How To: Full Tow Hitch Install

[PittPa]

I haven't been able to find much about the wiring for 2021. I know they switched to 7 pin. I would think its just a matter of time that 3rd parties come out with one if the only choice is the dealership

 

[gronkeypunch]

Thanks PittPA - your post was the most helpful in hours of searching. I went with Curt harness and the hitch w/cover on eBay. I like the finished factory look

 

[thehellyouride]

Hi all Telluriders, firstly, as a new member and first-time poster, hello and thank you for all your posts. This forum definitely helped me pull the trigger on leasing a 2021 Ebony Black Nightsky (I'm in Toronto, Canada). I am planning to install a Curt hitch at U-Haul for a bike rack (so no wiring), which is significantly cheaper than the original Kia one. My question is regarding the removable cover that detaches from the bottom of the bumper.
Being a lease, I suppose I'll be removing the hitch at the end of the lease period. As such, if during the install that cover is cut off in order to fit the hitch, when I uninstall the hitch and re-install the cover, it will a square cut-off. Returning the vehicle with a piece of the bumper missing will certainly raise some eyebrows and I'm sure they´ll charge me for that. So the way I see it, and please correct me if I miss anything, my options are (1) leave the cover off once the hitch is installed (ugly), (2) buy the black hitch cover shown in previous posts (it has a wiring section which I won´t be using, so it's not a clean look and I think I read here that it won't fit with the Curt hitch anyway), (3) buy an OE cover to replace the cut-off one when I remove the hitch at the end of the lease, and (4) just don't bother and return the vehicle with the hitch installed (which I'm sure in this case nobody will complain about the cut-off cover).

If I do decide to buy a replacement cover, does anyone know if the correct P/N for the original cover? The P/N S9F61 AU060 I found has contradicting photos on whether it's the original or the hitch version (see photos below, same P/N but different covers).

Also, does the OE cover replacement part differ in color if it's for a Nightsky/Nightfall (whether black or any other) or any of the other editions? Does it need to be painted accordingly, or do all models have the same color cover?

Thanks!

 

[PittPa]

You can buy the replacement part you cut out all day on sites like Ebay. In fact, thats where I sold mine. Aftermarket hitches won't work with the Kia plate. I think most lease returns won't care but you don't know. You might want to just go with the KIA hitch and turn it back with it on if you aren't planning on reselling. It's not that much more for saving you the labor and time. Or just go without the cover and keep it for replacing after removing the hitch. It's all black there so not much to see.

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[thehellyouride]

You can buy the replacement part you cut out all day on sites like Ebay. In fact, thats where I sold mine. Aftermarket hitches won't work with the Kia plate. I think most lease returns won't care but you don't know. You might want to just go with the KIA hitch and turn it back with it on if you aren't planning on reselling. It's not that much more for saving you the labor and time. Or just go without the cover and keep it for replacing after removing the hitch. It's all black there so not much to see.

Thanks! I guess whoever is selling their original cover on Ebay is using the box for the Kia hitch cover, hence my confusion with the P/N. I suspect you can't get that original cover as a separate part. And I checked some images and videos, and sure enough the black Nightfall/Nightsky have a black cover (makes sense). I think I may pick one up on Ebay and just spray paint it black. Then reinstall the original one when I return my lease without the hitch.

 

[PittPa]

Thanks! I guess whoever is selling their original cover on Ebay is using the box for the Kia hitch cover, hence my confusion with the P/N. I suspect you can't get that original cover as a separate part. And I checked some images and videos, and sure enough the black Nightfall/Nightsky have a black cover (makes sense). I think I may pick one up on Ebay and just spray paint it black. Then reinstall the original one when I return my lease without the hitch.

That sounds great!

 

[Devo565]

@Dmac55555 what k-logo replacement badges do you have and where did you get them? I like yours because they retain the gloss black OEM finish around the silver K. A lot of the other ones are just flat black.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[FeilnerGGEX]

I can only suspect because I haven't put my eyes on it, but I think that part number includes 2 cables. One is the 7-pin round that gets installed next to the hitch 2" square receiver and goes back to the 12-pin molex style connector behind the rear left wheel. If you order the tow option or two package from the dealer on a 2021 that gets pre-installed. The other cable is the one that goes in the cabin and is used to power up the traditional style aftermarket wired controller at a location of your choosing. I don't think that gets installed, I think they just supply it in the glove box in case you want to use it.

