Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 2005 Toyota RAV4

Updated 02/10/2016 | Published 02/09/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(909)

$183.56

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(57)

$44.24

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$88.82

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(136)

$234.53

Question:

Will this 2006-2012 Rav4 hitch fit on the generation 2 2005 Rav4? Did the mounting points change significantly between the two model generations to prohibit mounting the newer hitch to the older model?

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

The hitches for the 2005 Toyota RAV4 are a completely different design than those that fit 2006 and newer models. This is because of design changes on the vehicle. A hitch from a 2006 or newer would physically not fit a 2005. Even if you were to move a hitch from one vehicle to another you would still need to replace the mounting hardware because it was designed to be torqued down just once.

The equivalent Curt hitch that will fit your 2005 RAV4 is # C13524. If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring I recommend # 118389 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle. I have linked videos showing example installations of the hitch and wiring for you.

expert reply by: Michael H