Trailer Hitch and Related Items Needed to Tow Pop-Up Camper with 2015 Toyota RAV4 EXL
Question:
I have a 2015 Rav4 EXL. I am looking to tow a pop up tent trailer. Which one would be the right for that? Its 12ft long. Thanks.
asked by: Melissa W
Expert Reply:
Two sizes and classes of hitch are offered for your 2015 Toyota RAV4, a light-duty 1-1/4-inch Class II and a 2-inch Class III. Since you're going to be towing, I strongly recommend the higher-capacity Class III type, such as the etrailer # e98864 that you referenced. This hitch bolts on with no drilling, includes the hardware and fits all RAV4 models. I have linked an installation video showing your same model year RAV4, the written instructions and two helpful articles on hitch installation.
Towing also requires a ball mount and hitch ball. For a ball mount you can use the linked article to help you choose the correct one to let your trailer sit level when hitched. A link to our ball mount page is included. For example, if you need a ball mount with 2-inches of drop you can use # C45010.
You will choose your hitch ball based on the size of the coupler on your pop-up, either a 1-7/8-inch size like # 19260 or a 2-inch like # 63845. I suggest a hitch lock to secure your ball mount, item # e98880, or you can use a simple pin # PC3.
Last you'll need a wiring harness for your trailer. You can use # 118578. An article and video are included to help you with this installation. If you want to add towing mirrors for better visibility we offer an inexpensive universal-fit mirror kit # KS3891, which is sold individually.
Finally, you might want to review the linked article that gives you basics for safe towing.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Standard Pin Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Chrome
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Flush Pin
- 2-5/8 Inch Span
- etrailer
more information >
K-Source Universal Towing Mirror - Clip On - Convex Mirror - Qty 1
- Towing Mirrors
- Clip-On Mirror
- Manual
- Single Mirror
- Universal Fit
- Non-Heated
- Fits Driver Side
- Fits Passenger Side
- K Source
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
- Q&A: How to Find an Installer for the etrailer Trailer Hitch for 2015 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2011 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: Does etrailer.com Hitch # E98864 Fit 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Allow Handsfree Liftgate
- Q&A: Does Appearance Panel that gets Removed to Install a Hitch on a 2016 Toyota RAV4 Serve Purpose
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Article: Trailer Hitch Installation Tips
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: 2017 Toyota RAV4 Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations