Towing

[jcunha]

Hi - I know there are a lot of threads here related to towing. I recently purchased my Telluride and am looking to hooking up tow hitch so I can eventually purchase a small camper trailer (likely less than 2,500 lbs). I've read on here that the tow hitches I can get at the dealership are a 4-pin, which wouldn't adequately support a brake controller.

When I asked the parts department about what hitches they can install, they replied with:

the tow hitch for your Telluride has a 12 pin connector and tows up to 5000lbs.
A tow hitch assembly for your vehicle comes in 3 pieces,
Hitch Assy $400.00
Bumper Cover $54.00
Hitch Harness $192.00.
Total price $646.00 plus tax $684.76.

The only difference in KIA factory-installed and KIA dealer. installed is factory installed is done at the port and dealer installed is done at the dealership with original equipment KIA parts at both locations. We know that the tow hitch is made specifically for the Telluride and tow whatever you are towing up to 5000 pounds. Let me get back to you and find out would there be a problem towing a camper and also I will ask about the brake controller.

That was the first I heard of a 12-pin connector. Does that sound right? It seems contradictory to what I've read on the forum.

I've also been looking at the Stealth Hitch. I know it's a splurge: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Kia/Telluride/2020/391KIATELL20T.html?VehicleID=20205001311

The dealer won't install any non-Kia parts, so I would have to get that installed at a Uhaul, but I don't know if their work would create problems down the road if the wiring wasn't done properly.

I heard that the 2021s will have the 7-pin connector, but I don't know if that would fit the 2020s.

I'm just looking to have a setup where I can tow safely, but not sure what would be my best course of action.

 

[jw_tx21]

Hi - I know there are a lot of threads here related to towing. I recently purchased my Telluride and am looking to hooking up tow hitch so I can eventually purchase a small camper trailer (likely less than 2,500 lbs). I've read on here that the tow hitches I can get at the dealership are a 4-pin, which wouldn't adequately support a brake controller.

When I asked the parts department about what hitches they can install, they replied with:


That was the first I heard of a 12-pin connector. Does that sound right? It seems contradictory to what I've read on the forum.

I've also been looking at the Stealth Hitch. I know it's a splurge: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Kia/Telluride/2020/391KIATELL20T.html?VehicleID=20205001311

The dealer won't install any non-Kia parts, so I would have to get that installed at a Uhaul, but I don't know if their work would create problems down the road if the wiring wasn't done properly.

I heard that the 2021s will have the 7-pin connector, but I don't know if that would fit the 2020s.

I'm just looking to have a setup where I can tow safely, but not sure what would be my best course of action.

There are so many threads on towing, just search Tow Hitch. See posts by @NCTelly (you can view his post history by clicking on his name) as he has provided excellent description of towing needs. Your dealer is correct - you need a hitch, a replacement bumper cover if you go with an OEM hitch, and then a harness.

If you go with a stealth hitch or other aftermarket option, you don't necessarily need a new bumper cover. The number of pins is independent of the hitch. What remains TBD, is if the 2020 Telluride can take a 7 pin harness. If not, then you'll need to get the 4 pin harness and then run a line for a 7 pin connector. All info and parts can be found at etrailer.com. good videos too.

 

[jw_tx21]

Here's one great post from @NCTelly

Successfully towing my 3822lb Camper this weekend

Today in Montana saw a blue Telluride with a small camper west bound on I-90. First one I have seen pulling. Looked good Blue?

tellurideforum.org

 

[2020Telly]

That was the first I heard of a 12-pin connector. Does that sound right? It seems contradictory to what I've read on the forum.

It's a matter of perspective. There is a 12-pin connector under the car that you have to attach a harness to. This is what the parts guys means:

Trailer Wiring

The factory hitch and wiring comes with a 4 connector wiring. Trailers now have 5 connectors with the 5th wire allowing the trailer to be backed up. The fifth wire overrides the solenoid in the trailer hitch. I had to stick a screwdriver in the hitch to override it and get back in the stall...

tellurideforum.org

Presumably there are some wires you can tap into to make a 7-pin aftermarket harness work or you can wait for the 7-pin harness for the 2021s to come out and see if they plug easily into the 2020 models. But from the owner/driver's perspective we mean either 4-pin, 5-pin or 7-pin to connect the trailer to at the hitch.

If you need something today, don't buy the overpriced OEM 4-pin, buy the aftermarket options that are rated for higher Amps and cost much less. Then if you need 7-pin today for a brake controller, consider an Echo. If you go aftermarket for the hitch you don't need the bumper cover.

