Great video, thanks. I just installed the same hitch on a 2020 Rav4 XSE Hybrid and did the job by myself. Drivers side was a breeze but the passenger side was a real bear because of the limited clearance. I spent about 2 thirds of my time trying to get the bolts in the passenger side. Now I need to wire in the trailer lights and I will be adding an extra line for the backup lights. Might do a video on the power installation.
I am glad that my video was helpful. Yes I also had some hard time with bolts on passenger side,but figured it out. Did you also had to remove that metal hook?
@@nazarettos6987 Yes, I had to take the hook off on my car too. I was half way through with the installation before I realized I had forgotten to take it off. Had to work around the hitch to get the hook off but it wasn't to difficult. After that the hitch went into place easily. (The bolts on the right side were still a real @#$%^& to get in.)
Good video, thank you for sharing. I would suggest to put the 2 bolts that held the towing bracket backs to avoid future rusting at these screw holes. And I managed to squeeze the hitch plates through to the position without lowering the muffler.
@@nazarettos6987 I agree, and without the power tool I had to be innovative. Lifting the farthest tips of the hitch plates first, bend the plastic section of the bumper that get into the way - it will get scratched a little bit. Also I have a friend to help me from the beginning, and what you did make sense when you were on your own.
If it weren’t for the chrome tips on the tailpipe it would be less tight. I don’t think Toyota considered that. Looks like screwdriver could be used to push a tab from back of tip.
I did this installation and it's not necessary to do anything with the muffler. The hitch slides in to position and you put in 4 bolts. The passenger side is a little difficult but lowering the muffler won't help.
You can do it yourself for sure, it is not difficult as long as you have someone to hold the hitch when you installing it. its only 4 bolts and that's all. I paid for this curt hitch about 160$ and installed it myself and its holding up well with towing small trailer.
This Curt hitch is installed under the bumper,its hiddend. I dont think that there will be any interference with the sensor. The only thing this sticks out is 2 inch receiver.
Jack, I have a 2020 Limited Hybrid...the frame is the same for ALL RAV4s and YES, it will block the sensor. Look for yourself--the sensor is a round protruding disc right behind the plastic bumper and right before the muffler smack dab in the middle. Mine is covered in undercoat from the factory; one would think it's not a sensor but there is NOTHING else electrical there. And that is exactly were one's foot goes to activate the lift gate... If you want to see mind, just click on my avatar and checkout my latest Vlog. Mr DJ of Cat N Mr DJ - Filipina American Vloggers...
Most manufacturers will warn you - if you install a hitch it will PROBABLY block the sensor. I can't find the ref, but I do remember a warning somehwere in Toyota docs that stated this. But I bought the '20 Rav4 Hybrid XSE which thankfully does not have the foot sensor. It's gimmicky anyway...
I had the same hitch, but the loss of ground clearance and the fact that it stuck out caused me to scrape on the ground quite a few times when driving on dirt roads and even up into my driveway. I went back to get the stock hitch. It requires cutting into the bumper (which I had the dealer do), but sits a few inches higher and you gain back the ground clearance.
I agree with you,this hitch sits little bit lower,but I only carry bikes on mine and its perfectly fine. I was looking at Toyotas hitch from the dealer,they wanted to charge way to much.
Thanks for the informative video. Just ordered one for my 2019 RAV4. I also like to install a bike rack similar to yours. Can you please tell me what model type is your bike rack. Looks neat. Thanks.
make sure you order the one with 2inch spacer. I installed 2inch receiver and this bike carrier came in with a spacer. www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-Deluxe-3-Bike-Receiver/dp/B001M4KXDM
@@nazarettos6987 We do some light off-road driving to reach some remote lakes with our kayaks so the ground clearance is important to me. I'll also use it for a bike rack and towing a small teardrop trailer that weighs 800+ pounds.
Bull crap Toyota don’t offer a hitch that comes through the center of the bumper. I have the same hitch and it sits way to low. Drags on the ground when launching my boat
Well I don't tow a boat with it,but it's good to know info,thank you for sharing. I was told that Toyota has a hitch and it would cost 400$. I also don't think it's good ideat to tow a boat with 4cylinders.
Yes that is why I have been delaying getting one in the hope that Toyota will release one that works without affecting ground clearance. This item from Torklift says that it does affect ground clearance but I am not sure I believe them. torkliftcentral.com/x7396
@@nazarettos6987 In the previous model the Adventure came with the tow hitch standard, on the current model I don't even see one offered as an option when you do a build on their website. They still talk about a 3500# tow capacity for the new Adventure, but I see no hitch nor have I seen a new model RAV4 with a hitch in the dealer listings and photos. I did just find this on the 2020, doesn't go through the bumper, but there is a slight cutout making a little higher www.toyota.com/rav4/accessories/exterior
Why is your car not painted and sealed underneath? That terrible where is your corrosion protection? In Europe you could not do that because only a professional can install a tow bar you need certificate if installation otherwise your car insurance is invalidate. Plus you cannot gave a visible hitch sticking out wgen not being used the tow bar has to be concealed behind the bumper. So I assume you use the two bar instead if the anchor point.