If you have a 2021 that did not come with the tow option (nor the tow package), I think this is what you need to add the tow option yourself with a wireless brake controller:

• S9F67AC500 - 7-pin harness for 2021 only (~$150)
• S9F61AU000 - Hitch Receiver (2020 or 2021 for ~$290)
• S9F61AU060 - Bumper cover for Telluride (2020 or 2021 for ~$50)
• Aftermarket Wireless Brake Controller (something like a Curt Echo or a Tekonsha Prodigy RF)
• Highly Recommended - Make sure whatever you are towing has a weight distribution system and even anti-sway bar
• Optional - aftermarket 7-pin round to 4-pin flat adapter if you plan to ever tow something small without a brake, or a trailer with hydraulic (non-electric brakes), these are normally about $10
• Optional - hitch tightener or silencer, usually around $20 and not required but it dampens some of the rattle noise of the hitch when driving
• Optional - you could have the hitch welded to the frame rather than bolted
• Optional - if you want to prevent rear sag (will not substitute weight distribution) you can get an air bag lift system

If you go with all the optional stuff above, I believe you have a superior towing solution to the towing package from Kia with the OEM look. At a minimum, the parts for the 2021 tow option can be had for $490 and DIY installation is not impossible.

I have a 2021 but not manufactured tow package. I did have dealership install hitch and 4 pin wiring (he said that was all that was available and I didn’t research enough) but we need a 7 pin for wiring our new camper. We know nothing about towing...is there a “plug and play” option for converting a 4 to 7 pin?
Will any of this void our warranty?

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[2020Telly]

I have a 2021 but not manufactured tow package. I did have dealership install hitch and 4 pin wiring (he said that was all that was available and I didn’t research enough) but we need a 7 pin for wiring our new camper. We know nothing about towing...is there a “plug and play” option for converting a 4 to 7 pin?
Will any of this void our warranty?

You basically have two options since you have the 2021.

1. 2021 Plug N Play - Ditch the 4-pin Kia Harness that came with the 2020 that your Kia dealership sold you. Order the 2021 7-pin harness and plug it in yourself or have a camper dealer do it. It's really simple to do, just requires a screw driver to remove the dust cover box. This allows you to plug right in and no splicing required. (This is not possible on the 2020).
2. Splice required - Buy a universal 7-pin adapter and splice in the wires on the other side of where the current 4-pin is connect to. Then you will also have to splice in at the cabin if you go wired break controller, but you don't have to run a wire to the battery like the 2020 owners need to and you don't have to make a hole in your firewall. (This is cheaper, but also more risky and you can't easily remove it if the harness ever goes bad.)

Neither option if properly installed will void your warranty. Even if you had an electrical problem you are protected by federal law where the dealer has to provide to you proof why this simple install broke something in the electrical system. Most good dealers will just tell you where the problem is and help you to remove the aftermarket harness before they help you solve the other problem if it arises. If you have the Kia plug and play, and have electrical issues, it won't even be an issue.

Most importantly, you need a brake controller. The connection and wiring is only part of it. If your camper has a 7-pin then it likely doesn't use surge brakes and you need something to tell the brakes when to run. Even if you didn't buy the tow package and you are modifying with the tow option after the purchase, from your questions and because you said you are new to towing, you still should read this: If you purchased the Tow Package please read this . . .

By the way, I'm not a fan of the self-leveling shocks. So the aftermarket purchase of the tow option is completely fine. Depending on your camper size and weight you really should look at a weight distribution system.

 

[jeffo65]

Can someone post a picture of what is included in the

Tow Hitch Harness 7 - Kia (S9F67-AC500)​

I have looked on the web and cannot find a picture.

 

[2020Telly]

Can someone post a picture of what is included in the

Tow Hitch Harness 7 - Kia (S9F67-AC500)​

I have looked on the web and cannot find a picture.

