2021 arriving with no tow; downsides of aftermarket tow?

[mshe]

Hello -
I just got word from my dealer that my 2020 has been 'replaced' with a 2021, and should be on their lot in a few weeks. But apparently the tow package inclusion got lost in the mix, so it is arriving with no tow. We plan to primarily use the tow hitch for a bike rack (6 bikes) and a cargo carrier.... both end up carrying a decent tongue weight, and therefore I'm concerned about the lack of factory-installed Nivomax auto-leveling suspension. (We also have a 2018 Odyssey and wish we had something similar, as it sags terribly -- to the point it easily bottoms out on the slightest inclines given its already super low ground clearance -- with any significant weight on the rear.)

Any thoughts on what is possible to install re: tow after market vs. factory?

I'm reticent to let this go, as I know it's probably 6mo if I have to start this process over again... yet I don't want to settle either, or end up paying far more than the factory tow price to get the equivalent after market.

Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

 

[mdineen]

can they add it for you at the dealership at the original cost?

 

[mshe]

I a

can they add it for you at the dealership at the original cost?

I asked and the answer (at least from my dealer) was 'no'... just a tow hitch + wiring harness, but no auto-leveling suspension. And I'm curious if the tow hitch install would be as seemless as the factory install... i.e., not just a U-Haul bolt-on.

 

[jw_tx21]

I'm reticent to let this go, as I know it's probably 6mo if I have to start this process over again... yet I don't want to settle either, or end up paying far more than the factory tow price to get the equivalent after market.

If it's important to you, then don't let it go. A good dealer should be able to have a replacement vehicle to you in 90 days or less (should be able to order it middle of this month when they get their allocations.)

That being said, I don't believe the self leveling is a huge advantage - but I haven't been able to fully test it yet either. As far as I understand, the self-leveling doesn't improve ride quality.

Adding a hitch and bumper cover and wiring harness can be added at the dealer - no problem. If you can get them to do it for no charge as compensation for their screw up, that would be a pretty good deal. Unlikely though.

To help with sag, you can always add a $100 air bag kit to the springs. Search the forum for "air bags". There's a particular kit that a couple of forum members have installed.

Just some thoughts to consider.

______________________________

 

[alexdrums]

I asked and the answer (at least from my dealer) was 'no'... just a tow hitch + wiring harness, but no auto-leveling suspension. And I'm curious if the tow hitch install would be as seemless as the factory install... i.e., not just a U-Haul bolt-on.

It’s as seamless and the same as the factory install—which is called “Tow Hitch & Harness”. This is the same as the Tow Package WITHOUT the self-leveling suspension. However, it is more expensive because now the dealer gets to take their cut.
The air bags should actually work fine. A good solution might be to nix the cargo carrier and bike rack and get a small cargo trailer to carry all. Six bikes on a rack is crazy! The trailer would solve the sagging problems and be so much easier to deal with..IMHO.

 

[alexdrums]

It’s as seamless and the same as the factory install—which is called “Tow Hitch & Harness”. This is the same as the Tow Package WITHOUT the self-leveling suspension. However, it is more expensive because now the dealer gets to take their cut.
The air bags should actually work fine. A good solution might be to nix the cargo carrier and bike rack and get a small cargo trailer to carry all. Six bikes on a rack is crazy! The trailer would solve the sagging problems and be so much easier to deal with..IMHO.

Actually, according to Kia all hitches are a “Port-Installed Option”. Does anyone know if they actually install it at a port somewhere, or is this a fancy way of saying it’s a dealer installed option? @Jason Fox

 

[jw_tx21]

Actually, according to Kia all hitches are a “Port-Installed Option”. Does anyone know if they actually install it at a port somewhere, or is this a fancy way of saying it’s a dealer installed option? @Jason Fox

It just means they are installed at the factory (main distribution point before shipping - same place) since the Telluride is not imported.