to keep this little rocket but need a smoother ride for the family. Have a great day!

[@CoolGuyClub]

Easiest way to make the ride a little smoother is to get any plus 0 or plus 1 tire size like you've listed above and air down when you're offroading. I don't recommend constantly running the tires aired down on the highway or for daily use because the air is what you need to carry the load and weight of the car but for slower gravel / dirt road driving airing down is the best / easiest solution.

[@RobustArid379]

What about the apply car play radio? I need the brand to purchase it?

[@mergimmemoviq464]

I have watched this video many times and everything looks so cool. I have one question regarding my Toyota rav4 2010 2.2 diesel, can I fit 245/70/R16 tyres without having to do any mods like suspension and other stuff? Thank you!

[@CoolGuyClub]

If you go with a high offset wheel the answer is maybe. I wish I had more info on that tire size with no lift.

[@idrissaadamu2776]

Nice make over. Help get me the v6 emblem in red for the front grill

[@CoolGuyClub]

Take it off and paint it. Easy peezy

[@richy275]

If you still have the old rims, I will be interested in buying it from you, 2011 rav4

[@marshallohio5512]

Did you use all rear oem control / alignment linkages ??? I think the wheels / tires package would look nice on my 2010 V6 limited 😊

[@CoolGuyClub]

Yes I did. I just refreshed the rear sway bar endlinks to new ones but factory new ones.

[@IADMTB]

Do you have a video of the CarPlay installation for your RAV4?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Not yet. I’ll make that soon

[@twiligthblooding]

Could you put the links of the HID's back? the page no longer appears on amazon, excellent video, i have a Rav4 2009 Limited v6 I am following your footsteps

[@CoolGuyClub]

That’s because the seller sold out. But these are also very good. amzn.to/4bjHWK4

[@twiligthblooding]

@@CoolGuyClub a lot of thx

[@danbulatov7255]

Подскажи пожалуйста где купил такие противотуманные фары?

[@zac6783]

Just bought this exact same car, color and all. Absolutely love it so far! I can’t believe more people don’t snag these up. These videos are sick 🤝🏻 Does yours have the notorious transfer case whine?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Yup the whine is there. I don’t mind it too much as long as it doesn’t develop into something critical. We LOVE ours so much

[@MoldRS]

Do you think I could fit the same size wheel/tire without a lift on 2011 Rav4 Base model? Or what would you reccomend tire size for it? Im thinking of going Reika R30 Drifter 17x8 +20 with 245/65/17 tires

[@CoolGuyClub]

You'll rub with that tire size and that offset with no lift. You'll need a higher offset wheel to clear if you don't lift it.

[@isatoyuy]

3rd gen Rav4 and a red AE86 in the Garage? Are you my clone? LOL

[@MoldRS]

You mentioned you wish you went bigger with the tires, what size do you think would be perfect? I plan to build my RAV4 quite similar to this but want to make sure it doesn’t rub.

[@CoolGuyClub]

If I go any bigger it will for sure rub but these are pretty much max size with the wheel offset with no rubbing.

[@MoldRS]

@@CoolGuyClub perfect thank you! I’m mixed between the R20 and R30 wheels. They make them both in the same specs

[@Wildland_Firefighter]

Whats your fuel mileage? Wonder if you can do an new exhaust set up to gain some MPGs back?

[@CoolGuyClub]

I was thinking that. I bet Tacoma v6 long tube headers could fit up just fine.

[@joshuafitzpatrick7624]

I was wondering if your vehicle came with those mud flaps? Or did you add them? If so could I get the brand or link? I have the same vehicle and want to add mud flaps. Thanks

[@CoolGuyClub]

They came with the vehicle.

[@edwinpenaloza7752]

Can the 245/65 17 tires be installed without installing the lift kit? Please could you answer me why I want to buy those tires of that size.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Yes just run a high offset wheel or keep the stock wheels

[@morgancoston6387]

Hey so I have a buddy and he just lifted his 2011 4 cylinder rav and still has stock tire size. Now I seen the struts basically stick out over the tires. Do you need offset rims or anything or do the 245 65 17 tire size still fit under the peace of the strut where the spring sits

[@CoolGuyClub]

That’s a great concern. They fit under the lower spring perch just fine. You can even use the stock wheels with 245/65/17 and they will clear

[@morgancoston6387]

Thanks for the answer man !

[@dirty2jz283]

Blue shocks are usually make by Tokico

[@CoolGuyClub]

Great eye. Thanks for the heads up

[@austinmcquaite6538]

After the lift do you have any CV vibration? If so how did you solve it?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Zero cv issues. Angles are still in spec, no vibrations

[@johnburkett521]

When do we get to see this thing doing a little off roading?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Such a great question. The wife has been too busy lately to let me take her car out lol.

[@davidwayne9982]

I've seen several recommend the NORTHWOOD PERFORMANCE lift-- do you agree , or is there something better??

[@CoolGuyClub]

It’s good. It’s expensive for what it is. Basically a spacer and spring package on a factory shock BUT hey it works for us. I have not seen anyone make a true lifted coilover for this car but I really wish there was one.

