Trailer Tongue Weight
- A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types of trailers or towing as described below.
- To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
- Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue weight is 9% to 11%.
(Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9% to 11%)
Vehicles without towing package

- Gross trailer weight
- Tongue weight
Vehicles with towing package

- Gross trailer weight
- Tongue weight
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities.
Toyota recommends the use of Toyota hitch/bracket for your vehicle. For details, contact your Toyota dealer.
- If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
- Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement of your vehicle.
- Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
- Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.
- Remove the hitch ball whenever you are not towing a trailer. Remove the trailer hitch if you do not need it.
After removing the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.
WARNING
■Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manufacturer.
Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer.
Do not install the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
Selecting trailer ball (vehicles with towing package)
Use the correct trailer ball for your application.

- Trailer ball load rating Matches or exceeds the gross trailer weight rating of the trailer.
- Shank length
Protrudes beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut by at least 2 threads. - Shank diameter
Matches the ball mount hole diameter size. - Ball diameter
Matches the size of the trailer coupler.Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.

Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball

- Weight carrying ball position: 43.3 in. (1100 mm)
- Hitch receiver pin hole position: 38.1 in. (969 mm)
■Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
No matter which class of tow hitch applies, for a more safe trailer hookup, the trailer ball setup must be the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.

- Coupler
- Trailer ball
Connecting trailer lights
Please consult your dealer when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installation may cause damage to the vehicle's lights.
Please take care to comply with your state's laws when installing trailer lights.
NOTICE
■Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splice trailer lights.
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a malfunction.
Test yourself
A quick Toyota RAV4 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.