After market hitch

[dpyzono]

Sorry guys, been out of the loop. Had a medical issue. I will post pics tomorrow. Yes I had to cut cover. For after market I think it looks very good and nice fit. No ground clearance issue and nothing exposed. The plug even is hidden well.

 

[Some guy who left]

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[Icantelluride]

It looks like the etrailer picture (see attached) shows a notch cut into the bumper cover to fit the Curt that hangs below the bumper.

From what I have seen these are the popular options, ordering is not meant to mean anything:

1. The OEM look embedded in the bumper and higher off the ground.
- The Kia kit appears to be the only option for this look, all aftermarket options to date leave the bumper cover because the opening for the hitch is below the actual bumper.
- It is available online or from dealers, I've found purchasing the three part numbers was cheaper than the one "kit" part number for all three parts.
- If installed after vehicle delivery you remove the bumper cover and replace it with a black insert.

2. Curt makes part #13420 that is a round tube
- With a tube, perspective is more discrete but the fascia may require a little trimming
- It does sit lower than the OEM, but that could be overcome with a curved ball mount if you need height for the hitch ball

3. Draw-Tite use to make a part #76403 that is a square tube
- Typically square bars are more visible than round
- Based on the instructions it also requires minor fascia trimming (instructions say a 1" x 5.5" cut)
- Also sold as Reese #84403 (Both Draw-Tite and Reese are owned by a parent company called Horizon Global that also owns Tekonsha products and Hidden Hitch brands)
- Also sits lower than the OEM but could probably fit a curved ball mount

4. Draw-Tite now advertises part #76420 that is still a square tube
- The installation instructions don't mention any cutting required (I presume they just made the neck part an inch or two longer)
- Also sold as Reese #84420
- Also sits lower than the OEM but could probably fit a curved ball mount

5. Stealth Hitch part #391KIATELL20 + #391CONVPT5L
- Sold as the Stealth Hitch Telluride Rack Pkg or Combo Pkg
- One part is just the hitch if you just want to use it for a bike rack, the other package includes the towing parts
- The bar installs behind the bumper cover and the receiver "goose neck" part can be removed when not towing so it looks like no kit is installed.
- Does sit lower than the bumper but no cutting required
- Probably on the more expensive side

6. Back in Aug 2019 I found this option in Quebec.

Uhaul advertises three options: Curt 13420, Draw-Tite 76403, or Draw-Tite 76420. If you contact UHaul they might be able to supply some installation pictures.

I did see read some notes of the aftermarket options only fitting the Telluride with the donut spare. I was not aware that there was a difference in spare tires between the trims, but it could be that Tellurides shipped out of the US had a different spec for spare tires. I'm not sure how a full spare would fit with the muffler.

I've owned Curt hitches in the past, but out of necessity had to buy the Kia kit since these options weren't out when I needed to tow. But if you are looking for an aftermarket hitch that is affordable, and you don't want to cut any plastic and you are okay if the square tube is visible some, you may want to look at either the Draw-Tite 76420 or the Reese 84420. And if you want to pay for the install and not worry about the DIY, UHaul does it for $260-285 in parts and might charge you $100-150 to put it in. If you are looking for the towing ability with no trace of the tow package it's going to cost $600-900 in parts.

As for 4-pin wiring I've seen Tekonsha (part #118784) has a plug and play 4-pin flat harness now as an aftermarket option to the Kia part #. As discussed in other posts on this forum there is no plug and play options for a brake controller harness. It must be hardwired/spliced.

I just want to allay any fears one might have cutting into their $40K+ vehicle to install the Curt Hitch. The instructions were perfect with regards to the location to cut and it was super easy with the Dremel Tool. I think it is very hard to tell that I had to make any cuts.

 

[BPS725]

I installed a under the bumper draw-tite hitch. I have always use Curt hitches. The Draw Tite is the worst hitch I have ever installed and after three calls to them I have received no call backs. Nothing lined up at all.

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[Icantelluride]

I installed a under the bumper draw-tite hitch. I have always use Curt hitches. The Draw Tite is the worst hitch I have ever installed and after three calls to them I have received no call backs. Nothing lined up at all.

That's infuriating. Everything lined up for the most part with the Curt but had to keep everything really loose and use a little force to get a couple bolts in but once I did that everything tightened up fine.

