A Draw-Tite 76201 trailer hitch, a few simple tools, and a brief amount of time are all that are needed to install a trailer hitch on a Toyota RAV4. The Toyota Rav4 model years 20192021 can use this trailer hitch and installation method.
Use your Toyota Rav4 to tow trailers and other types of hitch-mounted equipment right away by following these simple instructions.
Tools required:
- Eye protection
- Strap
- Mist Bottle
- Screwdriver, flathead
- Pliers for removing exhaust
- ratchet wrench
- Crows Foot & 19mm Adapter
In This Article...
Is a tow package available for the Toyota RAV4?
Towing capacity for the Toyota RAV4’s standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine is 1,500 pounds. In fact, the Hybrid 2.5L 4-cylinder engine increases the towing capacity by 250 pounds over the standard gas engine, raising the maximum towing capacity to 1,750 pounds.
Position the hitch
In order for the hitch’s attachment holes to align with the frame weld bolts, lift it into place. Using the power drill equipped with the 19mm socket, secure the frame by installing the bolts and conical washers. Make that the teeth of the washers are facing the hitch.
Lower the exhaust (if necessary)
If you are having problems getting to the bolts on the passenger side, lower the exhaust. Pull the isolator rod from the rubber exhaust hanger above the exhaust muffler using the flathead screwdriver or exhaust pliers.
Torque the hitch
Torque the bolts to 76 ft-lb using the torque wrench and 19mm socket. When the appropriate amount of torque is applied, the wrench should click. Use the exhaust strap to move the exhaust out of the way so you can access the bolts on the passenger side.
Raise the exhaust (if necessary)
If you lowered the exhaust, raise it back up by re-inserting the isolator rod into the rubber exhaust hanger.
When assembled, the hitch should be fitted at:
- The receiver’s height from the ground is 13 3/4 inches.
- the pinhole to the bumper is 3 inches away.
Your 2018 Toyota RAV4 should now have a Draw-Tite 75235 trailer hitch installed.
How much does a 2021 RAV4 hitch installation cost?
How much does it cost to install a hitch on a Toyota RAV4 (model years 20192021)? The price of installation is often under $100, but you should verify with your nearby U-Haul Moving Center as fees can vary depending on your location, the type of hitch you’re installing, and your car.
Has the RAV4 Prime a tow hitch?
Includes RAV4, RAV4 PRIME Follow all directions in your owner’s manual and do not exceed any weight ratings. The entire weight of any goods, passengers, and other vehicle equipment is added to the base curb weight to determine the maximum you can tow.
What model of RAV4 is tow-ready?
Hybrid RAV4 models have a maximum payload of 1,230 pounds and a towing capacity of 1,750 pounds. The Toyota RAV4 has a maximum payload capacity of 1,050 pounds, while trail-ready trims like the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road variants can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
What RAV4 model is the greatest for towing?
Yes, the Toyota RAV4 is capable of towing a camper trailer, but there are some very essential caveats.
The only two Toyota RAV4 trim levels that are suitable for towing a camper trailer are the Toyota RAV4 Adventure and the Toyota RAV4 TRD. However, even that trailer should be picked carefully.
To recap, out of all the RAV4 trim levels, the Adventure and the TRD can tow the most weight. The maximum weight that may be towed is 3,500 pounds. This means that you should pick a camper that weighs far less than that. You should also be aware of both vehicles’ maximum payloads (1,050). Let’s examine why this is significant:
Payload and towing capacity are related even if they are extremely different. The driver of the car is weighed at 150 pounds when the towing capability of a vehicle is calculated. Both goods and additional passengers are not present in the truck.
You must account for additional weight in your payload, such as passengers, equipment, luggage, meals, and so forth. Again, the 1,050 pound payload limit applies to Toyota RAV4 vehicles. Even more considerations come into play if you plan to transport a kayak on your roof.
Always keep in mind that if you surpass your maximum payload, the suspension will have to support more weight. You run the risk of breaking your car’s frame in addition to having brakes that wear out more quickly.
So let’s look at what kind of trailer camper the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Adventure and TRD can securely pull while keeping towing capacity and cargo capacity in mind.
A RAV4 can tow what kind of trailer?
One of the most well-liked car brands among consumers today is the Toyota RAV4. They are small sport utility vehicles, yet each one of them is incredibly strong. Within the Toyota RAV4 class, there are many different models with somewhat varying features. However, they are all robust vehicles that can pull campers. Several of these campers are:
- GO Sylvansport
- Rock Climber in Quicksilver
- 176LTD Flagstaff
- Sport 8SD Jay
- MINI Tinycamper
- Polydrop Limited Edition Trailer
- Woodleaf Pika
- Classic Timberleaf Teardrop
- Torn Teardrop Fron
However, you must first confirm that you are aware of the precise type and trim of your Toyota RAV4 before you even begin searching for the ideal camper. Some of the most crucial details you’ll need to be aware of before starting your search are listed in the table below.
As you can see, there are some differences between the towing capacity and weight ratings of each model. However, Toyota RAV4s are typically only able to haul 1,500 to 1,700 lbs. of weight. With a Toyota RAV4 Adventure, you might be able to tow bigger campers like an airstream or small travel trailer.