[@davidwayne9982]

@@CoolGuyClub Saw some yesterday with Bilsteins on it too.. maybe that would work.

[@jxc574]

Have you put wheel spacers on this build?

[@CoolGuyClub]

I have not.

[@summerweisner1700]

Think its possible to put a new grill on this rav with the 'TOYOTA' writing rather than the badge? Like the same grill your sequoia has. I'm having a hard time finding a grill that would work on my 2012

[@CoolGuyClub]

I can't find that either. I wish I knew where I could find one.

[@seanterry5411]

I’ve seen them on aliexpress and I’ll likely grab one for my Rav

[@Ayeegee]

What trim is that ?? All the rav4 I see in my area have the wheel in the back

[@CoolGuyClub]

Sport models don’t have the spare in the rear.

[@Ayeegee]

@@CoolGuyClub okay I’m on the hunt what would you say is. Fair price for these ? Awesome videos btw great place to get inspired for a lil build

[@Pattyinthewoods]

Do you think factory suspenions could support that tire size ??

[@CoolGuyClub]

Totally could. You’d just need to keep your stock wheels and you should be good

[@Pattyinthewoods]

@@CoolGuyClub i have steelies on at the moment with really small tires. Wanted to get some black rhino wheels and wrangler duratracs in 245/65/17 Same tires i had on the truck , they were good to me

[@wildfoottv3217]

Would these mods work on a limited model?

[@CoolGuyClub]

100% yes.

[@JakeSantiago-fe4lw]

any axle issues or wobble from the lift?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Zero. Lift wasn't too high and the boots are still at a great angle

[@johnnysays9629]

Have you heard the Cool Guy Club song?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Actually no. lol

[@joelzaragoza4194]

How much did you lift it? I got a 2008 rav4 and I’ve lifted it 2 inches with northwood

[@CoolGuyClub]

We did the 1.5 inch basic upgrade kit and I wish I went with a bigger tire now lol

[@mikewelsh6162]

What size tires did you put on that 2 inch lift?

[@gw7477]

What did you do with the old wheels? You selling them?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Already sold

[@gw7477]

:(@@CoolGuyClub

[@tyranitarxd2819]

What about the spare tire situation?

[@CoolGuyClub]

No spare for us, we use plugs on this car when needed.

[@tyranitarxd2819]

@@CoolGuyClub Those scare me a little. I'll probably go for a non-sport version. It looks like you can fit a much bigger tire on the back without the case

[@Saan163]

Мужик, у меня такой же Рав4, прокачай мне так же)

[@rickjensen5489]

3rd gen rav 4 v6 or 3rd gen Lexus rx?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Lexus all day for refinement and fit and finish. The doors are nicer the inside materials are nicer and the ride just feels more compliant with less nvh. However for an offraoder camp rig that is gonna get dirty a lot. Toyota rav

[@rickjensen5489]

@@CoolGuyClub other than the rx being a bit bigger, and more refined, do they share a lot of the same components? Same engine? Same awd system?

[@ryanfreudenthal5707]

Chaser videos soon?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Sadly we sold it. The ae86 is our new project.

[@ryanfreudenthal5707]

@@CoolGuyClub 😢😢

[@toyotabrony]

The 3rd/4the gen RAV4 doesn’t have a cvt dude. The 2.5L 2AR still gets from bullet proof 6 speed to 8 speed real gears automatic transmission. The one with cut they have on rav4 hybrid. So RAV4 has 6 speed and modern 8 speed at. Just FYI.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Ah yes 2019 has a cvt but no matter what the year, that car is absolutely dog shit. I had one for three years. No power. No torque and constantly disappointing off-road and on road.

[@toyotabrony]

@@CoolGuyClubya it doesn’t matter what year, but it matters what drivetrain you have. Also do u know what’s the length for the rear spring of the RAV4 by any chance? For 3rd/4th gen RAV4.

[@fatboynip]

Where is the spare tire? I have a 2011 and my hatch is molded for a spare tire and the license plate goes on the left side of the door… what is going on here 🤔🤔🤔

[@CoolGuyClub]

RAV4 sports don’t have spares. That’s why we got it

[@VideosOffRoad]

I have a 2012 V6 Limited. You got a couple things wrong. Third Gen only had 7.5" of ground clearance. Not all sport models had no spare tire, only those with the Sport Appearance Package. The "center locking diff" isn't. It forces the hydraulic coupler to engage, but only up to 25 MPH. Even then, the AWD system can overheat and shut down, leaving you in 2WD temporarily. In other words, it's a very weak AWD system. Still love mine, but it's NOT great off road. I have a Wrangler Rubicon for that.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Your wrangler rubicon is the ultimate off-roader. For fire roads leading to campsites these little ravs are perfect. And you’re right about the ground clearance I goofed in my research

[@svaladez4512]

Is it 4x4

[@CoolGuyClub]

Awd with a center locking diff

[@kevinbreese5739]

300hp?? I think you mean 269.

[@rileyf8036]

Can be tuned

[@sergio-ir4hg]

Not 300 hp. 268 to be exact

[@CoolGuyClub]

Yes thank you