Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure

Question:

Hi Chris, What a great reply. Now I know I can get an after market hitch and be good. What 7-pin connector kit do you recommend so I can work trailer brakes...or should it be a separate wireless unit?

asked by: Rich

Expert Reply:

The etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98864 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit the Adventure sub model of your 2018 Toyota RAV4. The hitch is designed so that the receiver portion will sit just below the rear bumper and won't protrude through the fascia like you described. Because of where it attaches to the frame modifying it so that it does go through the fascia won't be possible. I have attached an image to assist. There is not an aftermarket hitch available that will install this way on your RAV4.

A lot of OEM/factory hitches feature this type of hidden design where the receiver cuts through the bumper fascia. This provides a clean look and does help with ground clearance but it is not required for your RAV4. Most aftermarket hitches though are stronger than OEM alternatives and as you mentioned, cost quite a bit less. You will still have enough ground clearance to work with when etrailer.com hitch installed on the vehicle and it will be a simple, no-drill installation (especially for someone like you that has experience).

I have attached an installation video of this hitch on an earlier model RAV4. The process will be just about identical for your 2018 Adventure model.

Since it sounds like you will be doing some towing I recommend the Curt T-Connector Wiring Harness # C56350. This custom harness will install by simply plugging into the factory ports behind the trim panels in the cargo area and then running the hot lead up to the battery. This will provide you with a 4-Way connector to power a trailer's basic signal lights. I have attached the written installation instructions that you can check out.

To tow a trailer you will also need a ball mount and hitch ball if you don't have them already. I have attached a great article that explains how to choose the best one for your setup along with a link that will take you to our available selection.

expert reply by: Chris R

click to enlarge

Rich

10/29/2018

Chris R.

10/30/2018

After adding the 4-Way connector with the above mentioned Tekonsha # 118467 you just need to add the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 to upgrade it to a fully functional 7-Way. This kit includes everything needed to do this along with the extra wiring and circuit breakers you will need to install a brake controller. I have attached the complete written installation instructions for this kit that you can take a look at. Then to actually power the trailer's brakes you will also need a brake controller. For this I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. This is an excellent proportional unit that will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your RAV4. It features an easy-to-read digital display, 3 boost levels, and continuous diagnostics that will alert you to any potential issues.