Recommended Ball Mount for a 2010 Toyota RAV4 With Factory Towing Package

Question:

Thanks Jacob, these look like a good option. Can you confirm the part fits the AWD Rav4? I looked on manufacturer website and they only list parts for the 2WD. One other customer using an AWD RAV4 appears to have fitted supersprings but they listed the CSS-1225 not the CSS-1225R part number. Not sure what the difference is as the former appears suitable for front or rear installation.

asked by: Paul W

Expert Reply:

For your 2010 Toyota RAV4 Factory Hitch, you'll want about a 3 inch rise.

You can confirm this by measuring from the ground to the top of the trailer hitch, and measuring from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. Then, subtract the higher number from the lower number. It does sound like you've gotten this about right though.

If yours is a 1-1/4 inch hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite Drawbar, part # 36063. This will give you a correct, 3 inch rise with a 3/4 inch ball hole diameter. It uses 3/4 inch hitch balls, and I recommend using part # 19258 with it if you don't already have a hitch ball for your setup.

If you have a 2 inch hitch, I recommend Draw Tite 2 inch mount instead, part # 2753. This has a more accurate 2-3/4 inch rise and a 4 inch drop if you need it. This ball mount uses 1-inch diameter shank hitch balls, and part # 63845 is a great 2 inch diameter ball for it.

expert reply by: Jacob W

Paul

2/22/2018

Thanks Jacob, does this account for suspension sag after loading the hitch? I've estimated up to 1-2 inches sag by loading up the trunk with >300lb and would expect similar after loading the hitch? I was thinking we'd need closer to 4 inches rise based on this?

Jacob W.

2/22/2018

This does not account for sag after installing the hitch, though correct hitch height does offset sag a little bit. The trailer will push down on the ball mount when loaded onto the vehicle, and thus will naturally catch up with the ball mount while its connected. For safety's sake, make sure to fully extend the trailer jack prior to uncoupling the trailer. Sag is a natural occurrence, and though there is some tolerance in terms of safety (A little above level is OK, but pointing noticeably up isn't), it's outright better to use some kind of suspension enhancement to eliminate sag. To counter this sag, I recommend Coil SumoSprings, part # CSS-1125R. These insert in the middle of your rear suspension coils to improve their stiffness, evening out sag and helping to enhance your suspension when unloaded. With an almost laughably easy install process, these quickly install and don't require monitoring like other suspension enhancements. I've included a video of these being installed on a 2013 Jeep Patriot so you can get an idea of how they install.

Paul

2/23/2018

Jacob W.

2/23/2018

There's actually no difference between the parts. Part # CSS-1225R, # CSS-1225F, and # CSS-1225 are the exact identical part, and we have them labeled for compatibility with our fit guide. Some cars only accept them one one axle, and some on both. So for your RAV4, they are only compatible on the rear axle. Specifics tend to be at the manufacturer level, but usually have to do with material or part engineering where its not practical to install the springs.