Toyota does have the hitch kit in dealers now! Yay! On the other hand Toyota still has no trailer wiring harness kit...

@blahblahblahblah2933

4 жыл бұрын

Cool. Too many smaller cars these day seem to be losing their tow rating (no matter how meager). It's a shame because it's a nice spec to have for occasional small tasks. Granted that hasn't stopped aftermarket hitch makers.

@LeoTheShortGuy

4 жыл бұрын

So like, Alex-is it my imagination-are you getting super fit?? I am doing the opposite. I am becoming a butterball.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

4 жыл бұрын

I wish but that's very kind of you!

@James-il3tq

4 жыл бұрын

There wasn't a 7 pin wiring harness last summer for my 2019 RAV4 so I ordered 4 pin and a 7 pin adapter kit. Hey it works!

@clarkconley7280

4 жыл бұрын

@@blahblahblahblah2933 I agree....it seems like most cars have a 0 tow rating and the manufacturers want you to buy their $70,000 trucks if you want to tow more than 2,000 lbs. However in Europe, where they cannot afford large trucks, the same vehicles that we get with 0 tow ratings somehow are rated to tow much more.

Great How To Video. I would not even normally watch something like this but Alex’s gift of explanation draws you in..

Brave man to do all this on camera, Alex. I would have ended up halfway done and realized I'd made a bad cut. :)

Alex on Autos finally goes into car fix category.

Thank you for the video. Just purchased a 2020 Rav4 Adventure and was looking at the Torklift Hitch. Could not have been more timely. Have a great day!

Lucky guy, under a car, banging around, and no dirt fell into your eyes. I was so nervous watching you work under there without safety glasses. Enjoyed the change to your usual format.

@okiefreemen

4 жыл бұрын

how is dirt in your eyes dangerous at all?

Oh my goodness I love your reviews, Alex! I've used the same methods to put hitches on two (2) of our past SUV's ('07 RAV4 & '08 Highlander) and one (1) on my current '15 Accord Hybrid Touring (makes a great e-Bike carrier with a Thule). I love to watch you, because you make me feel sane, that there are others who also appreciate all the lil' details. Just like I use gloves too, and the same jack I use...and even before I could complete my thought about car stands, you (of course) coved what I was starting to think. It just makes me laugh and happy to know that I'm not the only person who seems to notice every single lil' thing. I know I've said it before, but it is absolute 100% true...that every single review I've ever seen, where I've been blessed to have owned or rented a particular type of vehicle for a week or more...your reviews are ALWAYS right on the money! I tell people about your website and videos all the time. Thanks again for all you do!

I had a trailer hitch installed on my 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Limited. Sadly, the Kick to Open feature no longer works due to the hitch interfering with the sensors. If you know of a work-around to get Kick to Open working, I and many of your followers would be grateful. Thanks Alex!

Great video!

Hey Alex, thanks for the great video. I ended up taking mine to a place to have a hitch put on and sits under the bumper. We bought a Intech Pursue camper and an adjustable ball mount to raise the ball 6”. We still scrapped bumps and driveways and that sucks. Have you noticed any scrapping with having the hitch cut into the bumper AND which torklift hitch is that? Eco invisi, hidden, or stealth? Thanks!

Nice video, nice hitch.

thats a nice installation, i was expecting a bit more cutting of the bumper cover. something i have to do one day

Alex, did you look under the rear of the Prime when you had it? Is the Prime going to take the same exact hitch? Im first in line at my local dealer for an SE. I should have it in a few weeks. I tow a lot so I want a hitch asap.

The Torklift hitch is the best out there. You really don’t need to cut the bumper. It can support 5000 lbs tow capacity which is much better than the factory hitches. The RAV4 LE will tow more than 1500 lbs if your willing to blast the heater and not overload the rear axel, do at your own risk. My LE has the start stop which gives you a more powerful heater (and AC). The unit body of the RAV4 is very strong. The biggest issues are the suspension and heat dissipation.

@jeffreywilliamson4863

3 жыл бұрын

Without cutting the bumper does it just push up on the plastic? How does it look? Can you see deformation from the sides?

@user-tb7rn1il3q

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeffreywilliamson4863 It does push the plastic up a bit, but it’s not really noticeable. I don’t notice any deformation.

@CR-rk2rk

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-tb7rn1il3q I have that hitch on my '11 Prius with a StoneFire air bag system and Curt 4-pin lighting harness, and have been really happy with it. On the Rav4, you cut the bottom fascia panel, just like on my Prius. We're adding a StoneFire air bag setup and Tranny Cooler to the new Rav4.

