Toyota RAV4 Trailer Hitch Buyer’s Guide (Canada)

Need a trailer hitch for a Toyota RAV4 in Canada? Use this page to pick XA40 vs XA50, Class 2 vs Class 3, then jump to your year page and real CURT parts we stock.

Built for Canadian RAV4 owners. Free shipping on CURT hitches from Lots of Parts.
Jump to your year below, or start with the hitch buying guide, bike / cargo guide, and wiring guide. Prefer the full index? Open the towing guides hub.

Official CURT videos (RAV4 & hitch basics)

Public videos from the CURT YouTube channel (@curtmfg). Watch an install for your generation, then the selection / ball-mount primers.

If an embed does not load, use the YouTube link under each card.

Install: CURT 13615 on 2020 Toyota RAV4

CURT · Class 3 hitch install (XA50 era)

Official CURT install for a Class 3 on a 2020 RAV4 — useful reference even if you choose a Class 2 receiver for lighter duty.

Watch on YouTube →

Install: CURT 12108 on Toyota RAV4

CURT · Class 2 hitch install (earlier RAV4)

See a Class 2 12108 mount on a prior-gen RAV4 when comparing 1-1/4" vs 2" receivers.

Watch on YouTube →

How to Select a Trailer Hitch

CURT · Hitch class & fitment basics

CURT’s selection overview — class, capacity, and why vehicle-specific receivers matter on a crossover like the RAV4.

Watch on YouTube →

Ball Mount & Trailer Ball

CURT · Drop, rise, and ball size

Match drop/rise and ball diameter to the RAV4’s lower ride height and trailer coupler after the receiver is installed.

Watch on YouTube →

RAV4 generations (quick map)

Hitch part numbers follow the body generation — not just “it’s a RAV4.” Use this map, then open your year page.

Generation Model years What to expect
XA40 2013–2018 (shop focus 2015–2018) Class 2: CURT 12108. Class 3: CURT 13149. Wiring examples: CURT 56165 (earlier) and CURT 56350.
XA50 2019–2025 (+) Common Class 2: CURT 12200 (includes select Prime years — confirm). Wiring often pairs with CURT 56434. Respect Toyota’s tow rating for your powertrain (including hybrid / Prime).

Always verify year, trim, hybrid / Prime notes, and any exclusions. Lowest rating among vehicle, hitch, ball mount, and trailer always wins.

Jump to your RAV4 year page

Year landers shown above are live fitment pages on Lots of Parts — including 2020.

Class 2 vs Class 3 on a RAV4

Compact receiver

Class 2 · 1-1/4" receiver

Common for light trailers and many bike / cargo setups within RAV4 ratings. Uses a 1-1/4" opening — accessories must match (or use a rated adapter carefully).

2" ecosystem

Class 3 · 2" receiver

Choose Class 3 when you want the 2" accessory ecosystem (racks, carriers, mounts) and the hitch + vehicle ratings cover your load. XA40 example: CURT 13149.

  • Never exceed Toyota’s tow and tongue numbers for your trim
  • Many owners buy Class 3 mainly for bike racks / cargo carriers
  • See the bike / cargo guide

CURT SKUs we stock for common RAV4 years

Real parts from our catalog. Verify your exact year and options on each product page before you order:

Wiring & lighting on the RAV4

Step 1Know the plug

Most light RAV4 trailers use 4-flat. Braked trailers need a different plan (often 7-way + controller).

Step 2Vehicle harness

Use a CURT T-connector for your year when available. See the wiring guide.

Step 3Test lights

Dark lamps or one side out? Use the troubleshooting checklist.

Step 4Brakes if needed

Electric-brake trailers need a controller + breakaway — brakes guide.

Ball mount, pin, and ride height

  • Match shank size to the receiver (1-1/4" or 2").
  • Level the trailer with the right drop or rise and ball size.
  • Read the ball mount guide and watch the CURT ball-mount video above.
  • Pin (or lock) every trip — see the lock & safety guide.

Canada buyer checklist

  • Confirm the application: Year, hybrid / Prime, and hitch exclusions before you buy.
  • Respect Toyota’s numbers: Owner’s manual tow and tongue ratings win.
  • Plan electrical: 4-flat vs 7-way and any converter needs.
  • Salt & seasons: Clean plugs and inspect the receiver each spring.
  • Accessories: Bike racks and cargo carriers still load the hitch — stay inside all ratings.

Related guides

More help: towing guides hub · how to choose a hitch · hitch lock & safety · contact support

More help: towing guides hub · how to choose a hitch · hitch lock & safety · contact support