Can the Hands Free Lift Gate Still Operate When Trailer Hitch is Installed on a 2018 Toyota RAV4

Published 12/11/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(259)

$193.19

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(666)

$15.93

Kuat Beta Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Tilting

(295)

$349.00

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

(909)

$183.63

Question:

Jon G, thanks for the response. What I would like to know if my Kuat Beta would work with my 2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited using the Curt 12108 hitch. Thanks.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

Any trailer hitch, like the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12108 that you referenced, will cause some interference with the hands free lift gate feature on your 2018 Toyota RAV4 because you are putting some metal in front of the motion sensor. You will still be able to activate this feature though with most trailer hitches by kicking straight out to either side of the hitch receiver.

If you like the Curt trailer hitch design then I recommend going with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13149 instead which has a 2 inch receiver opening and has a higher tongue weight capacity at 525 lbs (although this could be limited by the manufacturer's tongue weight rating for your RAV4).

I have attached installation videos for both Curt trailer hitches on similar RAV4 models that you can reference.

If you let me know what you will be using the trailer hitch for I can make some additional recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Jon G

Dave

12/11/2017

Jon G, thanks for the response. What I would like to know if my Kuat Beta would work with my 2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited using either the Curt 12108 or Draw-Tite 36588 hitch. Thanks.

Jon G.

12/11/2017

If you check out the attached installation videos for both the Curt # C12108 and the Draw-Tite # 36588 on a 2017 Toyota RAV4 you can see that the pin hole to edge of bumper is 3-1/2" and 4" respectively. Although this can slightly vary from year to year with vehicles, it shouldn't be that big of a difference. Since the closest part of your Kuat Beta # B202-114 will be 5" where the shank rises (5-1/2" to the base assembly) it will work great with either of these trailer hitches! I recommend going with the Curt option since it does require less clearance. Keep in mind that per the Curt warranty you will need to use a support strap, like part # 18050, to support any non-trailer loads like your bike rack.