Installing 2022 hitch on 2023 Telluride

[hlipham]

I'm in the process of installing a OEM 2022 hitch on a 2023 Telluride. Following the manufacturers instructions, I tightened the carriage bolts on the passenger side before tightening the 19mm bolts on the driver side.

When I went to tighten the 19mm bolts, I noticed a gap between the hitch and the frame. Is this normal? I haven't tightened the 19mm bolts yet because I was concerned about bending the frame. Perhaps the hitch will give a little bit and fill up that space, I'm just not sure.

Has anyone else noticed a gap on the driver side before tightening those bolts down?

 

[2020Telly]

The hitch metal should give as you tighten. I can’t imagine you would bend the frame. You should make sure to use a torque wrench though.

 

[PittPa]

Gap was there prior to torqued. I thought it odd also but it was flush when finished.

 

[hlipham]

Gap was there prior to torqued. I thought it odd also but it was flush when finished.

Thanks for the replies. I torqued it down and the gap mostly went away. It is tight at the top and there is still a slight Gap at the bottom where the hitch meets the frame.

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[2020Telly]

Thanks for the replies. I torqued it down and the gap mostly went away. It is tight at the top and there is still a slight Gap at the bottom where the hitch meets the frame.

Did you use a torque wrench to spec in the install instructions?

 

[hlipham]

Did you use a torque wrench to spec in the install instructions?

Yes, a torque wrench was used on all bolts to mfg specs.

 

[2020Telly]

Yes, a torque wrench was used on all bolts to mfg specs.

I’m not sure then. I would drive it like normal and then in a few weeks try the torque wrench again just to make sure the fit is good. I did not see a gap when I completed my 2020 install. Good luck.

 

[kmdro]

It looks like the bolt hole on the hitch in the top right corner of image is a slot. Could you loosen that bolt and push the hitch up some more to close that gap?

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[hlipham]

It looks like the bolt hole on the hitch in the top right corner of image is a slot. Could you loosen that bolt and push the hitch up some more to close that gap?

The two bolts that face the ground (the one in the top right of the image) were loose enough to allow the hitch to move. When I noticed the gap I made sure those were not too tight. I believe those were the last of the bunch to get torqued down.

 

[tyger23]

Would you mind posting a picture of the rear bumper after the install? Thanks so much!

 

[hlipham]

I checked with my local dealership service department and they have seen gaps between the hitch and frame before. Their installer said that sometimes he puts washers between the hitch and frame so that is what I did.

I removed the two through bolts on the driver side and added some washers between the hitch bracket and frame as seen in these photos. Photos of the overall hitch installation also attached.

They brought out a hitch cover for the previous year and we confirmed that it definitely does not fit this bumper.

If anyone is willing to do this, I'm curious to know what the distance is from the inside to the inside of your frame at the hitch. As shown in the photo, the distance on mine is about 39.5". This photo was taken from the front, or driver side, of the hitch bracket and measured from inside to inside on the frame.

 

[Slack Attack]

Great job, thanks for the photos! Will the 2022 black plastic rear defuser piece fit on the 2023 to give it to that OEM cosmetic finished look?

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[Senator20]

It looks like the bolt hole on the hitch in the top right corner of image is a slot. Could you loosen that bolt and push the hitch up some more to close that gap?

Looks like that to me. No gap and washers needed

 

[tyger23]

Great job, thanks for the photos! Will the 2022 black plastic rear defuser piece fit on the 2023 to give it to that OEM cosmetic finished look?

This has been answered as "No". It would require a custom 23 rear bumper facia.

 

[hlipham]

Great job, thanks for the photos! Will the 2022 black plastic rear defuser piece fit on the 2023 to give it to that OEM cosmetic finished look?

No, the parts department brought one out and it did not fit.

 

[PittPa]

There is nothing wrong in taking your piece that was removed and trimming it to fit back over the hitch. I've done this before on an Audi. It depends on your level of craftsmanship and patience. Recommend a dremmel, fine cutoff wheel, some files and sandpaper.

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[hlipham]

There is nothing wrong in taking your piece that was removed and trimming it to fit back over the hitch. I've done this before on an Audi. It depends on your level of craftsmanship and patience. Recommend a dremmel, fine cutoff wheel, some files and sandpaper.

I'll probably give that a shot since there is no telling when Kia will get around to releasing one.

 

[Slack Attack]

No, the parts department brought one out and it did not fit.

Woops, my bad didn't see you mention that earlier. It is just so strange that Kia has plastered all over their marketing materials that the X-Pro can tow an extra 500 lbs with a dedicated tow mode and yet no hitch and VERY poor communication regarding the ETA of said hitch.

 

[PittPa]

I'll probably give that a shot since there is no telling when Kia will get around to releasing one.

Do a mock up with some heavier paper and masking tape. Once you get it where you like, transfer to the part. Any 90 deg angles, pre drill it rather then cut it.

 

[hlipham]

Do a mock up with some heavier paper and masking tape. Once you get it where you like, transfer to the part. Any 90 deg angles, pre drill it rather then cut it.

Sounds good, thank you for the suggestions.