What Is The Difference Between The Square And Round Tube Curt Hitches For A 2016 Toyota RAV4

Updated 10/27/2021 | Published 10/26/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(122)

$245.72

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(924)

$189.68

Question:

Looking for a 2inch hitch for a 2016 Rav4, looks like there are TWO Curt models available, one is round tube and the other square. Price is almost the same. Any advantage for one over the other??

asked by: Max

Expert Reply:

There are a couple key differences between the round tube Curt # C13149 and the square tube Curt # C13406, but from what I could find out, the maximum towing capacity of a 2016 RAV4 is 1,500 pounds, which will make the tongue weight capacity 150 pounds (this can be lower as well so you will need to check your owner's manual to verify), so it does even the weight rating playing field between the two hitches.

Both of these will require trimming to get installed, but more so with the # C13406. This is due to the cross tube being hidden behind the fascia and just the receiver opening coming out. This will also allow said receiver tube to sit higher at 14-1/2" (measured from the ground to the inside top of the receiver tube) once installed, so it has very good ground clearance.

The # C13149 will need less trimming as the cross tube is exposed and will be a little easier of an install, but it will sit slightly lower at 13" inches, which is still good ground clearance, but not as good.

So with that being said, the square tube # C13406 will sit higher and be more hidden once installed, so this will be the hitch I recommend going with. I did include install videos for both of these hitches being put on for you to check out as well.