What are these parts from the tow package for?

[Yossarian]

I ordered the towing package on the AWD EX-P that I picked up this Friday. The harness for the brake controller (not needed - I use a Prodigy RF) was in the glove box, along with installation instructions, and a box with hitch and hitch pin was in the rear. The box also had two plates (photo below) who's purpose is unknown to me and I'd appreciate any information about what they're for.

 

[ksyrah]

I ordered the towing package on the AWD EX-P that I picked up this Friday. The harness for the brake controller (not needed - I use a Prodigy RF) was in the glove box, along with installation instructions, and a box with hitch and hitch pin was in the rear. The box also had two plates (photo below) who's purpose is unknown to me and I'd appreciate any information about what they're for.

There are two different tow choices- the package and the hitch. If you actually have the tow package (which includes self-leveling rear suspension), I did not receive those plates with my package. If you ordered the hitch, I could guess but I wouldn't want to mislead you.

 

[Yossarian]

I ordered the factory tow package. The receiver and the 7-pole receptacle are both mounted.

The parts were in a box with the hitch with a 2" drop, a hitch pin and a plastic "Kia" hitch receiver plug.

 

[Amati5]

My tow package didn’t come with those 2 plates either.

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[ksyrah]

I ordered the factory tow package. The receiver and the 7-pole receptacle are both mounted.

The parts were in a box with the hitch with a 2" drop, a hitch pin and a plastic "Kia" hitch receiver plug.

Sounds like you go the tow hitch with harness - not the tow package
Here is a picture with those parts in it

2020-2022 Kia Telluride Hitch Kit (AA023)

The 2020-2022 Kia Telluride Hitch Kit has everything you need for towing with your Kia Telluride. Order yours today at KiaStuff.com!

kiastuff.com

 

[PittPa]

Those parts are to convert the 7 pin mounting on your hitch to a 4 pin. The plate bolts on to this mounting and the 4 pin slides into it to secure. Difficult to describe with no pictures!

 

[2020Telly]

What this video and fast forward to about 3m13s and you will see those plates installed with a flat connector in place of the 7-way.

 

[Yossarian]

Those parts are to convert the 7 pin mounting on your hitch to a 4 pin. The plate bolts on to this mounting and the 4 pin slides into it to secure. Difficult to describe with no pictures!

That makes sense - thanks @PittPa! I actually have a 4/7-pole setup on my Volvo, one that wired myself no less, and should have recognized that. Would be good to see photos of things on mounted on a Telluride however.

BTW, Congrats on the Steelers win yesterday. It's a great day when both PA football teams win their games and both stand atop their respective divisions (OK, I know we're only one game in). Ironically, the Eagles were the only NFC East team to win yesterday.

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[Yossarian]

What this video and fast forward to about 3m13s and you will see those plates installed with a flat connector in place of the 7-way.

Thanks @2020Telly. The video fully explains the role of the plates, though I can't imagine why any would wire for a 4-pole only.

A 7-pole hanress is needed to haul most campers and many boats, and if you need to haul a utility trailer with a 4-pole harness, a plug-in 7 to 4 pole adapter is only about $10. On the other hand, going the other way (4 to 7 pole) requires rewiring - there is no simple adapter.

 

[2020Telly]

Thanks @2020Telly. The video fully explains the role of the plates, though I can't imagine why any would wire for a 4-pole only.

A 7-pole hanress is needed to haul most campers and many boats, and if you need to haul a utility trailer with a 4-pole harness, a plug-in 7 to 4 pole adapter is only about $10. On the other hand, going the other way (4 to 7 pole) requires rewiring - there is no simple adapter.

It's a left over from the tow option parts from us early adopter Telluride owners from 2020MY that complained loud enough in 2019 and got Kia to add a 7-pin. In 2020, the 4-pole was the only option that didn't require splicing into the vehicle harness.

 

[WesD]

Just to add/update for a more recent post. 2022 delivered with factory installed tow package. It came with a box that included what the OP described. Hitch with pin, receiver plastic cover insert, and the two plates to convert the 7pin to a 4 pin.

I will likely just get a 7 to 4 pin plug in adapter if I need to use a 4pin....

Hope this helps anyone that gets these on a more recent order.