[mike.ancy]

I know there have been numerous discussions about whether to go with the factory 2" hitch or an aftermarket. I am considering a 1 1/4' aftermarket hitch for my 2024 RAV4 PP XSE Prime to hang a bicycle rack on and not installing a trailer light harness with it. My Prime does have the "Kick" to open the tail gate. Have any of you installed a 1 1/4" hitch and if so which one? Does it seem to not be as intrusive in ground clearance as the 2" aftermarkets seem to be? Also, does the 1 1/4" you are using still effect the gate "kick" function? THANK YOU in advance! RAV4Girl

Greetings RAV4prime girl: I did some research for hitches for my 2018 RAV4 and bought this one from Amazon APS Trailer Hitch 2" receiver. It was a super easy install, even a GIRL can do it! Pre drilled, four bolts. The hitch is Flush with the end of the bumper so no Shin injuries! You only have to remove a small panel on the driver side rear underneath and do some trimming, I used a hack saw to cut out the small corner. It is just the one corner that needs to be trimmed so it doesn't interfere with the hitch. I didn't remove the muffler, I just used a Cargo Strap to pull the muffler away to the side to allow for bolt instillation. Also what I did was I bought a 12 mm 1.25 tap to clean the threads in the frame bolt fasteners to make the bolts go in easier. As for my hitch I have a 2" to 1 1/4" reducer, also available on amazon. As for lights, Get a Curt or WeiSen 4 pin connector, it is a Plug and Play instillation. UTube has a few videos on how to do this install, EASY! Just go to Utube and search RAV4 hitch install.

 

[mike.ancy]

Thank you for the warm greeting, its greatly appreciated. Also thank you for the info (and everyone else too, you are all greatly appreciated!)!! I will look APS up on Amazon as I have not seen that one yet. As spring weather approaches (its still snowing here in Michigan) I am getting more and more excited about getting out my E-Bike and doing some bike hauling.. Thanks again Mike, and all who have responded to my thread here. This place is outstanding!! CHEERS!!!

There is video on installing a hitch on a RAV4 with a Kick Sensor. Actually it is on this RAV4World site. The video is under RAV4 Tailgate Kick Sensor. Hey we both are E-Bike riders. That is why I installed the hitch on my RAV4.

 

[mike.ancy]

The installation instruction specifically say the OEM hitch is not compatible with the kick sensor, thus some dealers will refuse to install if you have the kick sensor.

Well this is where I am different, I have 5 ASE Master certifications. Luckily I am able to do repairs and instillations myself. What I have learned over the years, is Do Your Research before attempting anything! I am Totally Fearful with someone I am not familiar with even looking at my vehicle, let alone touching it! I have had one garage do a repair, and after they were finished it cost me an additional $4,000.00 to correct their so called repair. Mechanic Want To Be's!