2021 Tow Package Factory Harness

[wizards8507]

Can someone help me out, because I've been getting conflicting information from multiple local dealers and nobody has a vehicle with a tow package installed on the lot to confirm for sure.

Does the 2021 equipped with the factory tow package come with a 7-pin or 4-pin harness? I'm not going to install third party aftermarket accessories on a brand new vehicle so it's important to me that I get this right. I know they're advertising 7-pin but Hyundai was doing the same thing with the Palisade and their dealers are telling me they haven't been able to source the part.

 

[2020Telly]

Can someone help me out, because I've been getting conflicting information from multiple local dealers and nobody has a vehicle with a tow package installed on the lot to confirm for sure.

Does the 2021 equipped with the factory tow package come with a 7-pin or 4-pin harness? I'm not going to install third party aftermarket accessories on a brand new vehicle so it's important to me that I get this right. I know they're advertising 7-pin but Hyundai was doing the same thing with the Palisade and their dealers are telling me they haven't been able to source the part.

First comment is that I think you mean Tow Option not Tow Package.

The Tow Option is the factory hitch, a plastic bumper insert and a harness with 7-pin round connection on the 2021.

The Tow Package is just the Tow Option but with some rear suspension “upgrades” that have very suspect benefits to towing.

There are the three part numbers that you can order online from other Kia parts departments and have them installed anywhere to get the Tow Option on any Telluride. It is a very simple install of you want to try it yourself.

 

[PittPa]

I would contact etrailer and ask if they have a harness for your year. I have a 2020 and there is no confusion its a 4 pin. Kia's own website show this for 2021 Telluride. There has been comments before that this may not of been updated or correct. When I pull up the part number at a Kia site Genuine OEM Tow Hitch Harness Part# S9F67-AC001 Fits Kia of Huntington it shows a 4 pin connector. If you can't go by this site, what other options do you have?:

Tow Hitch (Bumper Cover and Harness required - sold separately)​

Part# S9F61 AU000
GET PRICE Installation Not Included
Custom designed, this tow hitch mounts directly to the vehicle frame for optimum performance, strength, and security.
Notes: Must order Bumper Cover (S9F61 AU060) & Harness (S9F67 AC000). Hitch size 2’’

 

[wizards8507]

First comment is that I think you mean Tow Option not Tow Package.

The Tow Option is the factory hitch, a plastic bumper insert and a harness with 7-pin round connection on the 2021.

The Tow Package is just the Tow Option but with some rear suspension “upgrades” that have very suspect benefits to towing.

There are the three part numbers that you can order online from other Kia parts departments and have them installed anywhere to get the Tow Option on any Telluride. It is a very simple install of you want to try it yourself.tranny cooler with tow package

Thank you.

Just to be clear, the parts that I would order and have installed after the fact are the same exact parts that would be installed if I got it from the factory that way? Our current towing "solution" is a Dodge Grand Caravan and there's significant difference between the dealer-installed hitch and the factory-installed "package," which is what I'm trying to avoid.

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[wizards8507]

I would contact etrailer and ask if they have a harness for your year. I have a 2020 and there is no confusion its a 4 pin. Kia's own website show this for 2021 Telluride. There has been comments before that this may not of been updated or correct. If you can't go by this site, what other options do you have?:

Tow Hitch (Bumper Cover and Harness required - sold separately)​

Part# S9F61 AU000
GET PRICE Installation Not Included
Custom designed, this tow hitch mounts directly to the vehicle frame for optimum performance, strength, and security.
Notes: Must order Bumper Cover (S9F61 AU060) & Harness (S9F67 AC000). Hitch size 2’’

From what I've been able to gather, the 7-pin harness is actually S9F67-AC500. The S9F67-AC000 you referenced is the 4-pin.

 

[2020Telly]

Thank you.

Just to be clear, the parts that I would order and have installed after the fact are the same exact parts that would be installed if I got it from the factory that way? Our current towing "solution" is a Dodge Grand Caravan and there's significant difference between the dealer-installed hitch and the factory-installed "package," which is what I'm trying to avoid.

If you are referring to the tow option (not package) and you buy the three Kia parts, it is identical to the factory Kia tow option.

