Tow Hitch with Harness Option

[JamesH]

Can someone confirm if the tow hitch option can be installed after the fact? I know the towing package with the self leveling suspension would need to be ordered and built from the factory. I’m being told by a dealer that it has to be ordered which I don’t buy.

 

[tobidog]

Check your local U-haul. I think their prices are less than the dealer, but I don't know much about the quality.

 

[Dandy]

There is no reason that you should not be able to install an aftermarket hitch, such as CURT, HiddenHitch, U-Haul...
Here are the potential downsides that I can see:

• With it being a new vehicle, the after market hitch may not be available for a while
• Again, being a new vehicle, it may be a while before the actual plug-n-play wire harness becomes available
• I believe the towing is limited to 3500 lbs without the factory towing package that includes the auto leveling suspension

If you are good with waiting and don't need the full 5K towing, you will be find aftermarket.

 

[JamesH]

Thanks. Anybody know if the OEM tow hitch with harness option for $475 can be purchased and installed separately?

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[Razorback]

Thanks. Anybody know if the OEM tow hitch with harness option for $475 can be purchased and installed separately?

@JamesH I had the option added into my purchase for free, so unless the dealership has told me something incorrectly then yes it can be added after the facts. You will not get the auto leveling suspension, which would have been cool but I don't pull a trailer enough to really justify the cost. Hope this info helps!

 

[2020Telly]

I took a peak under mine yesterday and the frame has two treaded holes for bolts on either side of the frame presumably for a hitch receiver except the right side is kind of tucked next to the muffler so it might mean lowering the muffler briefly to secure the hitch with a torque wrench then securing the muffler again. They also had what appears to be an electrical socket which might be for the trailer lighting harness. The bumper plastic plate might just get replaced. I think it can absolutely be done. I also emailed curtmfg and they told me they have plans to start a Telluride aftermarket hitch receiver but not likely until summertime.

 

[JamesH]

Thanks for taking a look NCTelly! Sounds promising that we can still add afterwards so I don’t have to worry about adding the option from the dealer. It’s hard enough to buy the vehicle as is!

 

[Razorback]

Thanks for taking a look NCTelly! Sounds promising that we can still add afterwards so I don’t have to worry about adding the option from the dealer. It’s hard enough to buy the vehicle as is!

@JamesH you should be able to work this into the deal. Since discounts are few and far between right now I see a lot of folks working the accessories like this into the deal. They may not be ready available but once they get them you can take it back and have it installed. I have seen several folks on this forum that have successfully negotiated the lighted scuff plates, trailer hitch and cargo cover into the deal.

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[Dandy]

If you negotiate in a hitch and you want factory, make sure to specify that you want the OEM/KIA Factory Hitch, Wire Harness and Trim pieces. If you do not specify this in the contract, and only state a hitch, it leaves the option to install an aftermarket hitch which will be of lesser cost and most likely would not include the factory trim piece for the hitch. There is a photo on this forum someplace of the factory hitch and it appears that it comes with another trim piece for the bumper. An aftermarket hitch will most likely sit below the bumper instead of tucked in it. Also make sure that it is noted that you are owed this if it is not available for install prior to delivery.

Always make sure that all details of any contract/agreement are clearly spelled out. This will minimize and bait and switch type of tactics. I go so far as to state in the purchase agreement that any dealership stickers/decals or license plate frames are not allowed. I ALWAYS have to wait for the detail guys to remove them, but I will not sign the contract until they are removed as agreed upon. "The Devil is in the details"

 

[G-653854]

I took a peak under mine yesterday and the frame has two treaded holes for bolts on either side of the frame presumably for a hitch receiver except the right side is kind of tucked next to the muffler so it might mean lowering the muffler briefly to secure the hitch with a torque wrench then securing the muffler again. They also had what appears to be an electrical socket which might be for the trailer lighting harness. The bumper plastic plate might just get replaced. I think it can absolutely be done. I also emailed curtmfg and they told me they have plans to start a Telluride aftermarket hitch receiver but not likely until summertime.

Thanks. Very helpful. I need to pull a trailer 4k loaded. Probably need factory auto level and hitch/plug kit.

 

[JamesH]

Thanks guys! I apprrciate the advice. I’ll talk to the dealer about adding OEM/KIA factory hitch, harness, and trim. Will report back.

 

[G-290431]

@JamesH I had the option added into my purchase for free, so unless the dealership has told me something incorrectly then yes it can be added after the facts. You will not get the auto leveling suspension, which would have been cool but I don't pull a trailer enough to really justify the cost. Hope this info helps!

Joe @ Charlies Kia in Augusta Maine, This is accurate information above if this helps anyone. Thanks

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