In Europe there are too many regulations,here in US you are allowed to work on your car and warranty will not be voided. It's all about money,dealerships will take arm and a leg for this installation. I also did not do undercoat because it's all bullshit. WHen Toyota makes cars,it has basic under coating and rust protection for your vehicle, but dealerships want to make extra money so they offer to paint and seal coat underneath your car. You don't have to believe everything dealership says, I never did any undercoating because it already has basic anti corrosion protection. If Toyotas vehicles frames would start rusting or falling apart there would be major lawsuits in US and they don't want it. So here it is my friend.
Its not difficult to install, but if you are planning to tow you need to install wire harness, i got video on that also. th-cam.com/video/xiM3ogp9GkM/w-d-xo.html
Save the the frustration strap the exhaust lube and slide the three rubber hangers. One on each end of muffler and one in front of muffler. This will give you plenty of room.
They don't really have any dimension on Curt website. It's perfectly fit your Rav4 and its 2 inch receiver. When installed,hitch is about 10 inches from the ground.
You should do a full LED change out video. Fog lights, front and rear turn signals, reverse lights, vanity lights, dome lights and rear cargo light. They all can be done. I’m buying the 2019 Adventure in about a month I’m hoping.
I was looking at adventurer model,but its was kinda pricey. All I wanted to spend was under 25k. When I found this Rav4 and got a deal for 24500$ I was on it.
The reason I’m buying the Adventure is because it can pull 3500 pounds. I only need maybe 2000 pounds and would never pull the max. Just a Teardrop camper. Keep up the videos upgrades.
I bought the XLE Premium trim. I'm planning on doing the LED conversion soon when I can track down decent prices. I'm also planning to buy the Adventure trim wheel arch moldings and front and rear bumper, for those shiny parts. Maybe even change the rims eventually. I live in the city and never plan to offroad, so I don't really need the Adventure capability, but I like the look.
@@Honda_life_2020_ Campers put way more load on than the weight suggests, so you need extra capacity. Even with my diesel pickup the wind resistance is such that I can tow much heavier loads in for example a dump trailer, and get better mpg than with my travel trailer. Even allowing for it being a tear drop you definitely want those oil and transmission coolers. Looking at an Adventure for similar reasons in that I want to be able to tow my small boat behind it, on occasion and at 1500lbs on the normal models, that seems marginal.
Great video, thanks. I just installed the same hitch on a 2020 Rav4 XSE Hybrid and did the job by myself. Drivers side was a breeze but the passenger side was a real bear because of the limited clearance. I spent about 2 thirds of my time trying to get the bolts in the passenger side. Now I need to wire in the trailer lights and I will be adding an extra line for the backup lights. Might do a video on the power installation.
I am glad that my video was helpful. Yes I also had some hard time with bolts on passenger side,but figured it out. Did you also had to remove that metal hook?
@@nazarettos6987 Yes, I had to take the hook off on my car too. I was half way through with the installation before I realized I had forgotten to take it off. Had to work around the hitch to get the hook off but it wasn't to difficult. After that the hitch went into place easily. (The bolts on the right side were still a real @#$%^& to get in.)
Good video, thank you for sharing. I would suggest to put the 2 bolts that held the towing bracket backs to avoid future rusting at these screw holes. And I managed to squeeze the hitch plates through to the position without lowering the muffler.
I tried to install this hitch without lowering mufler,but it was very difficult, I was going nuts.
@@nazarettos6987 I agree, and without the power tool I had to be innovative. Lifting the farthest tips of the hitch plates first, bend the plastic section of the bumper that get into the way - it will get scratched a little bit. Also I have a friend to help me from the beginning, and what you did make sense when you were on your own.
Can the tow hinge be installed back again
@@pranavnarayan3185 No. I threw it away
Great job dude! Nicely done!
Thank you for sharing your hard work.
Message from Hong Kong
Thank you,apreciate your positive comment.
If it weren’t for the chrome tips on the tailpipe it would be less tight. I don’t think Toyota considered that. Looks like screwdriver could be used to push a tab from back of tip.
I did this installation and it's not necessary to do anything with the muffler. The hitch slides in to position and you put in 4 bolts. The passenger side is a little difficult but lowering the muffler won't help.
I had difficulty for some reason
I did with out removing the exhaust on a 19
Great job, I don't know if I should do it myself. The dealer hitch it's 300 plus installation fee.