 

[2020Telly]

I would contact etrailer and ask if they have a harness for your year. I have a 2020 and there is no confusion its a 4 pin. Kia's own website show this for 2021 Telluride. There has been comments before that this may not of been updated or correct. When I pull up the part number at a Kia site Genuine OEM Tow Hitch Harness Part# S9F67-AC001 Fits Kia of Huntington it shows a 4 pin connector. If you can't go by this site, what other options do you have?:

Tow Hitch (Bumper Cover and Harness required - sold separately)​

Part# S9F61 AU000
GET PRICE Installation Not Included
Custom designed, this tow hitch mounts directly to the vehicle frame for optimum performance, strength, and security.
Notes: Must order Bumper Cover (S9F61 AU060) & Harness (S9F67 AC000). Hitch size 2’’

Etrailer has aftermarket plug and play 4-pin harnesses. There are no non Kia 7-pin harness for a 2021 that do not require splicing (yet). If you absolutely require a 7-pin round at the back you should get the Kia one. If you just need a 4-pin flat at the back you should consider the less expensive and higher amperage aftermarket options.

 

[wizards8507]

Etrailer has aftermarket plug and play 4-pin harnesses. There are no non Kia 7-pin harness for a 2021 that do not require splicing (yet). If you absolutely require a 7-pin round at the back you should get the Kia one. If you just need a 4-pin flat at the back you should consider the less expensive and higher amperage aftermarket options.

Yeah I need the 7-pin unfortunately. My camper is only a 2,000 pound pop-up but it came with trailer brakes so I don't have much choice.

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[Tellthemride]

7 pin is stock for 2021.

Sources:

2021 Official Training Material

Big Shout out to @yonkster11 to bringing this update to our attention. Here is the lastest and greatest from Kia on the 2021’s! Thanks as always! And Here We Go!!

tellurideforum.org

2021 Telluride Product Reference Guide (attached)

Hi all, I received this from my broker. Thought maybe some people would like to see this, as I havent seen it posted in the forum yet (although I might have just missed it :)) No pricing obviously but gives some nice detailed information. Enjoy!

tellurideforum.org

 

[PittPa]

From what I've been able to gather, the 7-pin harness is actually S9F67-AC500. The S9F67-AC000 you referenced is the 4-pin.

There in lies the confusion. I went to Kia accessories website, punched in trailer hitch and accessories for 2021 Telluride and this is what it produced. Unless the dealer and customer installed harness is different than the factory which would seem odd at best.

 

[PittPa]

This is for the Palisade, but I think its comparable to what you may be looking for:


Question:

It appears the 2021 Hyundai Palisade now comes with a 7 pin port in the back of the vehicle. Which kit will allow me to wire that port to a 7 pin mounted near a hitch?
asked by: Josh G

Helpful Expert Reply:
I have a solution for you, but the port you're referring to does not allow the direct installation of a 7 way trailer plug on your 2021 Hyundai Palisade. If you don't have a 4 way plug already there, you'll need to start by installing one; for that I recommend using the Curt # CU94FR instead of the available Tekonsha harness since the Curt comes with a powered converter box that will do a better job of protecting the electrical system on your 2021 Palisade in the event of a short on the trailer wiring. The Curt # CU94FR plugs directly into the port you're referring to and provides the base wiring for a 7 way plug.

It looks like you might be wanting to use a brake controller like the Curt Echo # C51180, so for the 7 way installation kit I recommend using the # ETBC7L since it doesn't require the running of a brake controller wire into the cab of the vehicle. This will have the # CU94FR plug directly into it, and then you'll need to make additional connections to the battery, ground and reverse light circuit or 12v auxiliary power. This will allow you to use the Curt Echo mobile brake controller on your 2021 Hyundai Palisade.

 

[DarkMossJustin]

If you order your Telly with the so-called "Tow package", what that really means is the factory-installed OEM hitch that attaches to the frame, the 7 pin harness (which it seems like you need), plus instead of the standard rear shock absorbers, they put in the Mando self-leveling shocks, which function similar to Nivomats but have questionable value for any serious towing, and will cost you a lot more to replace if you're keeping your Telly for the long haul (i.e. >10 years).

Actually, what am I doing? I'm not an authority on towing by any stretch

I will refer you to several of @NCTelly's informative threads and discussions specifically about towing, safety, shocks, and weight distribution, which have helped many of us here on the Forum. It sure helped me gain some understanding and clarification from someone who knows his stuff and has relevant Telluride towing experience.

