Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 2016 Toyota RAV4

Question:

I have viewed the videos for the 2015 and 2014 RAV4 installations of a Curt hitch, and Ive read the instructions for the installation of the etrailer hitch. Apparently the 2016 RAV4 has an additional piece of plastic on the driver side which isnt on the earlier models. Do you know what it is for, and if removing it will cause any particular problems with the car? Thanks.

asked by: Cary A

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are referring to the under body appearance panel on your 2016 Toyota RAV4. Some of the panels like this can be trimmed to fit around the hitch and others have to be removed. The one on your RAV4 will have to be removed. Doing so is perfectly fine. That panel is just there to help keep some road grime off of the components above it. With the hitch in place it will do a similar job.

If you plan on doing some towing with the etrailer trailer hitch # e98864 I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And to add a 4-Way flat trailer connector to the rear of the vehicle I recommend # 118578. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

expert reply by: Michael H