Tow Hitch and Wiring for 2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XLE for Bike Rack and Trailering Use  

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Expert Reply:

We can help you with a suitable hitch and the wiring harness and other trailering items you need for your 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE.

All hitch options appear on the page I linked for you. I recommend etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" # e98864 since it fits your hybrid and offers both a high weight rating and lower cost than some of the other hitch options. I included an install video for your review. For a wiring harness for trailer lights you can use the Tekonsha 4-pole harness # 118578 which offers mostly plug-in installation.

In this hitch you can use a bike rack made to fit a 2-inch hitch. A great value in a quality 4-bike rack comes from Thule, their Hitching Post Pro hanging style rack # TH934XTR. The linked help article on hitch bike racks will help you consider your best option for your particular bikes.

If the trailers you'll be towing have electric brakes then you will need additional equipment to enable the RAV4 to send brake signals to those trailers. In addition to the 4-pole harness noted above you will also need a brake controller such as the Prodigy P2 # 90885 an a controller installation kit # ETBC7. These two items will enable you to set up the RAV4 with a 7-way type trailer connector that can send the P2's signals to the trailer's brakes. An install video is included.

Towing also requires a ball mount and hitch ball and I suggest the kit # 989900 which includes two ball and two ball mounts along with hitch pins and clips.

expert reply by: Adam R

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