Is There Fascia Trimming Required to Install Curt and etrailer Hitch on 2016 Toyota RAV4

Question:

The etrailer hitch indicates that removal or cutting of body panels is required, but the Curt hitch does not indicate this. It is not clear from the photos which is the case. Can you clarify what is necessary to install these two hitches? Also, what is the bar height or the ball height with a straight bar of these hitches on the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid?

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

I checked out both sets of install instructions for the hitches you mentioned. The etrailer part # e98864 and the Curt hitch part # C13149, and for both you have to remove a lower fascia panel (if present). They call it an appearance panel and you can either trim it and replace it or just leave it off, but aside from that there is no fascia trimming at all.

We installed both of these hitches on the same vehicle and found that from the top of the hitch opening down to the ground measured 13 inches so they have the same height.

I attached a help article that covers how to pick out the correct rise/drop ball mount for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C