2021 7 Pin

[Somebody]

Hello all!

I'm assuming the 7 pin wiring comes on anything with a towing package, but the training docs do make it look like that's unique to the SX. Anybody know?

I don't quite get the value of a 7 pin harness without a factory brake controller being installed. Sort of tits on a boar to me. Can anybody clarify that for me?

(about to order a 2021 EX Premium with the tow package).

Thanks!

-d

 

[2020Telly]

I read the 2021 training material differently. I saw that the harness on the option was upgraded from 4-pin to 7-pin. The tow package was unchanged. The option is available for all trims. The package is just on the higher trims and includes the tow option plus adds the suspension that does nothing for towing, but is a convenience for hauling (ex weight over rear axle or hanging off the hitch but not towing). The Palisade does a better job of packaging/marketing this.

I’m guessing the 7pin harness is just that, a harness that connects the rear to the front electrical and supplies a connection that allows you to buy whatever brake controller you want however you want to mount it in the cabin. Or you can just use the harness with something like the Curt Echo to power the controller at the hitch connection and set and forget or monitor it with Bluetooth and a phone app.

I would prefer a non-Kia Brake controller. Why not buy something made by a company that specializes in brake controllers rather than overpay for an OEM item. Kia makes cars not brake controllers so you might be overpaying for Kia to OEM brand a cheaper controller (remember there is an MSRP on options too so Kia and the dealer get a cut of what you add). Plus if you don’t like it or it breaks (no pun intended) you can go buy a newer/better one. Getting one built into the dash for aesthetics locks you into to just that model if it goes bad. And because it is electrical it is more likely to go bad over time, then it just becomes another liability for Kia to stock replacements and troubleshoot.

As we learned on a different thread in this forum even the OEM 4-pin harness is underspec’ed when compared to the Amperage capacity for less expensive aftermarket plug and play harnesses and is underpowered to supply electrical to some trailers with running lights. Trailer wiring - running lights don't work

I’m hopeful that if Kia has a 7-pin harness a company specializing in aftermarket towing equipment will come up with their own for the Telluride and bundle it with a brake controller for a simple install.

 

[Somebody]

please remove post

 

[2020Telly]

So you think the Nivomat like leveling suspension doesn't help towing. I think we'll just have to politely disagree on that.

The self leveling suspension is activated when weight is added over the rear axle not behind it. There are several posts on this forum that prove this. In fact when you tow something the rear sags and will not lift the back unless you add air bags. The people that reported the rear lifted after driving had passengers or cargo over the rear axle, or something hanging off the hitch, that’s hauling not towing. It’s fine if you don’t believe me, I’m not offended, but watch a few videos where people show how it works on other vehicles and you’ll see what I’m saying.

So the package, which includes the option, won't get the upgraded version of the option? Ok, that's a logic train tough to follow, but I suppose we'll know soon enough. I certainly got no answers.

The tow option is upgraded to 7-pin. If you buy the package you get the upgraded option, but the “package” is just the tow option + self leveling suspension. I guess that you could argue that upgraded option also upgrades the package, but that’s not exactly how it is written in the 2021 material page 3 of what’s new.