Does Higher Rated Trailer Hitch for 2016 Toyota RAV4 Increase Vehicle Towing Capacity
Published 01/26/2017
Question:
Im considering buying a trailer hitch for my 2016 RAV4 XLE Hybrid. Toyota states the RAV4 can tow up to 1,750 lbs. but I noticed in one of your videos you are advertising hitches for compact SUVs you actually showed a RAV4 which can take much more weight you advised of up to 3,500 lbs. on one. Does this mean I can safely tow more than Toyotas stated weight, if I buy and correctly install one of your hitches? For reference, Im hoping to tow a 10-foot enclosed trailer, which I would load with tables, chairs and tents for a tent rental business. Thanks!
asked by: Erik H
Expert Reply:
The overall towing capacity of a vehicle is the lowest rated component since you are only as strong as your weakest link. What that means is that if you installed the etrailer hitch part # e98864 on your 2016 Toyota which has a 3,500 lb total trailer towing capacity you would still be limited to what Toyota stated was the capacity of your vehicle. In your case 1,750 lbs.
If the trailer you plan to tow weighs less than that when fully loaded you would be fine. For trailer wiring you then would want the part # 118578.
If you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in 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 include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: 18136
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Curt Mounting Bracket for 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Review
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch, Wiring Harness, and Mounting Brackets for a 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Q&A: What You Need To Tow A Trailer With A 2017 Toyota Rav4
- Shop: Curt Mounting Bracket for 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Easy Mount Bracket for 4- or 5-Way Flat Trailer Connector - 2" Hitch
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Video: Mount: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2018 Lexus GX 460
- Q&A: Availability of Class IV Hitch for 2019 Lexus GX 460
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Does etrailer Carry Furrion Chill Cube w/ Heat Pump to Replace Dometic Duo-Therm
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Trailer Hitch