Here's a shortcut on the search:

Coachmen Apex Nano 185bh RV for Telluride

I often see advice to set a vehicle to towing mode when towing. Any advice on what is the best mode to drive a Telly in when towing? (IS there a towing mode??). Also, what do people use when converting to a 7 pin with a Curt Echo when their trailer has electric brakes? I am seeing "RV" adapters...

tellurideforum.org

After market hitch

Has anyone been able to find a low profile after market hitch that is recessed into the bumper? I find this get the tow package with my purchase but now I am in need for one. The factory kits are priced around $650. All others that are less expensive sit below the bumper.

tellurideforum.org

UHaul or any reputable camper dealer should be able to help you and it will not void any warranties.

With a small camper like the trailer weight you are describing you should not have an problems with hitch weight and tongue weight, but you might want to confirm. Here's some helpful info: Successfully towing my 3822lb Camper this weekend

If you get into more serious heavy towing and plan to add more cargo and the rear sag bothers you, don't even look at self-leveling shocks that come with the tow package on the EX and SX. There are other solutions that will do the same or better. You can check out www.realtruck.com and look for the options they have.

Rather than adding an air compressor and automatic leveling system, I plan to have something more manual that I'm hoping will be as easy as filling or removing air from my tires. Since I typically check my tire pressure on the trailer and the Telluride each time I hook up the trailer. And I don't want to add more electronic equipment and I don't want more expensive shocks to replace. I'm hoping this bag helper system will actually increase the life of my standard shocks even when not hauling or towing.

Installed AirLift bags

I like the idea of the factory self leveling shocks; I don’t like the $500 price tag per shock. I’ve had good luck with air bag helper springs on my Super Duty so I figured I’d give them a try on the Telluride. I ordered Air Lift kit part number 60904 off Amazon. $97. So far so good. Will...

tellurideforum.org

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[jcunha]

Thank you for this. It's really helpful to have all of that info in one place. If I'm understanding this correctly, it sounds like would I should do, if I don't hold until 2021 or the 2021 won't fit, would be to go with:

- Stealth Hitch (don't mind paying the premium on this - I like that it's hidden + no cutting).
- Curt Echo
- Have U-Haul handle the install. If using the Echo, should be straightforward as they won't need to futz with the wiring? The Stealth Hitch manual says it should take about an hour.

 

[jw_tx21]

Thank you for this. It's really helpful to have all of that info in one place. If I'm understanding this correctly, it sounds like would I should do, if I don't hold until 2021 or the 2021 won't fit, would be to go with:

- Stealth Hitch (don't mind paying the premium on this - I like that it's hidden + no cutting).
- Curt Echo
- Have U-Haul handle the install. If using the Echo, should be straightforward as they won't need to futz with the wiring? The Stealth Hitch manual says it should take about an hour.

You still need a harness. And if you get a 4 pin Harness, then you need a 4 pin to 7 pin adapter and run a hot wire from battery with a breaker to power the brake controller. Hitch and harness are two separate and independent items.

We don't know yet if the 2021 7 pin harness will be compatible with 2020 Telluride as a direct fit. My guess is it isn't - and you'd still need to run a line from the battery for the Echo wireless brake controller.

 

[jcunha]

You still need a harness. And if you get a 4 pin Harness, then you need a 4 pin to 7 pin adapter and run a hot wire from battery with a breaker to power the brake controller. Hitch and harness are two separate and independent items.

The Stealth Hitch has a combo package that includes the wiring harness (Kia Telluride Trailer Hitch (2020)).

 

[2020Telly]

The Stealth Hitch has a combo package that includes the wiring harness (Kia Telluride Trailer Hitch (2020)).

It's not cheap but it looks very clean.

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[jw_tx21]

The Stealth Hitch has a combo package that includes the wiring harness (Kia Telluride Trailer Hitch (2020)).

I see. I don't know if that one is plug and play to Telluride underside but it might be. There are videos on etrailer which helped me understand. You'll still need to run a line for the 7 pin adapter. Curt has a plug and play harness listed on website for $60. Not bad.

 

[2020Telly]

I see. I don't know if that one is plug and play to Telluride underside but it might be. There are videos on etrailer which helped me understand. You'll still need to run a line for the 7 pin adapter. Curt has a plug and play harness listed on website for $60. Not bad.

Looks like that Stealth hitch harness is not plug-n-play but it is the full 7-pin harness and according to their site provides 20-amp to drive your trailer wiring and the brake controller vs. the 5.5 Amps for the OEM 4-pin harness or the 7.5 Amps with the Curt and Tekonsha 4-pin harness. If you get an experienced trailer wiring person to install the Stealth hitch wiring you should have no problems.

