[FKHeath]

I just had an OEM tow hitch installed on my 2024 RAV4 hybrid Limited. I noticed that there was a piece sitting in the back of my car and I’m wondering what it is. Is it something that was part of my RAV4 that they did not put back on? Or is it part of the tow hitch package that they did not use. I’m a little concerned! Thanks for any feedback on this.

That is the tie down for transport by ship from Japan. It mounts in the same location as the tow hitch receiver an thus must be removed.

The OEM tow hitch also requires the removal of the kick sensor for the hatch. If the electric plug for that is left open, it can get water in it and cause all kinds of error messages.

 

[FKHeath]

Don't the dealer techs simply relocate the kick sensor per installation directions? Even if not, it still works in the original location. I guess I've never heard of anyone taking it out and leaving the open plug.

The instructions (http://toyotaparts.sparkstoyota.com/install/PK960-42K10inst.pdf) say "Conflicts with the Hands-free lift gate option", i.e. the kick sensor. Thus, Toyota says it cannot be added to a car with the kick sensor. But many dealers do it anyway, and just unplug the kick sensor and remove the kick sensor mounting brackets,

But Toyota has no instructions for doing that, and there are a number of posts on this forum that shows how to move the sensor, but those are not official Toyota recommendations.

There have been a few posts on this forum where members have complained that when water gets into the open connector for the kick sensor, they get strange electrical errors.

 

[FKHeath]

The new OEM hitch comes with an integrated tow hook so you don’t need the stock one.

Steve9

That is not a tow hook on the hitch. That is where you attach the safety chains required by most states when towing a trailer. It is not strong enough to tow, or even wrench a car out of a ditch.

If you need to pull a car from the back out of a ditch, it is better, and stronger, to put your ball mount in the hitch receiver and tie the tow strap to the ball.

 

[FKHeath]

Did you loose the tailgate kick?

The tailgate kick is only on the highest trim levels. My XLE Premium with power lift gate does not have it.