Hi all, I’ve got a 2023 RAV4 XLE Hybrid and want to add a tow hitch so I can take my motorcycle around.
Has anyone done this before? I see the OEM hitch is $750, but aftermarket ones are $150-$250. Is OEM worth the extra cost? I know it has more ground clearance, but is that enough to justify the extra $500+?
What do you think is my best bet? Thanks so much for your help!
Go with the factory option. The hitch itself is easy to install, and cutting the bumper isn’t too bad. If you need it for towing or brake lights, the wiring module can be a bit tricky.
mary said:
Go with the factory option. The hitch itself is easy to install, and cutting the bumper isn’t too bad. If you need it for towing or brake lights, the wiring module can be a bit tricky.
Is that the route you went?
@Oran
Yeah, it is. Neither job took me more than a couple of hours with basic tools.
I got a Curt hitch for my 2021 Hybrid but kind of wish I went with the EcoHitch. The Curt and EcoHitch don’t need bumper removal or cutting, but the EcoHitch sits higher.
Archer said:
I got a Curt hitch for my 2021 Hybrid but kind of wish I went with the EcoHitch. The Curt and EcoHitch don’t need bumper removal or cutting, but the EcoHitch sits higher.
Is it much lower than OEM? I take my RAV4 on a lot of logging roads.
@Oran
Yeah, it’s about 4 inches lower than OEM. You can find some pictures online.
Archer said:
I got a Curt hitch for my 2021 Hybrid but kind of wish I went with the EcoHitch. The Curt and EcoHitch don’t need bumper removal or cutting, but the EcoHitch sits higher.
I couldn’t find the EcoHitch on Amazon.
@Oran
Here’s some info and a photo: https://www.thisforum.com/rav4club/comments/15vtwn8/just_installed_the_ecohitch_on_xse_very_easy/. It might not be on Amazon, but you can get it on etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Toyota/RAV4/2024/EH97FR.html.
@Noah
That looks great. I think I’ll go with the OEM hitch.
Oran said:
@Noah
That looks great. I think I’ll go with the OEM hitch.
It’s been working well for me. Fully loaded, it’s about 1,100 lbs, and my wife says it doesn’t feel like it’s even there. I tow our toy hauler for short trips, and she handles the bikes.
I had mine installed by the factory. I can’t live without a hitch.
Mia said:
I had mine installed by the factory. I can’t live without a hitch.
I should’ve thought to order mine with one, but it didn’t cross my mind at the time.
Mia said:
I had mine installed by the factory. I can’t live without a hitch.
I should’ve thought to order mine with one, but it didn’t cross my mind at the time.
Haha, live and learn. My Cherokee had one, and I used it all the time for boats, campers, and trailers. Now I can’t go without it either.
@Mia
Same here. I always had one on my truck and didn’t realize how much I used it. Now I want to take my bike on trips with my fuel-efficient RAV4 instead of that gas-guzzler.
Oran said:
@Mia
Same here. I always had one on my truck and didn’t realize how much I used it. Now I want to take my bike on trips with my fuel-efficient RAV4 instead of that gas-guzzler.
Totally get that! I’ve got a Yakima bike rack, and I absolutely love it.
@Mia
I need to get a bike rack too! Is that for bicycles or motorbikes?
If you’re installing the EcoHitch, a floor jack and a piece of plywood can help hold it in place while you bolt it in.