I think it's basically two parts. One is the 7-pin connector that screws right into the OEM Hitch mount for the connection then wires back to the 12-pin connection under a dust cover behind the left rear fender. The other part is the optional wire for the cabin for a wired brake controller. If you get a wireless brake controller you don't need this, but if you get a wired one, this enables you to connect the power to the controller and connect to the vehicle's wiring harness that goes back to the 12-pin connection in the back.

Towing

Hi - I know there are a lot of threads here related to towing. I recently purchased my Telluride and am looking to hooking up tow hitch so I can eventually purchase a small camper trailer (likely less than 2,500 lbs). I've read on here that the tow hitches I can get at the dealership are a...

tellurideforum.org

 

[jeffo65]

I think it's basically two parts. One is the 7-pin connector that screws right into the OEM Hitch mount for the connection then wires back to the 12-pin connection under a dust cover behind the left rear fender. The other part is the optional wire for the cabin for a wired brake controller. If you get a wireless brake controller you don't need this, but if you get a wired one, this enables you to connect the power to the controller and connect to the vehicle's wiring harness that goes back to the 12-pin connection in the back.

Towing

Hi - I know there are a lot of threads here related to towing. I recently purchased my Telluride and am looking to hooking up tow hitch so I can eventually purchase a small camper trailer (likely less than 2,500 lbs). I've read on here that the tow hitches I can get at the dealership are a...

tellurideforum.org

Yes, that is what I figured. Does the 7 pin pigtail include the 4 pin still, or do you lose the 4 pin? I guess I should have worded my original question differently.

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[2020Telly]

Yes, that is what I figured. Does the 7 pin pigtail include the 4 pin still, or do you lose the 4 pin? I guess I should have worded my original question differently.

You lose the 4-pin. But that's a simple $10 fix. You can have 4, 5 and 7 pin with this adapter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082VV29H...olid=3HM2G7FEHQTV7&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[2020Telly]

I see from your signature that you have a 2020. If that's the case you may not want to get the 2021 7-pin harness for your 2020 since you will still need to splice and run extra wires.

Take a look at this and it will give you both a 4-pin and 7-pin connection on a 2020:

The story of installing a 7-way connector on a 2020 Telluride

I have a 2020 Kia Telluride (SX AWD with tow package). I was in need to replace the factory-installed 4-pin connector with a 7-pin in order to utilize the spec-declared 5000lbs towing capacity. According to the User Manual, max towing capacity of 5000lbs can only be achieved when using the...

tellurideforum.org

 

[Wiluride]

So, I've read through this, but not sure I comprehend everything I have read just yet. Let me start with explaining my situation and what I think I know, after that, maybe someone can help me fill in the blanks or better understand how best to get to where I want to be.

First, I have a 2021 Telluride, AWD S model , no towing package. I want to add a tow hitch and wiring for at least a 4-pin connection. I'm contemplating , adding some air-lift bags (not just for towing, but in case I have a full vehicle and want to level it out ). Originally I was going to buy a Curt hitch, and install that myself, but I actually like the looks of the Kia hitch much better, and like that the Kia hitch doesn't hang down below the stock bumper cover's height. I don't really need a 7 pin electrical connection, but may in the future so sort of lean toward the 7-pin.

I will rarely even pull a trailer, typically it would be under 3000 lbs, and probably be under 2000 pounds, but would love to be able to pull close to 5000 in a pinch ( for short distances ). I live in Michigan and am not super concerned about having a 7-pin short term and feel I could get by with 4-pin for 99% of my towing needs.

What I'm a little confused about...

2021 Tellurides are or aren't setup to more easily use a 7-pin trailer connector/controller??? That is, from what I read, it seems like the wiring near the rear tail lights, is different than the wiring on the 2020 models, and this somehow makes the ability to wire in a 7-pin connector less difficult? If so, should I bite the bullet and buy the wiring harness from Kia, the one that is like $140, and is specific to the 2021 ( I think ) ?

If the above is true, with regard to the 2021 wiring and/or ability to handle the 7-pin, does the Curt 4-pin adapter still work on a 2021?