@user-tb7rn1il3q

3 жыл бұрын

@@CR-rk2rk Don’t forget about an engine oil cooler. Engine heat dissipation is the biggest issue with towing heavy loads with a smaller engine. The tranny isn’t really an issue since the 4 cylinder engine isn’t really powerful enough to overheat it. It’s the same transmission as the slightly larger and more powerful Highlander. In addition it’s a direct shift transmission so the torque converter stays locked. If you have the Hybrid the transmission is barely stressed at all since the motors are taking the heavy torque loads.

Nice video, very educational,, where can I buy that trailer hitch that you used for my 2019 Rav 4 LE Hybrid.. thanks a lot.

Nice job

@Alex any advantages to the OEM over torklift or other aftermarket hitches (like Uhaul)?

Very interest try......actually I'm quite curious why Toyota does not mention the towing capacity for hybrid version of Highlander, neither does Acura deal with hybrid MDX.....

OMG, that bird should have helped you since it wanted to interrupt the video anyway.

Seems that your dual exhaust is hanging lower on one side than the other like most of the 19-20s I've seen. There was an XLE at my dealership that was hanging low on one side, their fix was a zip tie.

I know this is an older video but I wanted to ask, how did you find the correct center to mark where you needed to cut?

Would be nice if you could test out a Prolite trailer.

Have you compared this hitch to the OEM hitch yet? How do you think the 2 compare?

More videos like this plz

Alex: does your RAV4 has a thread for towing in the front of the vehicle? In the front bumper. Many reviewers notices there is none on their Aventure trim.

Love it when Alex gets down and a little dirty.

Would love to know how it tows with hybrid system. Impact on mpg. Etc

@James-il3tq

4 жыл бұрын

I've been towing a 2016 Prolite Mini trailer (1050lbs dry) since last summer on my 2019 RAV4 hybrid XSE. Pulled it all the way from Vancouver Island to Edmonton no problems (through a lot of mountains). As for fuel economy I got less then 1/2 without towing. I get 33 mpg highway (not towing) and 17 mpg towing the trailer @ 75mph .

October 2019, Mine installed by UHall. No cuts in the bumper and install included cost less than you quote. By the way they used a Toyota brand hitch and I used them as there install was cheaper.

@WillieD7

4 жыл бұрын

The Toyota brand hitch sticks through the middle of the bumper, literally. It requires removal of the bumper, a frame member, and cutting. It can be a pricey install. UHaul sells Curt hitches (made specifically for the RAV4), which are lower and don’t require cutting. You bought a fine hitch and didn’t pay as much but it ain’t Toyota’s OEM hitch.

@RoadTripRuss

4 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing, why pay more and have to cut your bumper? U-Haul seems the way to go.

@jeffreywilliamson4863

3 жыл бұрын

@@RoadTripRuss Just aesthetics. Some like myself don't like the hitch cross member to show.

@CR-rk2rk

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeffreywilliamson4863 Yep, U-Haul are the most God-Ugly hitches out there. I cringe whenever I see one (but then I have a TorkLift on my Prius.

@grammyonthetrail

3 жыл бұрын

@@RoadTripRuss Ground clearance

What there any template for cutting?. How did you know how high to cut?

Does the Torklift hitch reduce the departure angle?

Will this same kit work for 2018 RAV4 Hybrid? If not, where can we find one that does?

I have always had good luck with draw-tight

Don’t forget to re torque the hitch at 500 miles and 1,000 miles of use.

Cheap hitches start rusting at the connection points (whatever slides into the 2" slot), especially in the rust belt where I live. Let us know how it holds up over time, although you're in California I think, no salt there.

@rightlanehog3151

4 жыл бұрын

An annual application of Krown Rustproofing will solve that problem.

Wiring shouldn't be too bad of a job on the RAV4 Hybrid. On the gas only model it requires running a line all the way from the battery in the engine bay. Since the Hybrid's 12V battery is in the cargo area on the passenger side it'll eliminate all the work of trying to run and tuck that wire!

Extra inch always helps

For a car like this the best use for the hitch is a bike rack. I have a Prius with a small hitch no wiring and a platform hitch bike rack. So simple

@rightlanehog3151

4 жыл бұрын

The RAV4 Hybrid's 1,750 pound tow rating is very adequate for traditional aluminum fishing boats, utility trailers and smaller campers. In Europe, where trailer brakes are mandatory, its capacity would easily be double.

@blahblahblahblah2933

4 жыл бұрын

@@rightlanehog3151 European regs have a number of nuances that let them tow larger loads. From what I understand, the brakes, limiting the max speed to 55mph, and lower tongue weights allow the higher ratings. Just something to be aware of.

I have RAV 4 hybrid 2020. Anyone know which hitch gives the most clearance? I don't want to hit bottom at the end of every driveway when I will only tow a small trailer every once in a while. Please comment if you know , I don't see many replies to questions.

I don't recognize you without your glasses ;-)

I have an important question from a potential buyer. How flat does the rear seat lay in the RAV4 hybrid? We like to go camping and having the rear of the RAV4 to sleep in would be great but it needs to be pretty flat. Thanks!