 

[2020Telly]

I installed a under the bumper draw-tite hitch. I have always use Curt hitches. The Draw Tite is the worst hitch I have ever installed and after three calls to them I have received no call backs. Nothing lined up at all.

I’m sorry to hear that. I’m curious, what part # did you buy? Early in I saw a Draw-Tite #76403 But now it seems this is what is being sold #76420. I wonder if you have the old one?

 

[carlz]

My Kia dealer is trying to charge me $1295 to install the OEM hitch/harness/bumper plate- seems incredibly steep given that I can buy the parts myself for $650 here. He said labor was about $300 which I still don't get how that ends up at almost $1300.

 

[alexdrums]

My Kia dealer is trying to charge me $1295 to install the OEM hitch/harness/bumper plate- seems incredibly steep given that I can buy the parts myself for $650 here. He said labor was about $300 which I still don't get how that ends up at almost $1300.

Your instinct is correct...it’s a rip off!

P.S. You might be able to get the parts even cheaper from another dealer. In fact, go directly to the parts department at THAT dealer and ask them how much they are.

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[tom141]

I installed a Curt hitch to my S back in March. It is pretty easy to do but you will need a helping hand when installing it. You can view the result here

What did you do to your Telluride today?

Just ordered LED Licence plate light to help with reverse camera lighting and aftermarket mood lighting kit. Will post pics afterwards.

tellurideforum.org

 

[pacaherder]

I bought the draw tite from e trailer less than an hour to instal. Extra pair of hands extremely helpful. No cutting. The tekonsha 4 pt plug super easy. Just received the 7pt plug. will let you know how that goes

 

[kiagirl]

I bought the draw tite from e trailer less than an hour to instal. Extra pair of hands extremely helpful. No cutting. The tekonsha 4 pt plug super easy. Just received the 7pt plug. will let you know how that goes

Pacaherder, I have an appointment for a draw tite hitch to be installed at our local place, but I am wondering if he is going to have to cut the back panel and if that is the best hitch to buy. I am rethinking this hitch issue, and would prefer a hidden hitch if possible. He said he would have to raise the exhaust, does that sound right? And I didn't even think to ask him about the spare tire! Yikes, does Draw Tite make a hidden hitch similar to the Stealth hitch? Does anybody here know? Thanks in advance

 

[kiagirl]

Thanks to all the posters for information about choosing the right hitch. I had an appointment for the Draw Tite, and just switched to the Stealth, I hope that one looks as unobtrusive as I am hoping.

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[edsteel1]

Do you know if the stealth hitch will fit a 2021? Says 2020

 

[2020Telly]

Do you know if the stealth hitch will fit a 2021? Says 2020

Yes it will.

 

[edsteel1]

Yes it will.

Thank you. I'm going to be towing a small boat so it will be around $900 for it. About 400-500 more for a stealth look. Is it worth it? I want to pull the trigger but thinking I'm over doing it....

 

[qwikhit]

There are YouTube videos showing a stealth hitch on a Telluride; looks good with the cover plate that goes on

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[jazzyone]

Thank you. I'm going to be towing a small boat so it will he around $900 for it. About 400-500 more for a stealth look. Is it worth it? I want to pull the trigger but thinking I'm over doing it....

See here. Stealth Hitch Tow Package with 7-Way Wiring

 

[therightmove502]

As mentioned earlier, the Stealth Hitch could be your answer. I have one and its really nice. Easy install. It is a bit pricey though around $500

Has anyone been able to find a low profile after market hitch that is recessed into the bumper? I find this get the tow package with my purchase but now I am in need for one. The factory kits are priced around $650. All others that are less expensive sit below the bumper.

So if you look on kias website the hitch is $426 with installation bumber cover is $46 I bought an aftermarket harness for $30 plug and play. Im in about $530 total with installation for OEM.

 

[edsteel1]

So if you look on kias website the hitch is $426 with installation bumber cover is $46 I bought an aftermarket harness for $30 plug and play. Im in about $530 total with installation for OEM.

Can you link where it is with installation included? Thanks!

 

[PittPa]

So if you look on kias website the hitch is $426 with installation bumber cover is $46 I bought an aftermarket harness for $30 plug and play. Im in about $530 total with installation for OEM.

Shop around and you can get it down to $450 all with OE parts other that the harness which is plug and play. One issue I liked about the OE hitch is it is at the height the hitch was designed for and comes out through the bumper. No ground clearance reduced or dragging chains.