Is There Trailer Hitch That Will Not Interfere With Hands-Free Liftgate on 2018 Toyota RAV4?

Updated 03/08/2018 | Published 03/07/2018

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(1495)

$159.07

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

(672)

$74.10

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

(1375)

$93.56

Question:

My wife just purchased a 2018 rav4 with the power opening liftgate. Is there any hitch receiver that will not interfere with the operation of it? It would seem to me that it should only interfere with it while a ball mount is installed in the receiver. Your alert does not specify under what condition it interferes with the functioning of the liftgate. Thanks for the help!

asked by: Tom R

Helpful Expert Reply:

A trailer hitch may cause some interference with the hands-free liftgate on your wife's 2018 Toyota RAV4 because it is partially in front of the motion sensor, but it will still work as normal. For example, the etrailer # e98864 will allow full functionality of the liftgate, but your wife will just need to activate it with her foot on either side of the hitch receiver instead of the middle. Otherwise, everything will be the same in regard to the liftgate. With all of that being said, this hitch does warn that liftgate sensors and functionality may be very limited or possibly lost so it is a possibility.

If you need wiring to power your trailer's lights you need Wiring Harness # 118578.

If you are going to be towing, I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900, which may fulfill your towing needs in one tidy package; two ball mounts - one with a 3/4” rise or 2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise or 4” drop - a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You can use the link to the help article on ball mounts I've added to determine if this kit will give you the correct amount of drop or rise. I've also attached a link to our page with each of our ball mounts as well as a video review of the ball mount kit and install videos of the hitch and wiring for you to take a look at as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S