@AAutoBuyersGuide

4 жыл бұрын

Its the same as the non-hybrid model.

@kevinjs26

4 жыл бұрын

@@AAutoBuyersGuide so not very flat? That's too bad.

@swllz

3 жыл бұрын

@@kevinjs26 If you can remove backseat, it would be flat

Awesome

@ghenkhoash2440

4 жыл бұрын

Well done dude! You did it again. Here is your gold medal. 🥇

@LeoTheShortGuy

4 жыл бұрын

Ghen Khoash Ty. :).

Added a hitch 2 weeks after we got ours, a almost a year ago.. the Rav4 hybrid tows well. Gets decent milage towing as well.. We tow our 1500lbs popup camper with no problem and still get 35+ mpg doing it. Hardest part is holding the hitch up and getting the bolts started, you can do it alone but it would be way easier with two people.. No cut out was required with the hitch we got. Why cut up your car??? Seems like a dumb design, you don't need to cut up your new car..

@ElectricBikeShop

4 жыл бұрын

Hi - which hitch did you go with that you didn't have to cut up your bumper? We dont want to cut up ours either lol - any info would be greatly appreciated thanks!

@Ebacherville

4 жыл бұрын

@@ElectricBikeShop CURT 13416 Class III 2 in

@ElectricBikeShop

4 жыл бұрын

@@Ebacherville reading the fine print under "tech tips" on etrailer website its says --> Hitch may interfere with the Hands-free Liftgate sensors and functionality may be very limited or possibly lost - I'm guessing this did not happen to you or you would have mentioned it correct?

@Ebacherville

4 жыл бұрын

@@ElectricBikeShop nope, we have the power liftgate.. use the keyfob, didnt change that in any way.. thats up on the c pillar has nothing to do with under the car,... maybe limited or some high end trim has a foot swipe sensor under the car?

@ElectricBikeShop

4 жыл бұрын

@@Ebacherville thanks for the response! I appreciate it 👍🌞

One comment: I often find dropping exhaust easier to do by removing the bolts in the hanger rather than fighting the rubber hangers.

Is it legal in US to tow anything if vehicle registration papers say maximum load zero? Or that vehicle has a specific limit?

@tarassu

4 жыл бұрын

1750 something... How is it that there is no hitch but 1750somthing.

@GrumpyShihTzu

4 жыл бұрын

You can tow with any vehicle. The zero tow simply means the manufacturer doesn't want you to tow with their vehicle. If something goes wrong, you're shit out of luck. I have a Juke Nismo and in the US, Nissan says that you can't tow with it. In the rest of the world, the Juke is rated to tow 2000 lbs. The only difference is that Nissan adds a transmission cooler.

@WillieD7

4 жыл бұрын

That’s a big difference...

Alex, You finally got the hitch so now I won't b_ _ _ _ _. :)

Will this fit the Rav4 Plug-In hybrid?

@joecrabtree4142

2 жыл бұрын

Can you buy this kind of towbar for a rav4 2016suv please,and would it fit the same way?thankyou joe south lakes cumbria uk

1750lb it rather pathetic. Is it limited by the transmission ? I am really wondering about rav4 prime whether it will be able to tow more. If it cant do 3500 lb at least its not going to find a home in my garage.

@ALMX5DP

4 жыл бұрын

Robert Duklus I’d be surprised if it could do what the non-hybrid can manage. I think you’re right that it’s dictated by the transmission or something similar in the drivetrain.

@ALMX5DP

4 жыл бұрын

Chris Christian it’s still different to the 8-speed automatic though, and the planetary gears are connected to and controlled by the electric motors. The hybrid has its own transmission and hybrid coolers too, just likely different to the gas only version. I still think it’s drivetrain limited for that reason.

@robertduklus6555

4 жыл бұрын

@Chris Christian non hybrid models use different transmission, regular 8 speed

@user-tb7rn1il3q

4 жыл бұрын

Chris Christian I believe all gas RAV4s have the same cooler, but the radiator is bigger on the Adventure. The Adventure has bigger tires and weighs more so it is actually a worse tow vehicle than the LE or XLE. The tow capacity is on a hot day in the mountains going 75 with the AC blasting. There is also a safety factor.

@CR-rk2rk

3 жыл бұрын

I think you would want to at best, to add a transmission cooler, and to stiffen up the (non leaf spring) coils, and air bags made by a company that sounds like a stone and a fire. Outside of adding a larger radiator that you could tow at 5k pounds comfortably, I will be comfortable to tow at 3500 lbs. max by adding this "towing package". That's how you make a 4Runner tow like a Tacoma. Note that the Prime has a bigger battery = more hp = higher towing capacity?