Lastly, is the Kia hitch/receiver rated to actually tow 5000 lbs? I assume it is, since they clearly claim a Telluride can tow up to 5000 lbs. So, does that mean the tongue weight can handle 500 pounds? or what is the max tongue weight of the Kia OEM hitch/receiver?

I guess that's it for now. I may have more questions depending on answers to these questions.

 

[2020Telly]

So, I've read through this, but not sure I comprehend everything I have read just yet. Let me start with explaining my situation and what I think I know, after that, maybe someone can help me fill in the blanks or better understand how best to get to where I want to be.

First, I have a 2021 Telluride, AWD S model , no towing package. I want to add a tow hitch and wiring for at least a 4-pin connection. I'm contemplating , adding some air-lift bags (not just for towing, but in case I have a full vehicle and want to level it out ). Originally I was going to buy a Curt hitch, and install that myself, but I actually like the looks of the Kia hitch much better, and like that the Kia hitch doesn't hang down below the stock bumper cover's height. I don't really need a 7 pin electrical connection, but may in the future so sort of lean toward the 7-pin.

I will rarely even pull a trailer, typically it would be under 3000 lbs, and probably be under 2000 pounds, but would love to be able to pull close to 5000 in a pinch ( for short distances ). I live in Michigan and am not super concerned about having a 7-pin short term and feel I could get by with 4-pin for 99% of my towing needs.

What I'm a little confused about...

2021 Tellurides are or aren't setup to more easily use a 7-pin trailer connector/controller??? That is, from what I read, it seems like the wiring near the rear tail lights, is different than the wiring on the 2020 models, and this somehow makes the ability to wire in a 7-pin connector less difficult? If so, should I bite the bullet and buy the wiring harness from Kia, the one that is like $140, and is specific to the 2021 ( I think ) ?

If the above is true, with regard to the 2021 wiring and/or ability to handle the 7-pin, does the Curt 4-pin adapter still work on a 2021?

Lastly, is the Kia hitch/receiver rated to actually tow 5000 lbs? I assume it is, since they clearly claim a Telluride can tow up to 5000 lbs. So, does that mean the tongue weight can handle 500 pounds? or what is the max tongue weight of the Kia OEM hitch/receiver?

I guess that's it for now. I may have more questions depending on answers to these questions.

• You don't need the towing package. In the long run you can get something aftermarket for leveling that will be less expensive to maintain.
• The Kia OEM hitch is embedded in the bumper, you will need three parts, the hitch itself, the fascia/bumper cover, and a wiring harness
• Since you have the 2021 you have two options for the harness, a 4-pin flat (Kia or aftermarket, aftermarket is better) OR the 7-pin round (consider spending a little more and go with the Kia 7-pin harness since you have a 2021 it will be plug-n-play)
• Putting on a universal 7-pin on a 2021 will work but it means you have to splice when splicing is not required. It is a cheaper way to install and done properly is fine, but not as easy to remove if something goes wrong. More people will be able to plug in the 7-pin from Kia themselves vs. splicing into the vehicle harness on the other side of the connection.
• If you get the 7-pin round and you want to tow with a 4-pin flat then you need an adapter.
• If you think you will need just a 4-pin for a while, then get the aftermarket ones available that are plug-n-play for both the 2020 or the 2021. The issue is the vehicle harness in the 2020 is missing wires that take you to the front of the vehicle for the 7-pin, but all the wiring is there for the 4-pin.
• The $40 aftermarket 4-pin harnesses are better than the Kia one because they are rated for a higher amperage. So they can drive more lights especially for older trailers that aren't using LEDs. They are also a third the price of the Kia one rated for lower amperage.
• The Kia hitch is rated for at least 500/5,000. The limitation is always going to be the vehicle in this case. Some aftermarket hitches are rated for 600/6,000 but that doesn't matter because you have to abide by the lowest rating.

