Does Appearance Panel that gets Removed to Install a Hitch on a 2016 Toyota RAV4 Serve Purpose

Question:

I am looking to install a 2inch hitch without wire harness. I see that the appearance cover on the drivers side has to be removed. What purpose does it serve? Im concerned about voiding my vehicle warranty. Thanks!

asked by: Eilene

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid the etrailer hitch part # e98864 is a confirmed fit and would work well. With the appearance panel you have the choice of removing it all together or trimming it to allow the hitch fit.

It really serves no other purpose than to make the underside of the vehicle look a bit "cleaner". Some argue that it's smooths out the aerodynamics of the underside of the vehicle which can help with fuel mileage, but there hasn't been any type of fuel mileage loss ever reported when removed.

expert reply by: Jameson C