Need a Hitch for 2009 V6 Limited

[tmjones]

Out of curiosity, I asked the dealership what the hitch and wiring harness would cost from them, $461 and $150 respectively! thats over $600 and it isnt even Talleyrand yet. So yea, I'm not getting one through them.

I've looked over some posts and may have missed some great info, but does anyone have any recommendations on which hitch to buy, difficulty of installation, etc? Thanks Rav community!

-Trevor

[veliksam]

Buy a "Kurt" hitch, cost is up to $200 ( i recommend Ebay ), wiring harness also on Ebay $35-70. Hitch installation of a Kurt is a 10-15 minute job, difficulty is 2/10 to screw on 4 bolts. Good luck.

[RTexasF]

There's a reason the Toyota brand hitch is so expensive. It has substantially more parts and strength than just four bolts could ever provide.

[Dr. Dyno]

Trevor, what are you going to tow? Does it have electric brakes or need live power?

[ajd187]

I second the suggestion on the Curt hitch. I have one on my other car and it is good stuff.

The install on the Rav4 is simple too. Details here:
Trailer Hitch by Curt for 2009 RAV4 - 13509

[JTRAV]

I have a "Pro Series" hitch, same as all other Cequent Performance Products (Hidden Hitch, Draw-tite, Reese, etc). I have no idea why they sell under so many brand names. I paid around $150 CAD for the hitch and installed it myself.

I am happy with it and it seems sturdy. As mentioned, it is only 4 large bolts to install. I only tow a 14' aluminum boat to it suits my needs. For the application and cost, I went this route (rather than the Toyota OEM hitch which was quoted to me around $400+ CAD). The only thing for me is that I had to clean out the frame holes with a tap to make the bolts install (b/c where I live has salt and road grime, etc). Toyota dealers around here actually promote aftermarket hitches vs Toyota OEM b/c of cost. The Toyota hitch does seem more advanced in design with it's many mounting points, etc....but does it justify the cost premium? I just checked and the aftermarket hitch I have is still rated at 3500 lbs.

I also bought the Cequent Performance Products T-Connector for the RAV. It is plug and play except for a 12V power line. Installs relatively easy and was something like $45.

There are lots of good videos on how to install this hitch and t-connector at e-trailer.com, just do a google search.

[dexterdog]

I would like to get a hitch for my wife's RAV4 as well. I just have a 5x8 utility trailer, but she thinks she wants to use it. I don't doubt her abilities since she used to haul a horse trailer with a dually.

[RTexasF]

My thoughts, be they right or wrong, is that practically any hitch will do the job for light duty. If you are going to tow at or near the 3500# limit the high dollar Toyota hitch is the way to go.

[bluecanary25]

Have a 2012 RAV4 base unit. Found almost new Curt 13509 on Craig's list; cheap with bolts. (Class III hitch 2")
I was going to install it the next day. Got home from work, went inside to change into jeans. When I got outside..... wife and son had it done. Oh yeah, the hitch lines up very well. I just had to look pretty!
Next is the wiring harness (T-One 118412). The YOUTUBE videos make it look very easy. If it doesn't rain, my son is going to put it in... he needs the experience.
I am getting a 5x8 trailer to haul the riding mower, fridge, mother-in-law... bulky and cumbersome items.

Aftermarket hitch is easy to install, according to the BOSS and our son.
Another pair of hands, if only to hand you tools, is helpful.
Old toothbrush or small wire brush will clear debris from threads of mounting holes.

[cmrj]

Originally Posted by RTexasF

My thoughts, be they right or wrong, is that practically any hitch will do the job for light duty. If you are going to tow at or near the 3500# limit the high dollar Toyota hitch is the way to go.

While I agree that the aftermarket hitches would probably be fine for light duty towing, my preference was also for the oem hitch, which I purchased online and iinstalled myself.