You can do it yourself for sure, it is not difficult as long as you have someone to hold the hitch when you installing it. its only 4 bolts and that's all. I paid for this curt hitch about 160$ and installed it myself and its holding up well with towing small trailer.
Looking good
I have limited RAV4 , wonder if I can use the same model hitch given that limited has hands free back door sensor under bumper.
This Curt hitch is installed under the bumper,its hiddend. I dont think that there will be any interference with the sensor. The only thing this sticks out is 2 inch receiver.
I'm sure there are other model for the limited if you really need to install a hitch.
Jack, I have a 2020 Limited Hybrid...the frame is the same for ALL RAV4s and YES, it will block the sensor. Look for yourself--the sensor is a round protruding disc right behind the plastic bumper and right before the muffler smack dab in the middle. Mine is covered in undercoat from the factory; one would think it's not a sensor but there is NOTHING else electrical there. And that is exactly were one's foot goes to activate the lift gate... If you want to see mind, just click on my avatar and checkout my latest Vlog. Mr DJ of Cat N Mr DJ - Filipina American Vloggers...
Most manufacturers will warn you - if you install a hitch it will PROBABLY block the sensor. I can't find the ref, but I do remember a warning somehwere in Toyota docs that stated this. But I bought the '20 Rav4 Hybrid XSE which thankfully does not have the foot sensor. It's gimmicky anyway...
I have 2024 limited and I just installed same hitch and kick sensor still works guys 👍
I had the same hitch, but the loss of ground clearance and the fact that it stuck out caused me to scrape on the ground quite a few times when driving on dirt roads and even up into my driveway. I went back to get the stock hitch. It requires cutting into the bumper (which I had the dealer do), but sits a few inches higher and you gain back the ground clearance.
I agree with you,this hitch sits little bit lower,but I only carry bikes on mine and its perfectly fine. I was looking at Toyotas hitch from the dealer,they wanted to charge way to much.
Question? That hook tow point on right rear with those two bolts you took off, did it come with the rav4? Or did u order it after?
It came with my Rav4 its a tow hook.
@@nazarettos6987 yes! mine did not come with one! I'm in usa Texas! Where you located?
Thanks for the informative video. Just ordered one for my 2019 RAV4. I also like to install a bike rack similar to yours. Can you please tell me what model type is your bike rack. Looks neat. Thanks.
make sure you order the one with 2inch spacer. I installed 2inch receiver and this bike carrier came in with a spacer.
www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-Deluxe-3-Bike-Receiver/dp/B001M4KXDM
Nazarettos thank you.
Hey buddy..that looks good...what did you torque the bolts down to? Do you remember? Thanks.
I couldn’t get torque wrench in there, too tight of a space. I just tightened using wrench very tight as i could, well at least 90ft/lb
Understood. Thank you for that info...
It looks like you give up ground clearance with the Curt... I don't think the Toyota OEM hitch gives up any.
Well all I'm towing is my bicycles. I also think Curt is built much stronger.
@@nazarettos6987 We do some light off-road driving to reach some remote lakes with our kayaks so the ground clearance is important to me. I'll also use it for a bike rack and towing a small teardrop trailer that weighs 800+ pounds.
The TorkLift hitch is a bit higher but still the same easy install.
what spacer did you add to close space between bike rack and receiver hitch?
I just added big fat plastic ziptie,and pushed the hitch through
マフラーを支える真ん中のゴムのステーはどうやって外しましたか？？？
Yes you do have to remove the rubber support that holds exhaust. It is not difficult,but you have to use big screwdriver and also some lubricant.
did you consider dropping the exhaust?
That's what I ended up doing
You can use a crowfoot with your toque wrench
What is it crowfoot?
@@nazarettos6987 it a open end wrench that you mount on ratchet or a torque wrench
@@thomasmorris610 I seriously didn't know what it was,had to look it up. Yes you are right, I should have used it.
@@nazarettos6987 I was a mechanic for 27 years
Does these bolts hold well without threadlocker?
Everything is fine on my car, but I recommend it
Bull crap Toyota don’t offer a hitch that comes through the center of the bumper. I have the same hitch and it sits way to low. Drags on the ground when launching my boat
Well I don't tow a boat with it,but it's good to know info,thank you for sharing. I was told that Toyota has a hitch and it would cost 400$. I also don't think it's good ideat to tow a boat with 4cylinders.
