a Towing Question

[Mike007]

I have an estimated date to take delivery of my Telluride in late March – early April. I also have a couple of spring fishing trips scheduled for April 17th and again the next weekend and need to tow my boat approx. 400 miles round trip each time.

Does Kia recommend a breaking in period on the Telluride before it tows anything? It has been 10 years since my last new vehicle but somewhere in my mind I recall being told to drive the vehicle a certain way for the first 500 miles or so.

Also boat weight is under 1,000 lbs.

 

[Jpzy17]

They advise against towing for the first 1200 miles. Below is from the manual:

No special break-in period is needed. By following a few simple precautions for the first 600 miles (1,000km) you may add to the performance, economy and life of your vehicle.

Do not race the engine.

• While driving, keep your engine speed (rpm, or revolutions per minute) between 2,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm.
• Do not maintain a single speed for long periods of time, either fast or slow. Varying engine speed is needed to properly break-in the engine.
• Avoid hard stops, except in emergencies, to allow the brakes to seat properly.
• Don't tow a trailer during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of operation.

 

[DarkMossJustin]

I have an estimated date to take delivery of my Telluride in late March – early April. I also have a couple of spring fishing trips scheduled for April 17th and again the next weekend and need to tow my boat approx. 400 miles round trip each time.

Does Kia recommend a breaking in period on the Telluride before it tows anything? It has been 10 years since my last new vehicle but somewhere in my mind I recall being told to drive the vehicle a certain way for the first 500 miles or so.

Also boat weight is under 1,000 lbs.

Don’t worry. You can do 1,200 miles over a really fun weekend. Enjoy towing for your fishing trip the moment the odometer gets to 1,201

 

[Mike007]

well that stinks. Even if i get it delivered late march normal driving will only put on 280 mi in a month since I work 7 days a week until April 15.

looks like I will be owning two vehicles for a while.

______________________________

 

[2020Telly]

well that stinks. Even if i get it delivered late march normal driving will only put on 280 mi in a month since I work 7 days a week until April 15.

looks like I will be owning two vehicles for a while.

If you were towing something other than 1,000 lb boat I would be concerned. But at most you are probably putting only 200-225 lbs of tongue weight. I think you are safe to tow a small boat with less than 1,200 miles.

It’s more important to break in the engine and not push it at a high speed. Most people drive slower when towing just don’t try to go 75mph+ and you will be fine. I recommend to try your best to let the engine warm up, gradually accelerate and decelerate as smoothly as possible, don’t go too fast and avoid hard breaking. A long trip is a great way to break in the engine over a bunch of small trips around town where you start and stop the engine. Don’t forget to check your tire pressure.

Right after I bought mine I put on a roof cargo carrier and added several hundred pounds of cargo and passengers on a road trip and all turned out fine.