Recommended Trailer Towing Components for 2018 Toyota RAV4 without Factory Tow Package

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Question:

Dealer told me aftermarket towing would cause check engine light The dealer said we needed to have a ftoyota harness and tow package on our RAV4 adventure 2018, that if we didnt that the electronics and tow package wouldnt work properly. This raised the smell test.

asked by: PS

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Expert Reply:

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 with the factory tow package comes with the factory 7-way trailer connection, a hitch receiver and a small oil cooler. Having those components is a nice option, but it was a lie that any other system would cause a check engine light. You absolutely can add 4-way or 7-way wiring to your vehicle much less expensively without issue.

My recommendation for your RAV4 is the etrailer # e98864 which is a superior hitch, the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118578 which connects to your rear tail light harness and draws power from the vehicle battery (which avoids power overdraw and error messages), and then if you want the 7-way you can add the # ETBC7 kit.

If you want to add a brake controller which is not part of the factory tow option, the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR is becoming more and more popular as the clean look on the dash is a really nice feature to pair with its reliability and functions. This will allow you to tow a trailer with electric or electric over hydraulic brakes.

If you want to add a the vehicle fluid coolers they will assist in helping your engine not work as hard. A transmission cooler is a better priority than the factory tow package oil cooler and I recommend # D13503. If you want to you can add an oil cooler or for both, I recommend the Derale Combination Transmission and Engine Oil Cooler with Multiple Threads # D15902.

Finally you will need a ball mount, and I recommend the B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount # BWTS10035B because it gives you two hitch options and also has a stowable feature to protect your shins and give you a nice clean look when not in use. I recommend using a hitch lock like # e98880 to protect your investment.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Answer 1

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 2

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 3

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 4

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 5

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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Answer 6

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 7

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 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

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 10

I'm assuming your 2024 F-250 has the 6-3/4' bed. If that is correct, the right tie-downs are in fact the #TLF3008 and #TL77CR. TorkLift has accounted for the bed access steps on the 2024 model and confirmed these will fit your truck.

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Answer 11

We have run into this quite a few times in the past, and the best option will be replacing the Lance 7-pin connector with a standard 7-way blade connector like the #PK12706. This will give you a standard 7-way connector to plug into the factory 7-way…

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Answer 12

I recommend going with the Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate Air Helper Springs #AL89DQ for hauling around an in-bed camper with your 2024 Ford F-350 Super Duty. I really like this kit because it has the higher 7,500 lb rating (which you don't…

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Recommended Trailer Towing Components for 2018 Toyota RAV4 without Factory Tow Package

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