I saved some money and installed a bolt on hitch receiver. Unfortunately, it scrapes on the pavement on driveways, bumps, etc. I think I'll have to break down and get the OEM hitch that is higher. Dealer quoted me $1200. Do any non-dealers install them? (I need wiring also)
billy sharpstick
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I saved some money and installed a bolt on hitch receiver. Unfortunately, it scrapes on the pavement on driveways, bumps, etc. I think I'll have to break down and get the OEM hitch that is higher. Dealer quoted me $1200. Do any non-dealers install them? (I need wiring also)
Anyone that installs hitches should be able to do it, but it is a bit different than other hitches for you need to remove the rear bumper cover. There are instructions in a PDF file that should guide them. Another choice would be the ECO hitch from Torque Lift Central; it is also higher off the ground than the others, but does not require removing the rear bumper cover.
The OEM wiring harness would be the best choice for it routes the trailer wires through an existing grommet to the outside; all others you have to drape the trailer wires over the threshold which may damage them. You can do the OEM wiring harness yourself; it is plug an play, meaning no wire cutting or tapping in needed. Again, there are PDF instruction for it, but there are different instructions for the hybrid and gas RAV4, so be sure to get the right ones.
The OEM wiring harness would be the best choice for it routes the trailer wires through an existing grommet to the outside; all others you have to drape the trailer wires over the threshold which may damage them. You can do the OEM wiring harness yourself; it is plug an play, meaning no wire cutting or tapping in needed. Again, there are PDF instruction for it, but there are different instructions for the hybrid and gas RAV4, so be sure to get the right ones.
Hi, all. Re: ECO Hitch. Installed the ECO Hitch on my 2020 xle (non Hybrid), about 2 yrs ago. Their online tutorial video was helpful. Easy to do, although it seems intimidating when you think about how it can bolt in. Hardware was great; didn't have to remove exhaust. Slid exhaust bushings off of the hangers and then supported muffler/resonator(?); used WD40 to lube when reinstalling bushings (maybe silicone would be a better choice...seems to be fine). I did remove a small area of bumper cover with a utility knife, but one would never know it by looking. FYI: had to scrape rust and repaint visible parts w/ Rust-Oleum black this past summer. Easy job, for the average amateur, like myself.
Oops! to add to the above: It looks great, as it sits higher, and doesn't hang down. Haven't made any ground contact, either. I reccomend the ECO hitch, as a good compromise. Will post picture, once I take it, and figure out how to do that. Maybe more challenging than installing hitch.
Easy to do if you have the picture on your computer. Just click on the "insert image" icon on the bottom of the new message screen, then select the picture file you want to use. If there is no "insert image" icon, then click on the far right gear icon to toggle BB code.
Here is a picture of my ECO hitch with the OEM wire harness:
Just finished installing a Curt 12200 class 2 hitch on my 2024 rav4. Easy install, no cutting, no need to lower exhaust, sits 1/4" lower than exhaust tips, rated for 3500lb towing/350lb tongue weight so it exceeds rav4 towing capacity by a factor of 2. Only issue I had was paint rubbed off hitch in several places.
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What's the ground clearance? I just added a 2025 Prime to my stable and need receiver on it. Local shops say they can't install through bumper one. (Dealer wants $1500 last time I checked. I don't mind paying that if I have to, but all the local dealers have pissed me off!)
I'd recommend the Curt 12200. It's a class 2, 1-1/4". It's outstanding feature is that it will not disable the kick open hatch feature, if you have that. You'll never need the capability of a 2 inch receiver or class 3 rating.
The thing about dragging on a steep departure angle is that the hitch acts as a skid plate. Would you rather skid on the underside of your trailer hitch, or tear off your chrome exhaust tips? As mentioned above, in #6, the Curt 12200 hangs 1/4" lower than the exhaust, so it is just right.
The thing about dragging on a steep departure angle is that the hitch acts as a skid plate. Would you rather skid on the underside of your trailer hitch, or tear off your chrome exhaust tips? As mentioned above, in #6, the Curt 12200 hangs 1/4" lower than the exhaust, so it is just right.
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The receiver itself may be close to the level of the pipes, but when you have a twenty plus long bike rack or cargo tray, going on steep driveway entrances will put that end far below that level.
Eco hitch 11" (as measured on my RAV4).
OEM about 12"
All others 10" or less.
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