 

[tdboyd]

Greetings All,
My first post-hope it’s not redundant. My 2021 EX with factory trailer hitch and 7-pin connector IS wired for all pins. In glovebox I found a four pin connector designed for hooking up a separate trailer brake controller, and very clear installation instructions. I’m attaching photos for clarity. If anyone needs closeups, let me know. Cheers, Doug

 

[2020Telly]

Greetings All,
My first post-hope it’s not redundant. My 2021 EX with factory trailer hitch and 7-pin connectorView attachment 9430View attachment 9430 IS wired for all pins. In glovebox I found a four pin connector designed for hooking up a separate trailer brake controller, and very clear installation instructions. I’m attaching photos for clarity. If anyone needs closeups, let me know. Cheers, Doug

This is great info! Thank you so much. Your first post made it to my bookmarks!

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[JP#]

Greetings All,
My first post-hope it’s not redundant. My 2021 EX with factory trailer hitch and 7-pin connectorView attachment 9430View attachment 9430 IS wired for all pins. In glovebox I found a four pin connector designed for hooking up a separate trailer brake controller, and very clear installation instructions. I’m attaching photos for clarity. If anyone needs closeups, let me know. Cheers, Doug

So this connector and instructions should be included with any Telly that includes the factory tow hitch? Just asking for others who have the 2021 tow to verify.

 

[2020Telly]

So this connector and instructions should be included with any Telly that includes the factory tow hitch? Just asking for others who have the 2021 tow to verify.

If you read the notice on that first screenshot, this is just the e-brake connector wire that will connect the brake controller (presumably in the cabin) at the front of the vehicle. This is not however the actually 7-pin harness and round connector that goes on the back in place of the 4-pin harness. I'm guessing this means that the 7-pin harness is just plug and play as a swap with current 4-pin harness. The current 4-pin harness plugs into a 12-pin molex adapter and doesn't make use of all the pins. It looks to me based on those instructions like the part number for the 7-pin harness uses more of the pins in the same molex and then e-brake connector part goes in front and you don't actually have to run any extra wires front to back. This is good news to me, the blue wire is the one I was most worried about and want trace out for my 2020 to see if I have to bring that blue wire from the front to back. Black is Battery Positive, Red is Stoplight, White is Ground, and Blue connect the controller up front through the vehicle harness back to the 12-pin then to the 7-pin connector to connect the brake controller to the trailer harness for brake controls. I'm guessing once the 7-pin harness becomes available there will be plug and play aftermarket options as well rated for higher Amperage at a lower cost.

For a traditional brake controller you will need both this wire and the 7-pin harness at the back.

This e-brake connector wire is not the part that you don't need if you get the Curt Echo installed because you install that brake controller at the rear of the vehicle (not in the cabin). For the Curt Echo you still need the 7-pin connector which we don't have a part number for and a way to supply power to the Curt Echo if you can't from the 7-pin harness.

If someone has a 2021 and takes a picture of that 12-pin plug under the fender (just a screw driver takes the plastic cover off that is held by 2 plastic retaining clips) we can compare it to 2020 to see the number of wires.

 

[2020Telly]

Actually I might have figure out what the pins are from the pics from @tdboyd . Attached is the instruction from the 4 pin harness instructions that shows the first 6 pins of the 12 pin connection that go to the harness that output 4 wires at the trailer hitch receiver. The other was from the new install guide that specifically mentions pins 7, 8 and 12. That accounts for the 4 to 7 pin difference. I’ll have to take my cover off and see if I have any of these. If the 2020 does then I think the 2021 harness will work. If not it may not be as plug and play like I was hoping and may just go with the Echo and run a direct battery to relay.

 

[tdboyd]

So this connector and instructions should be included with any Telly that includes the factory tow hitch? Just asking for others who have the 2021 tow to verify.

That’s my assumption. Hope it’s true for the sake of all

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[2020Telly]

Regarding the 2021 Tow Option with 7-pin harness:

If I were to guess based on what has been posted on this forum and the instructions that were provided above, the 2021 Tow Option with 7-pin harness is actually two physical parts. The first wire is the 7-pin harness that has a 9 wires on one side of the junction box that goes into the 12-pin connection to the vehicle's wiring harness and then 7-wires on the other side going to round trailer connection that goes into the hitch receiver and that is pre-installed. The second wire is the one shown above and is probably delivered sitting in the glove box to be installed by the owner if they add an electronic brake controller and it connects to the vehicle's wiring harness under the steering column near the fuse box and provides four wires to the brake controller at installation location of the brake controller installer's choosing. It would not make sense to attach the plastic end and then have loose exposed copper connection ends dangling in the dash if you don't have a brake controller to install.

