Trailer Hitch Installation

[TonyWilliams]

Here's my trailer hitch install:

First, I removed the rear bumper cover:

Seven screws and a bunch of those pop-out thingies:

Next, I removed the rear bumper and right bracket, but you don't have to. I thought I might have to install some hardware for the hitch, but the Rav4 comes with four M12x1.25 thread pitch nuts in the frame rails just for a hitch. Thank you Toyota!

If you do take off the bumper, I recommend marking its location on the bolts with a marker.

The hitch just bolts on after you remove the tape over the bolt holes on the frame rails. Torque to 65 foot pounds.

 

[TonyWilliams]

Click here for pictures of the Rav4 EV towing


Remove both rear outflow vents. This makes it easier to reach up and disconnect the taillight wiring, and install the trailer wiring kit:

The back interior trim piece just lifts straight up to remove, and then you can feed the wires for the right side taillights over there. As fast as you get the wire fed through and connected, you can put this part back together:

My trick was to feed the trailer wiring connector through the left rear outflow vent. The directions said to leave the connector inside, and when you hook up a trailer, to bring the wires out, and slam the door on it!!! Bizarre poor planning that I didn't follow.

I mounted the wiring "control box" behind this left rear panel, slightly aft of the cigarette lighter 12 volt receptacle. The final issue is getting 12 volts to it to power the trailer lights. Unfortunately, this teeny wire for the 12 volt receptacle is a JOKE for 10 amps. So, the kit comes with enough wire to go all the way to the 12 volt battery up front, with a 10 amp inline fuse. I'll finish that task tomorrow, and get my dirt bike trailer:

 

[palmer_md]

Nice installation documentation. Is it just a standard Rav4 hitch? Glad to hear none of the new components are in the way. Also glad to see you join in here Tony. This place has really been a ghost town until the last few days. Finally getting some owners to participate.

 

[HD172]

Excellent work. I'd also like to know who makes the hitch.

 

[TonyWilliams]

Excellent work. I'd also like to know who makes the hitch.

Product Specifications
Product Information
Brand: Reese "PRO SERIES"
Exterior: BLACK POWDER COAT
Manufacturer Part Number#51157-45
ASIN: B00863MAOC
Sizing and Specifications
Item Weight 33.6 Pounds
Height 9 inches
Length 45 inches
Width 21 inches

Product Description
THIS REESE PRO SERIES TRAILER HITCH FITS: 2006-2012 TOYOTA RAV4

PROSERIES 51 RECEIVER - ROUND TUBE - CLASS III
TONGUE CAPACITY/TOWING CAPACITY: 350/3,500 LBS.
NO DRILLING IS REQUIRED. BOLT ON INSTALLATION.
MANUFACTURER'S ESTIMATED INSTALLATION TIME: 20 MINUTES
INSTALLATION LINK: http://www.draw-tite.com/content/downloads/installation/N51157.pdf

 

[TonyWilliams]

Nice installation documentation. Is it just a standard Rav4 hitch? Glad to hear none of the new components are in the way. Also glad to see you join in here Tony. This place has really been a ghost town until the last few days. Finally getting some owners to participate.

I didn't know it existed until a day or two ago. Standard hitch. Now, I can mount my bike rack, haul my dirt bikes, haul those smelly gas cans, etc.

Super easy to do, and total cost with wiring kit is about $250.

 

[marta]

Wow - thanks for taking the time to document that process! I love the tip too on a workaround to solve the 'just slam the hatch on the wires' issue!

 

[GRA]

Tony, is it possible to install a spare on the rear door, like the regular RAV4s? I know Toyota left it off to save weight, but hopefully the bolt holes etc. are still there so you can do it with minimal hassle.

 

[TonyWilliams]

Tony, is it possible to install a spare on the rear door, like the regular RAV4s? I know Toyota left it off to save weight, but hopefully the bolt holes etc. are still there so you can do it with minimal hassle.

I think it's a completely different door. This door on the Rav4 EV is shared with the "Sport" Rav4.

I don't know (yet) where the spare tire is on that car.

 

[SeattleRav4]

For some reason I cannot locate Tony's hitch mod thread.
After reading through the owners manual and seeing all the "Toyota does not recommend notes",
I got to thinking the hitch mod is a good idea. What would be great is if a hitch could be removed "fairly easily" so it wasn't there all the time.
Not fast like hooking up a trailer but not so labor intensive that you only want to do it once.

 

[rhhosm]

Tony, awesome documentation and mcgyvering. Would you mind posting a picture of the finished install? Love to see what the completed look is before deciding. Also wondering if you have a pivoting bike rack (up-down or to-the-side) whether you can still open the door with the bike rack on. Does the the door clear the rack? I am suspecting it won't but would love to get confirmation.

'12 RAV4EV Blizzard White

 

[TonyWilliams]

Tony, awesome documentation and mcgyvering. Would you mind posting a picture of the finished install? Love to see what the completed look is before deciding. Also wondering if you have a pivoting bike rack (up-down or to-the-side) whether you can still open the door with the bike rack on. Does the the door clear the rack? I am suspecting it won't but would love to get confirmation.

'12 RAV4EV Blizzard White

I don't have a pivoting rack, but I do have a simple 4 bike carrier that fits in the receiver, and no, you can't open the rear door much with it on.

 

[khaliss]

Nice! I'm about to pull the trigger and do the same thing (minus the wiring harness), since I would only load bicycles on it (Yakima bike rack).

Just to confirm:
http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-51157-Series-Receiver/dp/B0049MRJ9U

So basically, I just bolt this on underside and no need to even remove the bumper, correct? Thanks in advance

 

[TonyWilliams]

Nice! I'm about to pull the trigger and do the same thing (minus the wiring harness), since I would only load bicycles on it (Yakima bike rack).

Just to confirm:
http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-51157-Series-Receiver/dp/B0049MRJ9U

So basically, I just bolt this on underside and no need to even remove the bumper, correct? Thanks in advance

Yep!

Enjoy.

 

[pchilds]

$126.33

http://www.hitchanything.com/Pro-Series-51157-Trailer-Hitch-Receiver-Class-III.html?gclid=CIDMm5HCtrYCFap_QgodiCYA9w

 

[khaliss]

Already bought one from Amazon, shipping is free and no tax (to my pleasant surprise)

 

[pchilds]

Also, free shipping and no tax.

 

[khaliss]

Oh thats right! Is it also Reese? Amazon description says it has a special 3 coat paint... this one you linked says powdercoated...

 

[khaliss]

Got the hitch installed... mounted the Yakima Bike rack, Rav4EV ready for action!

 

[mikegerard]

That's an awesome deal. I have a similar one on my Sienna and it was roughly twice the price. And you dont have to worry about the exhaust pipe being in the way on the Rav4EV !