Can a 2018 Toyota RAV4 Carry a Powered Wheelchair on a Trailer Hitch  

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Expert Reply:

From my research your 2018 Toyota RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds if you have the tow package with All-wheel drive. If you have the tow package with 2-wheel drive then it drops to 2,900 pounds and it drops to 1,500 pounds if you don't have the tow package at all. The tongue weight should also be between 9 to 11 percent of the trailer's weight according to Toyota so your numbers are 385 pounds, 319 pounds, and 165 pounds respectively. Additionally I found that if you have the SE model you shouldn't be adding a trailer hitch at all.

Since you're looking for a hitch I'm guessing your RAV4 doesn't have the tow package. I imagine your powered wheelchair probably exceeds the 165 pound maximum itself and that's not counting the carrier. If this is the case then your best option is to carry the wheelchair in a small trailer and tow it with the RAV4.

Regardless of how you carry the wheelchair I recommend the Curt trailer hitch, part # C13406. I like how the cross tube is tucked behind the RAV4's bumper and out of sight. Most of the other hitches available the cross tube is visible under the bumper and doesn't look near as clean. I've linked the install details and a video from when we installed the hitch. All you see is the receiver tube and safety chain loops when this is installed.

If you have to go the trailer route you also need a wiring harness for its lights and a ball mount and hitch ball. I've linked our selection of ball mounts and an article to help you determine the correct rise or drop you need with the trailer.

For the wiring harness I recommend the Hopkins, part # HM11141820, because of how the converter box is mounted. It's mounted with two screws which is a lot more secure than just the one of the Tekonsha or double sided tape of the Curt. A converter box bouncing around and getting damaged is one of the common causes for failure of trailer wiring.

expert reply by: Charles S

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