DIY 2020 Toyota RAV4 Installation for the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver

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Hey, everybody, Ryan here at etrailer. Today on our 2020 Toyota RAV4, we're gonna be showing you how to install the etrailer.com trailer hitch receiver. But before we get to that, why don't we just take a minute, check this out, and make sure it's gonna work for you. When it comes to the Toyota RAV4, you know, there's a ton of these out on the road. They're really popular and I can understand why. Awesome SUVs, you know, and because of that, people do a ton of different things with them.
And if it we're me and I was looking for a hitch, I would want something that would allow me to do all those different types of tasks, whether it's towing or using accessories. And a setup like this one here is going to allow us to do just that. And I would also think about how's it gonna look on my RAV4, 'cause you know, these are pretty sharp. They got nice lines and pretty sporty. I wouldn't want you know, a big, huge, bulky hitch hanging down below my SUV, and that's not the case at all with this one.
Really the only thing you're gonna be able to see is a receiver tube opening. And honestly, out of the ones that sit like this, this one's probably my favorite, and really just due to the finish. It's more matte black in color. And to me it just looks a little bit more like a factory type option. I do wanna address one of the big questions a lot of people ask when it comes to putting a trailer hitch on the RAV4 and that is, "Is it gonna interfere with the hands-free lift gate assist" And the answer is no, it'll still work.
Unfortunately, today our model that we have right now doesn't come equipped with that feature. But from past experience, you get 'em to work. You know, you just have to kick your foot to either side of the hitch, they'll open up like it should. Might take you a little bit to get used to it and find that sweet spot. But everything will still function as it should.
And I also want to address the different types of RAV4. So the hitch will work with the hybrid models like we have here today, and it will also work with the standard gasoline engines. This is gonna be a class III hitch. So that means it has a 2" by 2" receiver tube opening. Super common size, a ton of different stuff will work with it. It is going to use the 5/8 pin and clip. One these don't come with the hitch. If you need one, not a big deal. You can grab it here at etrailer, or honestly a lot of times the accessories and stuff like that that you buy will come with a setup. So, you know, just keep an eye on that. And the safety chain openings are going to be a loop style and allow us to use just about any size hook that our trailer might have on it. When it comes to the hitch's weight capacities, it's gonna have some good numbers. Maximum gross tongue weight will be 600 pounds. That's the amount of weight pushing down on the hitch and you'll be able to use just about any size bike rack or cargo carrier that you want to, for example. As far as the maximum gross trailer weight rating, that's gonna be 4,000 pounds. That's gonna be the amount of weight pulling on the hitch. So the weight of your trailer plus anything that you might have on it. The setup can be used with the weight distribution system, which is a separate component. What happens whenever you use that it's gonna keep your RAV4 and your trailer level whenever you're towing down the road. So if you got a bigger camper or something like that, might be worth checking out. But with that said, even if you do use that type of system the weight capacity is gonna remain the same. With all that in mind, I do always like to suggest, it's never a bad idea just to grab your SUV's owner's manual. That way you can check in there and make sure your RAV4 can handle that much weight safely. Now let's just grab a couple of measurements. These will help us figure out what type of accessories will work best. The ground to the top inside edge of the receiver tube opening, that's gonna be 12 inches. So if you plan on pulling a trailer, I'd probably get a ball mount that has at least a four inch rise in the shank. Or if you can use an accessory that has a rise in the shank too, probably not a bad idea. It buys you a little more space. If you go from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of rear rear bumper, that's gonna be about five inches. And you can use that to help figure out if any full length accessories you might have can be stored in that upright position without hitting the back of your Toyota. Other than that, though, at the end of the day, a hitch you really can't go wrong with. If I was gonna put one on my RAV4 this would probably be it. I just like th

[@dont3222]

What? Rav4 towing capacity is 4000 lbs? I can't believe that.

[@etrailer]

Aftermarket hitch receivers are commonly made to fit a wide spectrum of vehicles and more often than not, they are stronger than OEM counterparts. As always you can't increase any vehicles tow capacity, just because the hitch is rated for an amount higher than the vehicle, this doesn't mean the vehicle will be able to go above its rated limits. As you can see in the video at the 3:25 mark it is stated to check your owner's manual to verify what your specific vehicle can safely tow. www.etrailer.com/faq-hitchclasses.aspx