If you plan to tow with a 4-pin flat you may need to buy a 7-way round to a 4-pin flat adapter, unless Kia also provided this it's about $10.

Regarding retrofitting the Kia 2021 7-pin harness in a 2020 Telluride:

This likely means that 2021 harness will not be plug-n-play in the 2020 Telluride because it looks like the rear 12-pin connection has pin #7 and #12 unused (#8 is present on the 2020). They must have run 2 more wires for Trailer Brake input to go up to the front and 12V hot to power the brakes themselves in the 2021 vehicle harness. This thread shows the 2020 pinout without 7 and 12 in use: Trailer Wiring I'm disappointed in that the only way to make the 2021 7-pin Kia harness to work still requires running two wires from the rear to the front and add a breaker on the 12v hot because I doubt that harness with the 4 wires has anything to plug into near the fuse box on the 2020.

At this point the simplest thing for me to do is to go with the Curt Wireless Echo and get a 7-way round upgrade that allows me to plug the 4-pin flat behind it, then run a hot to the battery and a 30A breaker. So this way instead of running two wires, I can just run one. I'll take in the reverse lights to pin #8.

This eTrailer Tekonsha video on YouTube shows the connection at 1min 31sec on the 2020 and you can clearly see only 6 wires up front there is probably another one hiding that is going to pin 8. Even though this is an aftermarket 4-pin flat harness it is identical to install to the Kia OEM 4-pin harness that was provided with the 2020 Kia Telluride Tow Option and Package.

 

[tdboyd]

Regarding the 2021 Tow Option with 7-pin harness:

If I were to guess based on what has been posted on this forum and the instructions that were provided above, the 2021 Tow Option with 7-pin harness is actually two physical parts. The first wire is the 7-pin harness that has a 9 wires on one side of the junction box that goes into the 12-pin connection to the vehicle's wiring harness and then 7-wires on the other side going to round trailer connection that goes into the hitch receiver and that is pre-installed. The second wire is the one shown above and is probably delivered sitting in the glove box to be installed by the owner if they add an electronic brake controller and it connects to the vehicle's wiring harness under the steering column near the fuse box and provides four wires to the brake controller at installation location of the brake controller installer's choosing. It would not make sense to attach the plastic end and then have loose exposed copper connection ends dangling in the dash if you don't have a brake controller to install.

If you plan to tow with a 4-pin flat you may need to buy a 7-way round to a 4-pin flat adapter, unless Kia also provided this it's about $10.

Regarding retrofitting the Kia 2021 7-pin harness in a 2020 Telluride:

This likely means that 2021 harness will not be plug-n-play in the 2020 Telluride because it looks like the rear 12-pin connection has pin #7 and #12 unused (#8 is present on the 2020). They must have run 2 more wires for Trailer Brake input to go up to the front and 12V hot to power the brakes themselves in the 2021 vehicle harness. This thread shows the 2020 pinout without 7 and 12 in use: Trailer Wiring I'm disappointed in that the only way to make the 2021 7-pin Kia harness to work still requires running two wires from the rear to the front and add a breaker on the 12v hot because I doubt that harness with the 4 wires has anything to plug into near the fuse box on the 2020.

At this point the simplest thing for me to do is to go with the Curt Wireless Echo and get a 7-way round upgrade that allows me to plug the 4-pin flat behind it, then run a hot to the battery and a 30A breaker. So this way instead of running two wires, I can just run one. I'll take in the reverse lights to pin #8.

This eTrailer Tekonsha video on YouTube shows the connection at 1min 31sec on the 2020 and you can clearly see only 6 wires up front there is probably another one hiding that is going to pin 8. Even though this is an aftermarket 4-pin flat harness it is identical to install to the Kia OEM 4-pin harness that was provided with the 2020 Kia Telluride Tow Option and Package.

Thanks for that thoughtful and logical analysis. Makes perfect sense to me...

 

[2020Telly]

Thanks for that thoughtful and logical analysis. Makes perfect sense to me...

Forgot to mention, if you have the 2021 and decide to go with the Curt Echo Wireless brake controller you don’t have to do anything extra and you don’t need to use the 4 wire harness in the cab and don’t need to mount a box anywhere in the cab.

