Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver, Wiring Harness and Bike Rack for a 2003 Toyota RAV4

Updated 05/16/2022 | Published 05/15/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(136)

$234.53

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

(57)

$44.24

No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket - Short

(1180)

$21.57

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6107)

$10.65

Curt Auxiliary LED Indicator Lights

(244)

$32.94

Yakima GearWarrior Cargo Carrier for Modular EXO System - 60" Long x 23" Wide

(28)

$568.95

Yakima GearLocker Enclosed Cargo Carrier for Modular EXO System - 10 cu ft

(36)

$618.95

Yakima EXO Swing Away 2-Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - 2" Hitches

(36)

$1247.90

Question:

Hello, will this hitch affect opening/closing rear door on my 2003 Rav4? I will be using this for towing a small trailer and for carrying 2 bicycles. Can you suggest the correct bike rack for the setup? Also, can you suggest wiring and lights for 4x8 utility trailer? no brakes. Thanks very much!

asked by: Selkie

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13524 will not affect your ability to open or close the rear door on your 2003 Toyota RAV4. The receiver tube sits below the rear door so you will be able to still access your rear cargo.

The T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118389 will give you the 4-way flat connection you need for the lights on your 4' X 8' utility trailer. I recommend routing the connection out through the floor of your RAV4 and mounting it to your receiver using the Mounting Brackets # 18144 and # 18140. You will also be able to use Auxiliary Lights # C53201 with this connector as your bikes will likely impair the view of your tail lights.

With the spare tire and the rear door that swings to the right I recommend using the Yakima EXO Swing Away 2-Bike Rack # Y92VR. This rack will allow you to swing the bike rack to the right so that you will be able to open your door. The rack will also sit far enough from your rear door that you will not have issues with the rear spare tire hitting most bikes. You also have the ability to swap out the bike rack for a Yakima GearWarrior Cargo Carrier # Y37VR or GearLocker # Y44VR if you want to have a cargo carrier for additional gear when you don't want to use the utility trailer.