As for if you need a 7-pin or or not, it's important to remember the issue is not the number of wires, the issue is will your trailer have electronic brakes. Then the next question is what gets most novice folks, are the brakes hydraulic/surge brakes or electronic brakes? If you are towing a trailer with electronic brakes then you need a brake controller. You can still tow above 3,000 pounds with just a 4-pin legally across the country if your trailer has surge brakes. That's how UHaul is able to rent trailers to people without a 7-pin. Then when you start shopping for a brake controller after you determine you will need it there are a few different options other than the traditional wired in the cab. You can mount some on the trailer or use a wireless at the hitch 7-pin connection. But you still need to supply an electric signal to the trailer from the 7-pin even if the controller is mounted on the trailer if it is electronic.

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[Wiluride]

• You don't need the towing package. In the long run you can get something aftermarket for leveling that will be less expensive to maintain.
• The Kia OEM hitch is embedded in the bumper, you will need three parts, the hitch itself, the fascia/bumper cover, and a wiring harness
• Since you have the 2021 you have two options for the harness, a 4-pin flat (Kia or aftermarket, aftermarket is better) OR the 7-pin round (consider spending a little more and go with the Kia 7-pin harness since you have a 2021 it will be plug-n-play)
• Putting on a universal 7-pin on a 2021 will work but it means you have to splice when splicing is not required. It is a cheaper way to install and done properly is fine, but not as easy to remove if something goes wrong. More people will be able to plug in the 7-pin from Kia themselves vs. splicing into the vehicle harness on the other side of the connection.
• If you get the 7-pin round and you want to tow with a 4-pin flat then you need an adapter.
• If you think you will need just a 4-pin for a while, then get the aftermarket ones available that are plug-n-play for both the 2020 or the 2021. The issue is the vehicle harness in the 2020 is missing wires that take you to the front of the vehicle for the 7-pin, but all the wiring is there for the 4-pin.
• The $40 aftermarket 4-pin harnesses are better than the Kia one because they are rated for a higher amperage. So they can drive more lights especially for older trailers that aren't using LEDs. They are also a third the price of the Kia one rated for lower amperage.
• The Kia hitch is rated for at least 500/5,000. The limitation is always going to be the vehicle in this case. Some aftermarket hitches are rated for 600/6,000 but that doesn't matter because you have to abide by the lowest rating.

As for if you need a 7-pin or or not, it's important to remember the issue is not the number of wires, the issue is will your trailer have electronic brakes. Then the next question is what gets most novice folks, are the brakes hydraulic/surge brakes or electronic brakes? If you are towing a trailer with electronic brakes then you need a brake controller. You can still tow above 3,000 pounds with just a 4-pin legally across the country if your trailer has surge brakes. That's how UHaul is able to rent trailers to people without a 7-pin. Then when you start shopping for a brake controller after you determine you will need it there are a few different options other than the traditional wired in the cab. You can mount some on the trailer or use a wireless at the hitch 7-pin connection. But you still need to supply an electric signal to the trailer from the 7-pin even if the controller is mounted on the trailer if it is electronic.

Ah, thank you for that wonderful post, it clears up and/or confirms some things that I wasn't sure about. I believe I'll just go all in with the Kia stuff, including the 7-Pin directly from Kia, I don't want to have to get under there more than once , if I can help it.

One of the only remaining questions, is more of a curiosity ... But am I to understand that if I go with the Kia 7-pin, a trailer with electronic brakes and the Kia OEM 7-pin, do you still need something else , that would allow you to adjust the strength of the braking from within the vehicle, or is that all done in some other magical (automatic, without some additional components ) way?

Thanks again, your post was very well thought out and implemented, hopefully others besides me can benefit from it too.

 

[2020Telly]

Ah, thank you for that wonderful post, it clears up and/or confirms some things that I wasn't sure about. I believe I'll just go all in with the Kia stuff, including the 7-Pin directly from Kia, I don't want to have to get under there more than once , if I can help it.

One of the only remaining questions, is more of a curiosity ... But am I to understand that if I go with the Kia 7-pin, a trailer with electronic brakes and the Kia OEM 7-pin, do you still need something else , that would allow you to adjust the strength of the braking from within the vehicle, or is that all done in some other magical (automatic, without some additional components ) way?

Thanks again, your post was very well thought out and implemented, hopefully others besides me can benefit from it too.

