How To Install TowSmart Hitch Receiver On 2025 RAV4 PHEV With Tie Down Brackets And Tight Clearance

Published 08/04/2025

Question:

I’m installing the TowSmart hitch TS42VR on my 2025 RAV4 Prime and ran into a few snags: the passenger side bolts are super tough to access, and I’ve got this factory tie-down bracket that seems to block the hitch from mounting. Do I need to fishwire bolts or drill anything?

asked by: Greg H

Expert Reply:

You’re asking all the right questions, Greg, and your observations are spot on. Installing the TowSmart Hitch Receiver 2" # TS42VR on a 2025 RAV4 Prime (PHEV) is definitely doable for a DIYer, but there are a few quirks worth prepping for. Let’s go through them one by one:

1. Passenger Side Clearance is Tight
Yep, that’s the tricky side. There’s a stamped frame contour (that “bump” you're seeing) on the passenger side that limits access to the weld nuts. You can get the bolts started, but you’ll need to be patient. Most folks find that a ratcheting box wrench is the best tool here since there's not enough room for a standard socket. When it comes time to torque the bolts, using a crowfoot adapter on your torque wrench makes all the difference. Some customers also suggest getting that side started first since it's the harder one to line up.

2. Factory Tie-Down Bracket Must Be Removed
That bracket you're seeing is Toyota’s rear tie-down bracket, and yes, it has to come off. It’s bolted to the frame on the driver’s side and interferes with the hitch seating flush. The good news? It comes off cleanly with two bolts, and it’s not needed once the hitch is in place. Several RAV4 owners mentioned they initially thought they got the wrong hitch until they removed the bracket. After that, everything lined up as expected.

3. No Fishwiring or Drilling Needed
This is one of the easier aspects of the install. Your 2025 RAV4 (including PHEV trims) has factory weld nuts inside the frame rails, covered by protective stickers. Just peel those off to reveal clean, rust-free threads, no need to fishwire hardware through or modify anything. Thank you, Toyota!

What do you plan to put on the hitch once it's installed?