Comparing Trailer Mate Trailer Hitch To Curt and B&W For 2019 Toyota RAV4 LE

Updated 01/19/2026 | Published 01/09/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(20)

$196.70

B&W Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(58)

$199.45

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

(188)

$205.94

Question:

I have a 2021 Rav4 LE. I have some questions about this Trailer Mate compared to the similar Curt and BandW models. This one is rated for lighter loads. Does that mean that the part itself weighs less than the other two? I couldnt find the item weights in the specs and would appreciate that info. In the first photo, it looks like this one might sit slightly higher than the Curt and BandW, with the bottom just under the exhaust pipes. Is this an illusion or does this one allow slightly more clearance than the other two? Id also appreciate any other thoughts on how this is different from Curt and BandW. Im looking to use this for a bike carrier.

asked by: Adrian

Expert Reply:

Hey Adrian! The higher capacity for the B&W # BW47BR and Curt # C77MJ comes from the construction. The B&W hitch weighs 45 lbs and then the Curt and Trailer Mate # TMT54FR both weigh 32 lbs. The Trailer Mate does sit just a tad higher compared to the others. The distance from the gound to the top inside of the receiver tube is 12". The same measurement is 11-3/4" for the B&W hitch and then 11-1/2" for the Curt.

The Trailer Mate Hitch # TMT54FR is a budget friendly option that is actually made by Curt. They made a hitch without the collar on the receiver, and with a lower capacity, for people who don't need the full towing or tongue weight capacity of their standard hitch. In most cases there is a pretty significant cost difference. Right now it looks like the Curt is right in line with it so either one is a good option.

Since you're only carrying a bike rack you might as well save a little with the # TMT54FR. It sounds like ground clearance might be a concern with the rack on as well, so that makes this the best option. If you plan on doing any real towing in the future with this vehicle I would choose the Curt # C77MJ instead.

What kind of bike rack do you have? Some bike racks do have a tongue weight capacity requirement so I would double check that and make sure the 350 lb rating of the Trailer Mate is enough.

expert reply by: Robin H

Trailer Mate Trailer Hitch
(click to enlarge)

Mike B.

1/12/2026

I installed the trailer mate configuration on my 2025 RAV4 hybrid. Everything fit very well bolted right up and we have been very happy with it. We use it strictly for mounting a Tuley bike rack. We carry 2E bikes on the rack and everything seems to be working out great Good luck, Mike.

Adrian

1/18/2026

Thanks so much for the detailed answer. The clearance and weight numbers are super useful. I decided to bite the bullet on cost and go with the Ecohitch instead because those extra 2" of so of ground clearance are important to me. I go off-road some times and have bottomed out without a hitch. I haven't yet bought a bike rack, but I'm looking for a used one to save some money. From watching a few of your videos, I learned that the most important specs on a bike rack are the tongue weight capacity requirement and whether the rack would interfere with the bumper (length between center of hitch pin and end of bumper) - anything else I should look out for?

Robin H.

1/19/2026

@Adrian only other thing is making sure it doesn't have a receiver length requirement. Some bike racks need a certain distance from the hitch pin hole to the front or back to fit.