Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2012 Toyota RAV4, Choosing Class II or Class III

Question

Question:

I have a RAV 4 4 cylinder. Max towing weight 1500lbs. I see class 2 and 3 are available, should I go with the class 2 or 3. The heavier duty one is less expensive. Is there any reason to go with class 2?

asked by: John M

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Expert Reply:

For your 2012 Toyota RAV4, I recommend going with a Class III trailer hitch because it will offer a 2 inch hitch receiver. A 2 inch receiver will allow you to carry a wider variety of hitch-mount accessories than the 1-1/4 inch receiver on a Class II trailer hitch.

If you already have several hitch-mount accessories that fit a 1-1/4 inch receiver, or simply like the look of the smaller receiver, the Class II hitch is a good option. Since these Class II hitches are still within the towing capacity of the RAV4, both Classes are offered as options.

My favorite Class III trailer hitch that is confirmed to fit your RAV4 is the etrailer # e98864 because it offers a great towing and tongue weight capacity, but keep in mind that you will not want to exceed the towing or tongue weight capacity of your RAV4. Even though the hitch is rated higher, your vehicle's capacity is the limiting factor between the two components. I have attached the installation instructions and an installation video of this hitch on a similar RAV4 for you.

If you are interested in doing some light towing, you will also want a vehicle wiring harness. I recommend the Tow Ready T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Connector # 118412. This wiring harness will install directly into your RAV4's wiring system behind the trim panels in the cargo area on the left and right sides. I've attached an installation video for you.

I've also attached a help article on choosing the correct ball mount. Once you know what rise or drop you need, you can choose the correct ball mount for your system. Our ball mounts are also linked for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B

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Answer 1

The etrailer hitch part #e98864 is the best 2 inch hitch option for your 2012 Toyota RAV4 unless you wanted to go with a more concealed looking hitch with the EcoHitch #306-X7174 which does cost a little move but would only have the hitch opening…

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Answer 2

You do not want to modify the hitch or vehicle to get the hitch to fit. Doing so can do more harm than good. There are a couple of things you can try. First, try starting the installation with the bolt hole that is giving you trouble. It could be…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 6

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 7

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 8

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 9

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 10

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 11

As far as wiring for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we do have the Curt #C59236 available which is more of a universal hardwire harness. Unfortunately there are not any plug-and-play options that have been confirmed to fit as of yet (October 4,…

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Answer 12

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2012 Toyota RAV4, Choosing Class II or Class III

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