Glad it helped.

As to whether you need something else, it really all depends on what you are towing and how balanced the cargo is (also how much weight you have with cargo and passengers in the Telluride when you are towing). I have towed with a 5x8 utility trailer just fine. One situation required a little more planning, when I loaded an entire pallet of 65 bags of mulch which stood taller than the top of my Telluride. I put the pallet right over the 3,500lb rated HD trailer axle on 15" wheels with tires filled to the max PSI and drove home slowly with the hazards on and I was fine. But I would not have tried that on the highway. If your trailer and cargo is balanced well enough you might be fine. If not you might want to look at a weight distribution system to help level out the load and that might fix some sag issues to a point. I'm still uncertain so to whether or not you need a WDS with antisway or one without. I don't have any direction from Kia as to whether the Trailer Stability Assist feature is to prevent the Telluride from swaying or the trailer. I think going with a WDS without antisway is probably more than adequate. Also, it should go without saying, but proper and safe towing requires max inflation on the trailer tires and making sure you have good tread on the Telluride's tires and not under inflated. Even with AWD the traction is only trying to complement the traction you get from the tires touching the pavement. Bad tires on an AWD gives you no added advantage over a FWD with great traction tires. All Tellruides (AWD and FWD) come with Torque Vectoring Cornering Control which by most accounts seems to be brake based at all four wheels, so you should get added stability when towing, again, assuming you have good tires. Here's another related post that may be of interest to you: Max towing safely is only 3500 lbs - prove me wrong

As a side note, I don't own any horses, but I've learned on this forum how it is that Kia can advertise a horse trailer being towed by the Telluride from others on this forum who actually own horses. It turns out that horse trailers are surprisingly light and they have 2 axels toward the back of the trailer so when you have 1 or 2 horses in the trailer it distributes the weight and balances out pretty well while staying under 500lb tongue weight and under 5,000lb max weight. So you might not need a WDS when towing with the appropriate enclosed horse trailer. But in most states because of the weight they may still require trailer brakes.

 

[Wiluride]

I'll read through that other thread, that looks to have a lot of good information there.

For me personally, I don't really expect to be pulling much more than 3000 pounds and never really expected to pull above that , regardless of the 5000 lb. that Kia advertises.. My only issue for a vehicle of this sort, was that I didn't want one with like a 2500 lb. limit, as that would not really fit my needs for a vehicle. My main trailering needs are a 5x8 utility trailer, with a 3500 axle, it doesn't have any brakes on it, but if I were to ever start hauling more than a ton for short distances, I'd likely buy a new trailer that had brakes, etc... Having said that, I don't want to rule out the possibility that I may borrow someone else's trailer that does have brakes on it, and I would like the option to deal with that.

So, bottom line for me, is that I feel the Telluride will fit my needs very well, especially now that I'm aware the 2021 I have can get the 7-pin connected right from the start.

 

[2020Telly]

I'll read through that other thread, that looks to have a lot of good information there.

For me personally, I don't really expect to be pulling much more than 3000 pounds and never really expected to pull above that , regardless of the 5000 lb. that Kia advertises.. My only issue for a vehicle of this sort, was that I didn't want one with like a 2500 lb. limit, as that would not really fit my needs for a vehicle. My main trailering needs are a 5x8 utility trailer, with a 3500 axle, it doesn't have any brakes on it, but if I were to ever start hauling more than a ton for short distances, I'd likely buy a new trailer that had brakes, etc... Having said that, I don't want to rule out the possibility that I may borrow someone else's trailer that does have brakes on it, and I would like the option to deal with that.

So, bottom line for me, is that I feel the Telluride will fit my needs very well, especially now that I'm aware the 2021 I have can get the 7-pin connected right from the start.

I'm in exactly the same situation except I have a 2020 FWD S. But my needs are identical. I just have a slightly more complicated path to get the 7-pin on the back than you. I guess my pain is your gain. Don't forget though, if you borrow someone else's trailer you still need a brake controller. The e-brakes on the trailer won't work without one. I think that's one of the points that Kia and dealers are missing to point that out to buyers new to towing.