I would purchase a RAV 4 if I could get the one I wanted with a 3500lb tow rating. But I understand that that rating is only available in the Adventure grade, and I don't need or want a mechanical 4WD system. I understand that the only changes that allow a 3500lb rating are a larger radiator and oil cooler. Add that feature across the board and I will buy one.

@James-il3tq

4 жыл бұрын

2020 Rav4 PHEV with 302hp will likely be rated to tow 3500lbs 😉

@rightlanehog3151

4 жыл бұрын

The new Highlander Hybrid's tow capacity is rated at 3,500 lbs.

@clarkconley7280

4 жыл бұрын

@@rightlanehog3151 All I need is a 2WD compact SUV that can tow 3500lbs. Paying $10,000 more for a less fuel efficient larger SUV doesn't make sense to me especially when the only thing that the 2WD RAV4 is lacking is a larger radiator and engine oil cooler. Most people would be willing to pay for an option that would increase the life of their vehicle and allow for more towing capacity.

@clarkconley7280

4 жыл бұрын

@@James-il3tq I am watching for the PHEV capacity too. However, horsepower is not what allows them to increase towing capacity......its engine cooling

@clarkconley7280

4 жыл бұрын

@@James-il3tq I am watching for the PHEV capacity too. But horsepower is not what allows them to increase towing capacity, its engine cooling. Since the PHEV uses the same engine as the Hybrid, unless they add heavy duty cooling there will be no increase in towing capacity.

Do you need to cut the fender or does the trailer hitch sits right on it fine?

The Torque lift is more than likely the same or better than the Toyota. And I know it will be cheaper. Toyota more than likely had an aftermarket company design and build the factory Hitch. Usually is cheaper for the OEM on small volume parts

@CR-rk2rk

3 жыл бұрын

Well, the OEM hitch does have 8 bolts instead of 4, but you have to remove the bumper and taillights to do the install. Books at 3 labor hours.

my Jeep can tow 1800 lbs, but i would trust it to tow anything....

The vulture was ready to feast on your body in case the jack failed I guess

Protective eyewear, pls @Alexonautos

@zootybeano

2 жыл бұрын

First thing I noticed too.

OK ALEX now you can tow a small trailer with a small generator and a gas can and do reviews like forever man...........

U-Haul hitch is cheaper and no cutting! 🤷🏻‍♂️

The crow is disagreeing with Alex.

Finally video without highly annoying intro&outro music.

If you look at the construction of that hitch, it is built to the same standards as a hitch that is rated to handle 12,000 lb. A hitch made of 1/4" and 3.8" steel attached to sheet metal unibody??? When are the manufactures going to make an light weight aluminum or high strength steel hitch to match the light weight and low tow capacities of today's vehicles? That hitch has $20 worth of steel and 6 welds. For $350 I would expect a more high tech product.

@rightlanehog3151

4 жыл бұрын

I have been towing a lighter weight fishing boat for three decades. My boat and trailer would easily fall within the RAV4 Hybrid's limits. As a practical matter, how much would an aluminum or high strength steel hitch cost in comparison? This 'heavy' hitch will be bolted directly to the sub-frame and actually add to the structural integrity of the vehicle. 40 pounds is not exactly an onerous burden.

@clarkconley7280

4 жыл бұрын

@@rightlanehog3151 My point was that for $350 you should be getting something more technologically advanced that the old school cheap carbon steel hitch that cost them less than $50 to manufacture.

I MUST ask to a mechanic because I do not want to ruin my car by myself.

What's that going to tow? A box of feathers?

@jeffreywilliamson4863

3 жыл бұрын

4 x 8 utility trailer, motorcycle trailer, jet ski trailer, small fishing boat, the small uhaul enclosed trailer weighs like 800 lbs. Lots of stuff you can tow.

Towing capacity is like my wife Tucson. 1100 lb or so exactly what I don't know.

Hey Alex...I was going to install one on my 2020 Hybrid Limited but then my auto foot rear gate sensor would be blocked 😡 Check my channel for a full review of mine done maybe 2 months ago. Mr DJ of Cat N Mr DJ - Filipina American Vloggers...

WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, DUDE

alex were is your glasses ? safety

Where are your safety glasses???

Damn, almost 1st, ever

@ghenkhoash2440

4 жыл бұрын

🥈 Here is your silver medal. Good job!

@naujcdl

4 жыл бұрын

@@ghenkhoash2440 thanks, never have gotten a silver award. Just gold. Feels so odd.

With the giveaway I would make sure the contestants are verified owners of applicable rav4's

PS In America you shouldn't have to explain to people why you are not using jack stands, eye protection, leather gloves, or condoms. Every person should determine their own comfort level and mind their own business. You only have a say if what I do hurts you.

@okiefreemen

4 жыл бұрын

some peopel are just soft, there is no need for PPE for a job like this, give me a break

@CR-rk2rk

3 жыл бұрын

We have a new president, your days of saying what you think end the day after tomorrow, bub...