The 2023 Telluride Towing Saga - Adding some data and pictures, and it's not great news

[McMoo]

For someone who will just use a hitch for a cargo carrier/bike rack, etc. and not actual trailer towing, what are the benefits and downsides of the OEM hitch vs. aftermarket? Is it just appearance with the OEM sitting higher and integrated with the bumper vs. below it? I’m trying to figure out the best option for our sx x line we’re supposed to pick up in a few weeks. Thanks!

 

[jdt10768]

For someone who will just use a hitch for a cargo carrier/bike rack, etc. and not actual trailer towing, what are the benefits and downsides of the OEM hitch vs. aftermarket? Is it just appearance with the OEM sitting higher and integrated with the bumper vs. below it? I’m trying to figure out the best option for our sx x line we’re supposed to pick up in a few weeks. Thanks!

Simply buy and install an aftermarket receiver. Amazon sells for ~250$
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P5Q2GWP?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Pretty easy install, watch the YouTube video beforehand

 

[corsair]

For someone who will just use a hitch for a cargo carrier/bike rack, etc. and not actual trailer towing, what are the benefits and downsides of the OEM hitch vs. aftermarket? Is it just appearance with the OEM sitting higher and integrated with the bumper vs. below it? I’m trying to figure out the best option for our sx x line we’re supposed to pick up in a few weeks. Thanks!

That’s all I use mine for. I prefer oem because a tray bike rack can have clearance issues on driveways and such. I already have to be careful with the oem receiver in my Odyssey. Granted the Telluride has higher clearance to start. But personally I think oem hitches are important if you are using it for non towing cargo like tray bike racks or cargo trays. If you just use it for the type of carriers that go 90 degrees straight up (ie hanging bike carriers instead of trays) then a third party is fine.

 

[2020Telly]

That’s all I use mine for. I prefer oem because a tray bike rack can have clearance issues on driveways and such. I already have to be careful with the oem receiver in my Odyssey. Granted the Telluride has higher clearance to start. But personally I think oem hitches are important if you are using it for non towing cargo like tray bike racks or cargo trays. If you just use it for the type of carriers that go 90 degrees straight up (ie hanging bike carriers instead of trays) then a third party is fine.

You can also look to add AirLift helper bags to the springs (if you don't have the self-leveling shocks). I added them and I can adjust the air pressure and it does help in the case of rear sag when I add a cargo box or basket off the hitch. The bags are less than $150 and can be removed if you change your mind and don't want them.

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[Illiniboy]

Has anyone tried the palisade trailer harness from Canada?

 

[2020Telly]

Has anyone tried the palisade trailer harness from Canada?

Check out post #102 of this thread. Parts delays.

 

[spencry]

I have been trading emails with someone from Kia Corp to track delivery of my Telluride and I inquired on the hitch.

According to them, Kia is still in the testing process but once complete they will offer a hitch. So, for those thinking aftermarket will be the only option, Kia will have an OE option.

 

[corsair]

I have been trading emails with someone from Kia Corp to track delivery of my Telluride and I inquired on the hitch.

According to them, Kia is still in the testing process but once complete they will offer a hitch. So, for those thinking aftermarket will be the only option, Kia will have an OE option.

One thing that we don’t know for absolute certainty is if the 2022 and 2023 hitches (not wiring) are essentially identical. Some of us have the 2022 hitch installed. I am anxious for confirmation that they are close enough such that the 2023 bumper plate will fit on a 2022 hitch.

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[bhier]

Picking up our telly in the next few days, I have not inquired beyond trying to add towing when we ordered... I doubt our dealer has any information but I will be asking about it on pickup.

 

[2020Telly]

One thing that we don’t know for absolute certainty is if the 2022 and 2023 hitches (not wiring) are essentially identical. Some of us have the 2022 hitch installed. I am anxious for confirmation that they are close enough such that the 2023 bumper plate will fit on a 2022 hitch.

I wonder if part of the testing is to try to get the max tongue weight higher for the X trims with 5,500lbs towing. The 2023 manual still implies the max tongue weight is 500lbs. So even if the tow hitch is rated for 600, if the vehicle’s max TW is only 500 then based on the 10% rule you still should not try 5,500.

 

[Bige64]

I just got notification from my dealer - Bob King in Winston-Salem, NC that my 2023 SX Prestige with factory installed towing package is due at dealer on March 4. Has been on order since March 2022. Will be interesting to see if the package is on it. My salesperson knows I won't take it if not. Has anyone else gotten similar info?

Guess you better look elsewhere. It will not have it.

 

[John Jacobsen]

Has anyone tried the palisade trailer harness from Canada?

I have one on order. When I get it I will be sure to let everyone know if it works and if so, post some pics of the install. I have my fingers crossed.

