Recommended Trailer Hitch And Trailer Wiring For 2017 Toyota RAV4

Question:

THank you for your reply! I will be using the tow for a small trailer and I will actually be looking at a low cost brake harness as well for the electrical brakes. I was instructed I probably need a 7 pole harness and not the 4 pole?

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2017 RAV4 is the etrailer Trailer Hitch, part # e98864. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2-inch receiver opening.

The trailer wiring I recommend is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 118578. This is a simple installation. Just plug the harness into the connection points located in the trunk area behind the tail lights on the driver and passenger side. Then run the hot lead wire to the positive battery post using the inline fuse and you are ready to go.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.

If you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in 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 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 want to let me know what you intend to use the hitch for like bike racks, or a cargo carrier, I can make some recommendations that will work for you.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

click to enlarge

Michael

1/27/2017

Jeffrey L.

1/27/2017

To add a brake controller and a 7-way trailer harness you will need to hardwire them on your 2017 RAV4. First you will need part # ETBC7. This will plug into the 4-way harness mentioned in the first question and then with additional wiring will give you a working 4-way and 7-way trailer connector at the back of your vehicle. For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. This is our most popular brake controller because it is easy to install and operate. This is a proportional brake controller that applies the trailer brakes with the same intensity as the towing vehicle brakes. When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion. I have attached a drawing that shows how the wiring is run when installing the # ETBC7 and a brake controller. I also attached links to some helpful articles that explain installation as well.