CURT 13524 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Toyota RAV4

This review is for "CURT 13524 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver"I had a CURT trailer hitch assembly on my Toyota Highlander and loved having the ability to tow almost anything with it. When I replaced the Highlander with a Rav4 it was the first thing I purchased because it was a no-brainer. I use a bicycle carrier and a luggage tray as well as sometimes haul a trailer. This was a must have and too easy to install. Just remove the 4 existing bolts that hold those original brackets that come on the SUV and install the hitch in the same holes. Took about 15 minutes by myself. OK, I cheated and did use a battery powered impact wrench, otherwise it would have take 20-25 minutes.I wouldn't be without this hitch.

Absolutely perfect fit! The quality of construction and fitment is impressive - especially since I purchased this unit from Amazon's Warehouse Deals at a substantial savings. I was worried about the possibility of the fine-thread metric bolts not being in the package (M12 X 1.25 X 50mm), but everything was in the package, including the instruction sheet. The box was a little torn up, but given the weight and the awkward configuration of the receiver, I wasn't surprised - and there wasn't a scratch on it, in spite of the damaged packaging! I had prepped the threads on the vehicle, so installation was without incident - and with only four bolts needed, it only took about 15 minutes. The rear tailgate on our RAV4 just clears the receiver itself, contrary to the experience of other reviewers. Black and shiny, and tucked out of the way, it looks like an OEM part of the vehicle. Granted, that one bolt location that is blocked by the tailpipe can be a pain, but a short board levered it out of the way to allow access with the ratchet extension. The wire harness I used was by the same manufacturer, and installed easily - I'll be looking for more Curt products in the future...

My son out this on a rav and worked great

It came in today and I installed it promptly. The hardest part was getting the old bolts out. After that, it set perfectly in place and I got it all torqed up. I purchased it to mount my dual e-bike rack. Strong and well built. I couldn't have asked for an easier design to install.

Sadly this is a very well made hitch. But if it doesn’t fit it doesn’t fit. I didn’t notice a number of other reviews commenting on the same thing. Frame bolts are 38 1/2” apart. The hitch barely measured 37 1/2”.I had no choice but to return it.Make note of these measurements if you’re buying a hitch for your ‘99-05 RAV4. CURT probably isn’t your answer.

First, a reminder: NEVER TRUST THE PICTURE OF A HITCH, EVEN IF YOU LOOK UP THE INSTALLATION PDF. Cequent manufacturing(Reese, HiddenHitch, Drawtite, Uhaul, etc)makes multiple designs (round/square tube, and top/bottom/center mount receiver openings). And Valley's 82542 hitch bar for the 2001 RAV4 is just plain false - that awesome looking support bar on the class II with 2" receiver opening? There is nothing but solid undercarriage at the front of the hitch bolt arms.So, about this Curt 13524 purchased from Amazon:Very quick, simple installation - Toyota takes the credit for this however. Gloss finish looks thick, welds look solid. I chose this for the universal attachment 2" receiver convenience (bike rack, luggage platform, ball mounts, etc). I chose this over the Reese class III Amazon carries because the safety hooks attach on the bottom out of the way of the car's back door, and to save a few bucks....HOWEVER, with the ball mount installed, the door trim still clips the ball mount when opening/closing unless you want to grind a little off the top upsweeping edge of the ball mount. So 4 stars because a half inch drop is needed to give the hitch a perfect fit.Installation notes:- 17mm to remove the tow hook.- 19mm to install the bolts provided by Curt.- *TORQUE WRENCH* - If you strip or break loose the nuts inside the car frame rail you can't install the hitch! I easily did a 15 degree turn with a regular socket driver after tighting to the recommended 75 foot/lbs.- Rest the hitch on something as close to installation height as possible.- Put in the forward-most bolts first (looking from the back of the car), it is cramped quarters on the right side in the bend of the tailpipe that makes it hard to get the bolt started.FINALLY, BUY THE AMAZON PRIME MEMBERSHIP!! THIS ARRIVED FREE VIA 2 DAY UPS!!

Fairly easy to install and fit my 2003 Rav4 perfect

With the exception of one stuck original bolt installation on my Rav4 was a breeze. So far I've towed over 600 miles with it and my 300lb utility trailer with loads ranging from 100-1100lbs (1100lbs confirmed at my local scrap yard with a load of steel). The only complaint I have has nothing to do with this hitch and everything to do with installing a hitch on a little SUV like this, it's noisy especially with an empty trailer. There's basically no sound deadening in my cargo area so it acts like a big speaker box amplifying hitch noise that I can hear at all when towing with my dually. Definately louder than towing with my other SUV, a Ford Expedition. Get past that and hauling light things (Rav4 is rated at 1500lbs max) like row boats and utility trailers is great, for example since getting this my dually has largely been parked when I got to Home Depot etc, just hook up the little trailer and enjoy double the MPG. Side benefit is it makes a great attachment point for a tow rope or chain.