Trailer Hitch, Wiring and Bike Rack for 2017 Toyota RAV4

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Question:

Looking to outfit my 2017 RAV4 with trailer hitch for small 5x8 trailer and have the option of a bike carrier as well. Your suggestion. Thanks,

asked by: Tim P

0

Expert Reply:

Two sizes/classes of hitch are available for your 2017 Toyota RAV4, a lighter-duty 1-1/4-inch Class II like # C12108 and a higher-capacity 2-inch Class III type such as # e98864.

We almost always recommend the 2-inch hitch size for their higher weight ratings and since there are many more options in hitch-mount accessories (things like cargo carriers and bike racks) for the larger hitch size. Since you intend to tow a trailer you definitely will be better off with one of the Class III options shown on the linked page.

For its combination of capacity, cost and ease of installation I recommend etrailer # e98864. We even have a complete installation video for this hitch being installed on a 2017 RAV4; this is also linked for you.

If your trailer has lights you will need a wiring harness to power them; you can use the Tekonsha 4-pole wiring kit # 118578. An install video for this item is included for you too.

Towing also requires a ball mount and a hitch ball of the size that matches the coupler on your trailer, which is most likely either a 1-7/8-inch or a 2-inch. (The coupler on the trailer will be stamped to indicate the hitch ball size it fits.) You can use ball mount # C45010 along with either 1-7/8-inch ball # 19260 or 2-inch # 63845. You also need pin/clip part # PC3. The other option is to instead select our all-inclusive Ball Mount Kit # 989900 that includes multiple ball mounts and hitch balls. If you are not certain of the trailer details this is the way to go.

For bike racks you can refer to the linked page to see all Class III hitch rack options. These include hanging-style racks like the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR and platform-style racks like the Kuat Transfer # KU74FR. The two included help articles on hitch bike racks will guide your selection based on your bike type, personal preferences and budget.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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Answer 1

The best trailer hitch to use with a 2 inch bike rack on your 2018 Toyota RAV4 is the etrailer Class III Round Tube Receiver Hitch #e98864. This hitch features a great capacity for your vehicle and also has a great hitch pin hole to bumper clearance…

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Answer 2

It is not possible to increase the towing capacity or tongue weight of any vehicle, including your 2018 Toyota RAV4, and you always need to abide by the lowest-rated component, which in your case is the 1,500 lb capacity of the vehicle. So that's…

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Answer 3

Paint finish and price. Curt makes our house brand hitches so all the specifications and capacities for both the Curt Hitch item #C13149 and the etrailer item #e98864 are identical. Both of these hitches are confirmed to fit the 2014 Toyota RAV4 and…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

Hey Ricardo! Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C82RJ is the hitch Curt is working on for the new 2027 Telluride. This is a pre-order since Curt hasn't finished the design. It does not include wiring. The wiring harness for the 2027 is also up…

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Answer 9

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Answer 10

Hey Adrian! The higher capacity for the B&W #BW47BR and Curt #C77MJ comes from the construction. The B&W hitch weighs 45 lbs and then the Curt and Trailer Mate #TMT54FR both weigh 32 lbs. The Trailer Mate does sit just a tad higher compared…

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Answer 11

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Trailer Hitch, Wiring and Bike Rack for 2017 Toyota RAV4

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