Tow Package not an option on S?

[aloha!]

Newbie here. I'm just going through the Build process and am thinking about the S model. I don't see tow package as an option, which I thought was weird. Am I missing something or is it only available in the higher two series? If this is true, can a tow package be installed at the dealer or somewhere else? BTW, what exactly is included in a tow package besides the hitch?
Thanks!

 

[bruesjoh04]

Newbie here. I'm just going through the Build process and am thinking about the S model. I don't see tow package as an option, which I thought was weird. Am I missing something or is it only available in the higher two series? If this is true, can a tow package be installed at the dealer or somewhere else? BTW, what exactly is included in a tow package besides the hitch?
Thanks!

The tow package is only available on the EX and SX For the lower two trims, you can only add the hitch itself.

In addition to the hitch, the package includes a self-leveling rear suspension system. That is it.

Other markets (and the Telluride‘s sister, the Palisade) include the self-leveling suspension on higher trims, no “tow package” required.

 

[aloha!]

Wow. Bummer. Does something like an Anderson Weight Distributing make up for that? Or is there some other after market "something" that would be helpful?
Also is this special suspension absolutely required or just "nice"? We will be towing some sort of camper-most likely 2500-300 pounds.

 

[bruesjoh04]

Wow. Bummer. Does something like an Anderson Weight Distributing make up for that? Or is there some other after market "something" that would be helpful?
Also is this special suspension absolutely required or just "nice"? We will be towing some sort of camper-most likely 2500-300 pounds.

There are at least a few threads on here about towing and the suspension. It’s more nice to have rather than required. All Telluride models have the same towing capacity.

______________________________

 

[2020Telly]

If you purchased the Tow Package please read this . . .

 

[aloha!]

If you purchased the Tow Package please read this . . .

Thank you NCTelly. I know so little, I don't even know what questions to ask. (BTW, I live in Hawaii now, but am moving back to Raleigh in the Spring, thus the research for my new ride, along with a possible small to mid-sized camper...so we are neighbors.)
I do know enough that a weight distribution hitch (like Anderson?) is important. I will get that. I read your link. Because of issues with the suspension with tow package, do you think it better to just get the hitch and harness installed (and use a weight distributing system add-on) rather than the getting the package which adds the suspension leveling (but still use the WDH)? Just wondering...I know that the suspension leveling is not sufficient, but can it be a disadvantage?
Sorry for the dumb questions. I've never towed and don't know much about cars.
Thanks!

 

[2020Telly]

Thank you NCTelly. I know so little, I don't even know what questions to ask. (BTW, I live in Hawaii now, but am moving back to Raleigh in the Spring, thus the research for my new ride, along with a possible small to mid-sized camper...so we are neighbors.)
I do know enough that a weight distribution hitch (like Anderson?) is important. I will get that. I read your link. Because of issues with the suspension with tow package, do you think it better to just get the hitch and harness installed (and use a weight distributing system add-on) rather than the getting the package which adds the suspension leveling (but still use the WDH)? Just wondering...I know that the suspension leveling is not sufficient, but can it be a disadvantage?
Sorry for the dumb questions. I've never towed and don't know much about cars.
Thanks!

I tried to explain this in my post, but simply put, it's not a tow package. The tow option with proper WDH is all you need. The self leveling suspension is not available on the S, but that's okay because even without it if you have the tow option and a WDH you can still safely tow to spec for the Telluride. Other countries that sell the Telluride and even the Palisade offer the self-leveling suspension as a comfort feature not associated with towing. I'm not sure why Kia US sales seem to bundle it this way but it can add to a lot of confusion that people think it replaces proper weight distribution or a weight distribution hitch and that could be serious safety issue that would result in serious injury and property damage. If you overload your rear axle or you don't distribute weight from your trailer to the front axle you could put yourself and others in danger. Self-leveling suspension doesn't change that fact in anyway. Aloha and welcome back to Raleigh. I have been to Hawaii once and it was my favorite vacation all time.