Ground Clearance of Class III Hitches Available for 2021 Toyota RAV4

Question:

Hi, I am picking up a 2021 Toyota Rav 4 hybrid today. We need a 2 hitch for our 1 up bike rack. I see that both the Curt and the Draw site are recommended for ease of install however both will impact ground clearance more than the eco brand. I do not want to cut into the facia. I see one tech mentions the draw site gives more ground clearance than the Curt? But another review says they are the same. Can you clarify please? Thank you.

asked by: Ted B

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite # DT82QR and the Curt # C13416 will offer the same 9-1/2 inches of ground clearance under the bottom of the receiver tube. I don't have that figure for the EcoHitch # EH97FR as we haven't installed one yet, but the ground clearance will be greater than the Curt or Draw-Tite by virtue of the fact that the fascia will be trimmed, which allows the hitch to sit higher. The increased ground clearance offered by the EcoHitch is it's only benefit over the other two choices and it costs almost twice as much. Neither the Curt nor the Draw-Tite hitch would require trimming the bumper fascia.

If I had to choose between the Curt and the Draw-Tite class III hitch, I'd choose the Curt # C13416 as the hitch is manufactured in the US. If your RAV4 has the hands-free liftgate feature, we've found that the feature will still work after the hitch is installed, it just won't work right under where the receiver tube sits. If you wave your foot to the left or right of the receiver tube, the hands-free feature will work for you.

expert reply by: Mike L