 

[KGZ]

If you read the notice on that first screenshot, this is just the e-brake connector wire that will connect the brake controller (presumably in the cabin) at the front of the vehicle. This is not however the actually 7-pin harness and round connector that goes on the back in place of the 4-pin harness. I'm guessing this means that the 7-pin harness is just plug and play as a swap with current 4-pin harness. The current 4-pin harness plugs into a 12-pin molex adapter and doesn't make use of all the pins. It looks to me based on those instructions like the part number for the 7-pin harness uses more of the pins in the same molex and then e-brake connector part goes in front and you don't actually have to run any extra wires front to back. This is good news to me, the blue wire is the one I was most worried about and want trace out for my 2020 to see if I have to bring that blue wire from the front to back. Black is Battery Positive, Red is Stoplight, White is Ground, and Blue connect the controller up front through the vehicle harness back to the 12-pin then to the 7-pin connector to connect the brake controller to the trailer harness for brake controls. I'm guessing once the 7-pin harness becomes available there will be plug and play aftermarket options as well rated for higher Amperage at a lower cost.

For a traditional brake controller you will need both this wire and the 7-pin harness at the back.

This e-brake connector wire is not the part that you don't need if you get the Curt Echo installed because you install that brake controller at the rear of the vehicle (not in the cabin). For the Curt Echo you still need the 7-pin connector which we don't have a part number for and a way to supply power to the Curt Echo if you can't from the 7-pin harness.

If someone has a 2021 and takes a picture of that 12-pin plug under the fender (just a screw driver takes the plastic cover off that is held by 2 plastic retaining clips) we can compare it to 2020 to see the number of wires.

@NCTelly thank you very much for you explanation! I’d like to go with Echo Curt wireless brake controller, too. Would you be able to make a video how do run a hot wire to the battery, 30A breaker and #8

Regarding the 2021 Tow Option with 7-pin harness:

If I were to guess based on what has been posted on this forum and the instructions that were provided above, the 2021 Tow Option with 7-pin harness is actually two physical parts. The first wire is the 7-pin harness that has a 9 wires on one side of the junction box that goes into the 12-pin connection to the vehicle's wiring harness and then 7-wires on the other side going to round trailer connection that goes into the hitch receiver and that is pre-installed. The second wire is the one shown above and is probably delivered sitting in the glove box to be installed by the owner if they add an electronic brake controller and it connects to the vehicle's wiring harness under the steering column near the fuse box and provides four wires to the brake controller at installation location of the brake controller installer's choosing. It would not make sense to attach the plastic end and then have loose exposed copper connection ends dangling in the dash if you don't have a brake controller to install.

If you plan to tow with a 4-pin flat you may need to buy a 7-way round to a 4-pin flat adapter, unless Kia also provided this it's about $10.

Regarding retrofitting the Kia 2021 7-pin harness in a 2020 Telluride:

This likely means that 2021 harness will not be plug-n-play in the 2020 Telluride because it looks like the rear 12-pin connection has pin #7 and #12 unused (#8 is present on the 2020). They must have run 2 more wires for Trailer Brake input to go up to the front and 12V hot to power the brakes themselves in the 2021 vehicle harness. This thread shows the 2020 pinout without 7 and 12 in use: Trailer Wiring I'm disappointed in that the only way to make the 2021 7-pin Kia harness to work still requires running two wires from the rear to the front and add a breaker on the 12v hot because I doubt that harness with the 4 wires has anything to plug into near the fuse box on the 2020.

At this point the simplest thing for me to do is to go with the Curt Wireless Echo and get a 7-way round upgrade that allows me to plug the 4-pin flat behind it, then run a hot to the battery and a 30A breaker. So this way instead of running two wires, I can just run one. I'll take in the reverse lights to pin #8.

This eTrailer Tekonsha video on YouTube shows the connection at 1min 31sec on the 2020 and you can clearly see only 6 wires up front there is probably another one hiding that is going to pin 8. Even though this is an aftermarket 4-pin flat harness it is identical to install to the Kia OEM 4-pin harness that was provided with the 2020 Kia Telluride Tow Option and Package.


@NCTelly thank you very much for you explanation! I’d like to go with Echo Curt wireless brake controller, too. Would you be able to make a video how to do all these: run a hot wire to the battery, 30A breaker and how to pin reverse light to #8.
I have an 2020 SXP with tow package.
I’m about to buy the Echo Curt Wireless brake controller for $229.00.
Also, for 4 pin to 7 pin I need to buy this, right? hypos://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Tow-Ready/30717.html

Thank you for your advice!