How To Tow a Trailer and Haul a Motorcycle with a 2012 Toyota RAV4

Updated 07/02/2020 | Published 05/10/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs

(232)

$73.11

Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(721)

$126.45

Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2" or 10" Drop/Rise

(914)

$259.06

Question:

Im trying to carry my dirt bike, does it help ? I have a 2012 Rav 4 And I need to lift my bike carrier

asked by: Simon R

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are wanting to carry a motorcycle on the back of your 2012 Toyota RAV4 while also towing a trailer. If that is the case then this is a pretty tall order for your RAV4 but is possible so long as the tongue weight of the trailer, weight of the motorcycle, and weight of the motorcycle carrier do not exceed the tongue weight capacity of your vehicle which is 350 lbs if you have the towing package.

In order to mount both the motorcycle carrier and ball mount, the only option we have that won't reduce tongue weight capacity is the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver part # D210 which can then be used with the etrailer Motorcycle Carrier part # e98873. This carrier weighs 58 lbs. The Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter part # RM-077-10 cannot be used for trailer towing. The Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver has a 2" rise but again as this is your only option so you will need to adjust the height of the trailer to compensate for this.

In order to help your RAV4 handle the heavy tongue weight you will also want to add the Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs part # F4174.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Kat

6/28/2020

I'm confused.. you say there is a 2" rise for the trailer??? isn't the camp trailer pulled by the front ball, which has a 2" drop? the dirt bike hitch installs on the top, right?

Chris R.

7/2/2020

You are correct - the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount # D210 will provide a 2" drop for the trailer. The top receiver provides about a 3-1/2" rise from the shank.