Toyota fitted tow bar

[Gary D Smith]

Hi everyone.
I’ve just purchased a new plug in rav4 GR plug in and opted for dealership fitted tow bar. We’ve had the car a month and love it but went to attach the caravan today and discovered that the tow bar ball is too close to the bumper. 58mm from centre to bumper. Has anyone any experience of this. We’ve gone back to the dealership who don’t seem to know the answer. 

[Paul john]

Was it the “vertical” or “horizontal” fit tow bar. I have the “horizontal” fit and my alco lip is about 15mm from the bumper.

[Gary D Smith]

Horizontal

[Paul john]

6 minutes ago, Gary D Smith said:

Horizontal

That should enough for an alco fitting, even with stabilisation. 
how far from of middle of ball to bumper? If you zoom in on pic you can see its pretty close.

[Gary D Smith]

From the centre of the ball to the bumper is 58mm. The alco hitch will not fit on. The bumper prevents it. When I look on other web sites  it states a minimum of 68mm is required and some hitches need even more. I’ve also read that the legal minimum is 65mm. I find it strange that a dealership fitted towbar isn’t fit for purpose. If I was towing a trailer I think it would be ok. 

[Paul john]

19 minutes ago, Gary D Smith said:

From the centre of the ball to the bumper is 58mm. The alco hitch will not fit on. The bumper prevents it. When I look on other web sites  it states a minimum of 68mm is required and some hitches need even more. I’ve also read that the legal minimum is 65mm. I find it strange that a dealership fitted towbar isn’t fit for purpose. If I was towing a trailer I think it would be ok. 

I think you should return to the dealership as obviously they have fitted the sub frame incorrectly an not allowed enough clearance. You are quite correct with your numbers. 68mm sounds right. 

[Gary D Smith]

I’ve just found this photo on the web. I’ll take this up with Toyota. Maybe they’ve just fitted the wrong tow bar that’s for a different Vehicle? 75mm required. I’m 17mm short!

[Paul john]

2 minutes ago, Gary D Smith said:

I’ve just found this photo on the web. I’ll take this up with Toyota. Maybe they’ve just fitted the wrong tow bar that’s for a different Vehicle? 75mm required. I’m 17mm short!

Agreed

[Gary D Smith]

Thanks Paul

[Flatcoat]

I have a Dynamic premium with detachable tow ball. Not a problem hitching up. Suggests the dealer had fitted the wrong spec tow ball. One reason why I NEVER use dealers to fit tow bars! 

[1928KH]

This is the tow-ball on our 2022 RAV4. It's the factory fitted (at the Derby plant) removable bar, ordered with the car.

The centre of the tow-ball is 81mm from the bumper and that's just enough to accommodate an Alko tow-hitch, there's not much room for error. We have to use the motor-mover to attach the caravan as the margins are so tight.

58mm is definitely not viable.

GDB

 

[Flatcoat]

^^^^ same as mine, fitted at Derby.