Generally speaking, this vehicle will wind up reducing some of your camping alternatives, but hang in there! An informational table about some of the campers is provided below. With a tow vehicle like this, pop-up and teardrop trailers are your best options. Miniature travel trailers and airstreams might be available, but they will be the exception rather than the rule.
There are numerous different floorplans, weights, and amenities available even among these two camper kinds. Users of the Toyota RAV4 should lean toward the lighter end of this spectrum to prevent overstressing their vehicles. Finding campers that meet the requirements of these models can be challenging at times, but it’s not impossible.
I’ll list a few top-notch campers that a Toyota RAV4 ought to be able to tow below. Hopefully you’ll find one that resonates with you!
Can a RAV4 trailer be towed by one?
A RAV4 can tow an Uhaul trailer, a small caravan, cargo trailers, or bike racks with its average towing capability of 1500 kg.
Furthermore, the new Toyota RAV4 hybrid can tow a trailer weighing up to 750 kg without the use of brakes in either of its two mechanical versions and up to 1,275 kg with the 220H e-CVT 44 engine (up to 1,650 kg with permission B + E). Its maximum authorized mass is 2,135 kg in 42 and 2,225 kg in 44.
How to tow a trailer with a Toyota RAV4
Tow a Toyota RAV4 securely, there are a few easy-to-follow yet crucial precautions to take.
First, note the gross weight of the U-haul trailer. In the absence of this data, a nearby vehicle scale can be employed. Calculate the tongue tow’s weight, which corresponds to about 15% of the MAM of the trailer.
Second, note your RAV4’s towing capacity, which you can find in the owner’s manual. Depending on the model, kind, and size of the engine, this figure will change.
Find out the hitch trailer’s towing capacity next. Typically, hitch trailers fall into one of the following categories:
- Class 1 is capable of towing 900 kg;
- up to 1500 kg in Class 2;
- up to 2300 kg for class 3;
- up to 4500 kg, class 4.
Note: The MAM and the weight of the tow bar cannot be exceeded by the weight of the car plus the weight of the hitch trailer!
Can a Toyota Rav4 be equipped with a bike rack?
Yes! The 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is compatible with the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top 2 Bike Carrier # HRF2. A video of the rack being utilized on a 2019 Rav4 is supplied. Check out that to see it in action, then!
Can a hybrid Rav4 be equipped with a trailer hitch?
RAV4 Hybrid Limited for 2021. has a kick sensor, and I fear I may misplace it. searching for a tow hitch receiver to haul bicycles. Any suggestions?
Effective Expert Response:
The Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76201 is the best trailer hitch receiver for towing bikes that will suit your 2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid.
This is because it is quicker to install and less expensive than the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # EH97FR, and has better ground and bumper clearance for a bike rack than the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13416.
With the Draw-Tite, your RAV4 can be easily bolted on without the need for drilling. It also features a 2″ trailer hitch receiver, giving you the widest selection of high-quality bike racks, such as the Yakima HoldUp # Y02443 or Kuat Sherpa 2.0 # SH22B.
To give you an idea of how the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76201 will appear on your vehicle, I’ve included a photo of a Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid with it installed.
Describe the Toyota RAV4 prime.
The plug-in hybrid version of Toyota’s well-known small crossover SUV is called the RAV4 Prime. The Prime boasts stronger electric motors and a bigger battery than the conventional hybrid, giving it a 42-mile all-electric range.
What distinguishes Class 1/2 from Class 3 trailer hitches?
The differences between Class II and Class III hitches are related to the GTW, TW, and Hitch Receiver Size of the trailers, respectively. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and have a maximum GTW and TW rating of 3,500 lbs and 525 lbs, respectively. In contrast, Class III has a 2 inch receiver and can weigh up to 8,000 lbs GTW and 800 pounds TW. I’ll send you a help article with further information in the attachment.
The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class II # C12170 is a nice illustration of a Class II hitch that will fit on your 2015 Mazda CX-5. This will fit on your Mazda and has a maximum GTW and TW of 3,500 pounds and 350 pounds, respectively.
The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III # C13315 is my suggestion even though the Class II hitch can be used for a variety of things. The maximum GTW and TW for a Class III hitch are 4,000 lbs and 600 lbs, respectively. The Class III hitch has fewer limitations on what you can tow, even though your car’s overall towing weight capacity determines what you can tow.
You should also be aware that the Curt Support Strap # 18050 must be used with non-trailer loads according to the warranty for both of these trailer hitches.
I suggest the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR if you’re looking for a hitch-mounted bike rack. It incorporates an anti-rattle bolt that lessens the vibration and noise produced by your bike rack, in addition to fitting on both 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch hitches.
If you choose to purchase the bike rack, you should also purchase the Thule Cable Lock # TH538XT as well as the Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device # THSTL2. These will aid in preventing theft of both your bike and bike rack. The Thule Bike Adapter Bar # TH982XT will aid in properly hanging your bike on the bike rack if it has an alternative, women’s, or child-sized frame.
I’ve attached some demonstration films for you as well as the help article I referenced earlier.