Recommended Complete Towing Package for a 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited Edition and Tent Trailer

Question:

Im looking for a complete tow package for a 2016 Rav4 Hybrid Limited Edition. Im intending on pulling a tent trailer weighing 1500 lbs. Any information you can provide will be highly appreciated. Thank you in advance,

asked by: Autumn M

Expert Reply:

You came to the right place! I can help you outfit your 2016 Toyota RAV4 with a complete tow package for your Tent Trailer.

First thing you will need a hitch, I recommend the etrailer trailer hitch # e98864, because it has the 2" reciever that gives you the higher capacities. This will be a no drill application to install the hitch, I have linked a video of this for you to check out.

Next you will want the wiring so that your tent trailer's brake and turn signals work, for that I recommend the Tow Ready # 118578, this will provide you with a 4-way plug at the rear of your vehicle.

Next items you will need is a ball mount and ball. Your tent trailer and your vehicle will dictate which of these you will need based on the coupler size and height. You might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900, which works for many common vehicle and trailer needs. 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 include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

If you have a trailer with brakes you will need a 7-way, which the # ETBC7 kit will simply adapt your 4-way and include all the parts to wire up your vehicle and provide you with both a 4-way and 7-way connection at the rear of the vehicle. To control the brakes you will need a brake controller.

Your tent trailer will most likely not have brakes but if it does, I recommend the Tekonsha P3 # 90195, because of its easy user interface. The P3 is a proportional brake controller which means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. It also has a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is like the P3's little brother, it has all the great qualities but doesn't have the display of the P3.

I have linked all the above recommended parts to this page as well as a few installation videos for your convenience.