Recommended Trailer Towing Components for 2018 Toyota RAV4 without Factory Tow Package

Updated 10/16/2018 | Published 10/15/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1491)

$159.07

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

(671)

$75.29

B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 3" Drop, 3-1/2" Rise - 7.5K - Black

(4581)

$239.00

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(865)

$112.40

Derale Combination Transmission and Engine Oil Cooler with Multiple Threads

(17)

$244.37

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome

(3548)

$25.32

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3373)

$121.31

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1672)

$290.00

Question:

Dealer told me aftermarket towing would cause check engine light The dealer said we needed to have a ftoyota harness and tow package on our RAV4 adventure 2018, that if we didnt that the electronics and tow package wouldnt work properly. This raised the smell test.

asked by: PS

Expert Reply:

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 with the factory tow package comes with the factory 7-way trailer connection, a hitch receiver and a small oil cooler. Having those components is a nice option, but it was a lie that any other system would cause a check engine light. You absolutely can add 4-way or 7-way wiring to your vehicle much less expensively without issue.

My recommendation for your RAV4 is the etrailer # e98864 which is a superior hitch, the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118578 which connects to your rear tail light harness and draws power from the vehicle battery (which avoids power overdraw and error messages), and then if you want the 7-way you can add the # ETBC7 kit.

If you want to add a brake controller which is not part of the factory tow option, the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR is becoming more and more popular as the clean look on the dash is a really nice feature to pair with its reliability and functions. This will allow you to tow a trailer with electric or electric over hydraulic brakes.

If you want to add a the vehicle fluid coolers they will assist in helping your engine not work as hard. A transmission cooler is a better priority than the factory tow package oil cooler and I recommend # D13503. If you want to you can add an oil cooler or for both, I recommend the Derale Combination Transmission and Engine Oil Cooler with Multiple Threads # D15902.

Finally you will need a ball mount, and I recommend the B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount # BWTS10035B because it gives you two hitch options and also has a stowable feature to protect your shins and give you a nice clean look when not in use. I recommend using a hitch lock like # e98880 to protect your investment.