Installation Difficulty and Hitch Recommendation for 2021 Toyota RAV4

Updated 01/09/2021 | Published 01/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2620)

$12.45

Draw-Tite Ball Mount - 4-3/4" Rise, 6" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 6,000 lbs

(3468)

$31.72

Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span

(1735)

$43.19

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.85

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

(856)

$74.73

etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Stabilizer for 2" Hitches - Vinyl Coated Steel

(884)

$35.94

Question:

I have a 2021 rav4 and I was wondering if I could install the Draw-tite Max frame by myself and is it a tight fit and not ratteley. it would be for pretty light duty

asked by: Tim F

Expert Reply:

Of the hitches available for the 2021 Toyota RAV4, I'd recommend the US made Curt class III hitch, part
# C13416.

The installation wouldn't be too difficult for somebody with average mechanical ability, you can take a look at the installation video which should give you a pretty good idea if this is something you'd feel comfortable attempting yourself. The only specialty tools needed would be a torque wrench and a 19mm crow foot adapter (the video will show the adapter, in case you've never seen one). You could borrow a torque wrench from a friend or neighbor, or obtain one from the loan a tool service offered by many auto parts stores. The claw foot adapter can be obtained from an auto parts or hardware store fairly inexpensively.

As far as 'rattley' goes, I'm assuming you're speaking of the fit of the drawbar or shank from the hitch mounted accessory in the receiver tube. Having some movement of the shank in the receiver tube is normal and unavoidable, due to manufacturing tolerances. We offer many different anti-rattle solutions that can prevent the shank of the hitch mounted accessory from moving about in the receiver tube.

If the shank of the accessory you're using is hollow, the # 63232 is a good solution that's also lockable. If the shank isn't hollow, use # e99007 is an inexpensive but effective option.

If you'll be towing with the hitch, you'll also need a wiring harness like # C56434, a ball mount like # 40346 along with a # PC3 hitch pin and # 19260 for a 1-7/8 inch or # 63845 for a 2 inch trailer ball.

I've also linked to installation instructions and demonstration and install videos for the parts I recommended.