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[John Jacobsen]

Has anyone tried buying the new Trailer wiring harness for the palisade that is being sold in Canada?

I have one on order. Will let you all know if it's going to work when I get it.

 

[aem]

Hello! We have never towed anything before, ever, but were looking to tow bikes and maybe a boat with our new 2023 Telluride and are just learning about this whole issue. It ludicrous, bordering on unbelievable. Amazon sells a ‘wireless tow light package with flashers’. Would something like that be an option while we wait on a factory solution (which I fear will never materialize)? Or do even the wireless lights require being hooked up to the car wiring somehow? Please excuse my complete lack of knowledge about any of this. Thanks!

 

[aem]

Hello! We have never towed anything before, ever, but were looking to tow bikes and maybe a boat with our new 2023 Telluride and are just learning about this whole issue. It ludicrous, bordering on unbelievable. Amazon sells a ‘wireless tow light package with flashers’. Would something like that be an option while we wait on a factory solution (which I fear will never materialize)? Or do even the wireless lights require being hooked up to the car wiring somehow? Please excuse my complete lack of knowledge about any of this. Thanks!

Nevermind, found the users manual. Still has to be wired up.

 

[tyger23]

With regards to the Canadian harness - I'm still being told "675 are in transit to Canada and it will be 1-2 weeks".
That's been the same status since December 15. I'll let you guys know when (if) I ever get one.

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[John Jacobsen]

With regards to the Canadian harness - I'm still being told "675 are in transit to Canada and it will be 1-2 weeks".
That's been the same status since December 15. I'll let you guys know when (if) I ever get one.

Thanks for keeping us updated. I’m hearing the same story from my dealer in Surrey BC. I’ll also pass along any info I get.

 

[Tane]

So just wanted to add my thoughts/questions to this, I am no way a professional on this subject and will probably be using the wrong terminology.

I am looking at picking up my 2023 SX-P X-Pro mid February to tune of close to $60K after TTL. Buying it knowing full well of the current towing issues. And I am still buying it wanting towing feature (though not needed anytime soon)... even upgraded to the X-Pro to get the suspension, oil cooler, towing mode and the extra 500lbs.

Maybe I am a little too trusting and have a lot faith in Kia with my $60K that they will get an OEM towing solution sorted out and it will be an easy solution once we have it? I mean they have to right? Because it would be false advertising otherwise to have all these tow features highlighted with no legal towing option. I mean they need to at least at a minimum publish/provide 3rd party manufacturers "how to" on implementing aftermarket solutions to remove any liability of false advertising...

It reminds me for a similar situation that I had when I first ordered my 2011 Dodge Journey. I wasn't able to get the hitch and wiring harness at the time. At a later point, I was able to buy an OEM harness and simply just connect to an existing wiring connector. I just had go to the dealer to have them update some firmware in the system to enable that connector. Once that was done, power was provided.

Could it be very similar to the F45 connector in the 23 Telluride? Maybe it doesn't work now, but once the OEM solution is finalized, it will hook up to it and an update will enable whatever controller/chip is on the CANBUS and the connector to handle the wiring harness as well?

Or do we know for a fact right now that this is physically/electrically not possible at all?

 

[choosethejuice]

Could it be very similar to the F45 connector in the 23 Telluride? Maybe it doesn't work now, but once the OEM solution is finalized, it will hook up to it and an update will enable whatever controller/chip is on the CANBUS and the connector to handle the wiring harness as well?

I'm willing to bet there won't need to be a firmware/software update since there are reports on the Palisade forum of members using the Canadian wiring harness.

Or do we know for a fact right now that this is physically/electrically not possible at all?

It's safe to say the F45 will enable a factory towing harness solution, since again, the Palisade uses the same connector and owners are reporting success with the Canadian harness.

The uncertainty is in the timing. I have a Canadian harness on order, but it keeps getting delayed, so I'm planning to cancel my order and instead install an aftermarket harness this weekend. I only need a 4-pin for now, so my plan is to tap off of the tail lights (F12/F13), and power the converter through the cigarette lighter in the cargo area. I'll post photos when I'm done. Then when Kia releases their official US 7-pin, I'll switch over to the factory harness.

 

[Woodyz]

So has anyone wired in a tow harness as of yet for the 2023 Kia Telluride (EX X-line)? I just installed a hitch...no problems there...but when I looked at the connections, I cannot find anything that will fit inline with the pics provided in the main post. I certainly don't want to start splicing into the factory wiring. If anyone has figured this out, can you please post a link to what product to purchase. I now have a hitch receiver and cannot tow my trailer because there is no way to wire it...to my knowledge. This is rediculous.

I have an appointment with Uhaul trailers who said they have all the parts to install the complete tow receiver package. I’ll post late afternoon 02/10/2023. I’m hoping it’s true!