Yes that is why I have been delaying getting one in the hope that Toyota will release one that works without affecting ground clearance. This item from Torklift says that it does affect ground clearance but I am not sure I believe them. torkliftcentral.com/x7396
@@nazarettos6987 In the previous model the Adventure came with the tow hitch standard, on the current model I don't even see one offered as an option when you do a build on their website. They still talk about a 3500# tow capacity for the new Adventure, but I see no hitch nor have I seen a new model RAV4 with a hitch in the dealer listings and photos. I did just find this on the 2020, doesn't go through the bumper, but there is a slight cutout making a little higher www.toyota.com/rav4/accessories/exterior
How much did you get the tow hitch for? If you don't mind me asking
I paid 155$ including tax, shipping was 0$
@@nazarettos6987 thank you.
@@noeunou6143 check it out on carid.com
Please do a towing test for the rav4 lol.
I have nothing to tow, except my bikes.
Nazarettos What about a U-Haul trailer?
Do you always say it’s bigger than it actually is?
I don't understand your comment.
Why is your car not painted and sealed underneath? That terrible where is your corrosion protection?
In Europe you could not do that because only a professional can install a tow bar you need certificate if installation otherwise your car insurance is invalidate.
Plus you cannot gave a visible hitch sticking out wgen not being used the tow bar has to be concealed behind the bumper.
So I assume you use the two bar instead if the anchor point.
In Europe there are too many regulations,here in US you are allowed to work on your car and warranty will not be voided. It's all about money,dealerships will take arm and a leg for this installation. I also did not do undercoat because it's all bullshit. WHen Toyota makes cars,it has basic under coating and rust protection for your vehicle, but dealerships want to make extra money so they offer to paint and seal coat underneath your car. You don't have to believe everything dealership says, I never did any undercoating because it already has basic anti corrosion protection. If Toyotas vehicles frames would start rusting or falling apart there would be major lawsuits in US and they don't want it. So here it is my friend.
Great video, I needed this since the uhaul videos had the special tools that I don't have. Seems easy enough to not waste $50 service fee. Thanks!
Its not difficult to install, but if you are planning to tow you need to install wire harness, i got video on that also.
th-cam.com/video/xiM3ogp9GkM/w-d-xo.html
Save the the frustration strap the exhaust lube and slide the three rubber hangers. One on each end of muffler and one in front of muffler. This will give you plenty of room.
Thanks for advice,but this project was done.
Thanks a lot, man! Next time just call me to help you with shooting videos.
It's very hard to record videos with one hand.
Great job well done, do you have any dimensions for this 2019 Toyota Rav4 hitch? Regards
They don't really have any dimension on Curt website. It's perfectly fit your Rav4 and its 2 inch receiver. When installed,hitch is about 10 inches from the ground.
I was hoping to find the dimensions to do it by myself, because of I live in Iraq and the shipping is difficult & expensive if I found. Regards
Use metruc wrech not SAE...
eeeh it all worked out great
You should do a full LED change out video. Fog lights, front and rear turn signals, reverse lights, vanity lights, dome lights and rear cargo light. They all can be done. I’m buying the 2019 Adventure in about a month I’m hoping.
I was looking at adventurer model,but its was kinda pricey. All I wanted to spend was under 25k. When I found this Rav4 and got a deal for 24500$ I was on it.
The reason I’m buying the Adventure is because it can pull 3500 pounds. I only need maybe 2000 pounds and would never pull the max. Just a Teardrop camper. Keep up the videos upgrades.
I bought the XLE Premium trim. I'm planning on doing the LED conversion soon when I can track down decent prices. I'm also planning to buy the Adventure trim wheel arch moldings and front and rear bumper, for those shiny parts. Maybe even change the rims eventually. I live in the city and never plan to offroad, so I don't really need the Adventure capability, but I like the look.
Torklift say they do one that does not affect ground clearance - I am just not sure whether I believe them torkliftcentral.com/x7396
@@Honda_life_2020_ Campers put way more load on than the weight suggests, so you need extra capacity. Even with my diesel pickup the wind resistance is such that I can tow much heavier loads in for example a dump trailer, and get better mpg than with my travel trailer. Even allowing for it being a tear drop you definitely want those oil and transmission coolers. Looking at an Adventure for similar reasons in that I want to be able to tow my small boat behind it, on occasion and at 1500lbs on the normal models, that seems marginal.
i didn't have to remove the tow thingie. just installed mine today without removing the mufller but it was hard but doable
It was much easier for me to install it this way.
@@nazarettos6987 going to install the electronics tomorrow 😀 good thing or model is hybrid I can connect power to the battery in the back
Did you add the tow hinge back? Can it be added after hitch installation?
I did not add that tow hitch,no need for it because if you do need a tow you can hook it to to newly installed tow hitch.
Does the bicycle rack block the backup camera and does the bicycle when on the rack effect the blind spot sensors when backing?
Yes the bicycle rack block partial view of the backup camera,but sensors not affected.
I will make a video shortly how the camera view is with this bike rack.
Congrats for doing it yourself and sharing, thanks.
Apreciate the comment
This is a RAV2, not a RAV4.