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[2020Telly]

If you order your Telly with the so-called "Tow package", what that really means is the factory-installed OEM hitch that attaches to the frame, the 7 pin harness (which it seems like you need), plus instead of the standard rear shock absorbers, they put in the Mando self-leveling shocks, which function similar to Nivomats but have questionable value for any serious towing, and will cost you a lot more to replace if you're keeping your Telly for the long haul (i.e. >10 years).

Actually, what am I doing? I'm not an authority on towing by any stretch

I will refer you to several of @NCTelly's informative threads and discussions specifically about towing, safety, shocks, and weight distribution, which have helped many of us here on the Forum. It sure helped me gain some understanding and clarification from someone who knows his stuff and has relevant Telluride towing experience.

You said pretty much the same as I was saying on the other threads. I don’t consider myself an authority, just a buyer who over does the research and is willing to share information.

 

[DarkMossJustin]

You said pretty much the same as I was saying on the other threads. I don’t consider myself an authority, just a buyer who over does the research and is willing to share information.

I remember one thread where a guy was insisting the Telluride had an air suspension because he read it in an article from a well-known car magazine. I think the photos and discussion clarified that misunderstanding rather quickly.

I checked the prices for replacing the Mando self-leveling rear shocks and I'm not looking forward to paying double what I paid for the "tow package" to replace the Mandos after 10 years. Whereas if I would have ordered my Telly with the standard shocks, they might even last longer and cost a lot less to replace.

Another thing I learned from those previous discussions/threads was that the self-leveling shocks are on other cars as more of a "ride comfort" feature, not advertising it as part of any "towing" package with perceived towing benefits.

To add even more confusion, I did see a video on Sachs Nivomats that, while not focused on towing, briefly mentions that it provides a towing benefit towards the end of the presentation:

 

[2020Telly]

I remember one thread where a guy was insisting the Telluride had an air suspension because he read it in an article from a well-known car magazine. I think the photos and discussion clarified that misunderstanding rather quickly.

I checked the prices for replacing the Mando self-leveling rear shocks and I'm not looking forward to paying double what I paid for the "tow package" to replace the Mandos after 10 years. Whereas if I would have ordered my Telly with the standard shocks, they might even last longer and cost a lot less to replace.

Another thing I learned from those previous discussions/threads was that the self-leveling shocks are on other cars as more of a "ride comfort" feature, not advertising it as part of any "towing" package with perceived towing benefits.

To add even more confusion, I did see a video on Sachs Nivomats that, while not focused on towing, briefly mentions that it provides a towing benefit towards the end of the presentation:

I have nothing left to teach you my padawan you have now become a Jedi. (That is unless you want to join me to pull you from the dark side of AWD and into the light of FWD . . . j/k)

I have come to the conclusion that if there is any towing benefit it’s a side to side one for leveling. The problem with that is that you can easily mitigate side to side, when towing you want weight distribution back to the trailer axle(s) and up to the front axle of the towing vehicle for better handling and braking and putting less strain on the rear axle and suspension.

I was seriously considering the helper bags in the standard springs but I’m just going to wait for a better aftermarket rear shock that will replace the standard stock. Gabriel and Monroe have some that can be air adjustable.

My main concern is that the self leveling shocks also have different struts. So replacing with aftermarket non self leveling might be an issue if there is something special about other parts. If you have to replace within warranty I wonder if it will void the remainder of the warranty if you go with non Kia shocks. It’s like AWD suggesting to replace all 4 at the same time vs replacing in pairs depending on tread. That can add up.

 

[DarkMossJustin]

Thanks for all the knowledge Master Jedi. I might hover between the dark and light sides for a little while longer until I can get a FWD to replace the Telly I have. I've always had RWD vehicles in the past so this FWD/AWD thing is all new to me. This is also my first new car, and I plan on keeping it for the long-run so I still have some time to consider any and all future replacement parts/upgrades.

Regarding future upgrades, Monroe shocks have a great reputation. I don't know anything about Gabriels, but if they can be air adjustable, that could definitely be in the cards down the road. Yeah, any replacement would probably be beyond the Kia warranty, so with shocks/struts, I'd have to figure out total cost plus labor (unless I gain more mechanic/car repair skills and experience in the 10 years leading up to this future replacement/upgrade). Too many economics classes have damaged my brain. I have to kick myself multiple times for sub-optimal decisions now that make future decisions more expensive.

And I'm supposed to be a Judgement and Decision Making guy. Sheesh. I still have a lot to learn from you. Thanks for sharing so much useful info over all those threads and now in this one

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