Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness for 2012 Toyota RAV4
Question:
I have a 2012 Rav4 and a trailer rated for 2,000 lbs. GVWR with 1,600 lbs. maximum payload capacity. I need a trailer hitch and wiring. What would you recommend? Class II or III? 1 1/4 or 2 inch?
asked by: John P
Expert Reply:
We offer both 1-1/4-inch Class II and 2-inch Class III trailer hitches for your 2012 Toyota RAV4 and I recommend using the larger 2-inch size. Class III hitches offer better compatibility with hitch-mount accessories and will often have a higher capacity.
I recommend Curt Class III hitch # C13149 as long as you do not have the EV version or if you do you can use part # e98864 from etrailer. Both will install in the same way as shown in the linked video and both include the required hardware. A helpful article is include for you to give you some useful hitch installation tips.
For a wiring harness I recommend the Curt 4-pole harness # C56165. This is a powered converter that draws power for the trailer lights from the RAV4's battery and not through its wiring. This means your car's internal wiring is protected from shorts and overloads. An install video and helpful article are linked to assist your installation.
You'll also need a ball mount and hitch ball. You can use Curt ball mount # C45030 if it has the correct rise or drop to keep the trailer level or you can use the linked article to select one. For a 2-inch hitch ball use # 63845 and for a pin and clip use # C21500.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-3/16" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 3-3/16 Inch Span
- CURT
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1" Rise, 2-1/4" Drop - 7-5/8" 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 >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 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
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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