If you purchased the Tow Package please read this . . .

[2020Telly]

I'm just going to put this out there. Many of you have seen my numerous posts about towing and I can't help but think that there are some Telluride buyers that aren't being informed properly by the manual and the dealers on some important safety basics regarding towing.

Suspension upgrades like self-leveling shocks and air bags do not replace the need for proper weight management and using a weight distribution system. Anyone who sold you the tow package under the premise that it will be safer to tow with has likely never towed anything large and should not have misled you.

The fact is that the leveling feature is fine when you are carrying cargo and passengers to address sag, but it creates three main problems when towing:

1. You could be making it worse: By raising the back end you are putting pressure on the axle, that is the opposite of what you are trying to do when approaching 5,000 lbs. Yes, this means that with self-leveling suspension shocks you are actually putting MORE pressure on your rear axle by pushing up than if you didn't have the shocks and let it sag.
2. You could be hiding a problem: Simply by raising the rear end of the vehicle, if the shocks get activated, you may be hiding how bad your weight distribution is both in the vehicle and at the tongue weight.
3. You could be complicating proper towing configuration: Having self-leveling shocks means that you have to drive with weight over them for the shocks to "activate" which makes it a little more complicated to configure your hitch level with your weight distribution. This doesn't mean you can't, it just means you have to educate yourself more and be more careful when configuring as opposed to when you have standard shocks.

Leveling systems are meant to address the following: rear sag when driving, lowered drag, headlight beam direction. They do not improve towing capacity and other than preventing your headlights from pointing slightly up will not add to more safety when towing. Too much weight over your rear axle when driving especially down hills, changing lanes, bad whether or on curvy roads can lead to life threatening injuries. If you still don't think so, just google "trailer towing failure videos".

We can have a healthy debate all day long as to whether self-leveling shocks to correct sag should be marketed as a tow package and we probably won't change our opinions . . . but the three facts above are definitely something you should read and consider so that you don't put yourself and other people on the road at risk. Having good tires to improve traction and grip on the road are also very important. We can also debate as to whether AWD gives any towing benefit over FWD . . . but general concepts of weight distribution when towing apply the same regardless of your transmission. You want to take the stress off the back and distribute to the front because that is where the weight of the engine and steering are and having 4 tires help with braking and handling is better than relying on the rear 2 tires to do most of the work.

I think there is a lot of focus on 4-pin vs. 7-pin | trailer brakes or not | hydraulic vs. electronic brakes but all of those areas sometimes miss the point to newer people that are just starting out in towing the weight aspect of your towing load is paramount for safety. Regardless of how lenient state laws might be for towing, the fact is those laws are written for that particular state and same states are more flat than others. BUT people often travel when they tow boats and campers so you aren't always going to be safe if you simply follow the law for your home state.

When do you need weight distribution? When do you need a Weight Distribution System?
You always need proper weight distribution. Even when using a small utility trailer, putting a heavier load near the front, over the axle or on the rear of the trailer makes a dramatic effect on the impact of the towing vehicle. You should always try to put the weight over the trailer axle and stay within that max capacity. In my opinion, if you are regularly towing more than 2,500 lbs you should consider a weight distribution system. Smaller trailers and shorter campers often have a higher relative tongue weight because longer and multi-axle trailers are already distributing some of their weight.

When do you need trailer brakes?
Every state is a little different, but according to the Kia Telluride manual you should have trailer brakes between 1,651 - 5,000 lbs. The manual says up to 1,650 lbs the Telluride can tow without brakes.

Why doesn't the Kia Manual talk about Electronic brakes? Can I tow up to 5,000 lbs with a 4-pin?
If you have hydraulic brakes on your trailer (common on UHaul rental trailers under 5,000 lbs) you can technically tow with a 4-pin and still be legal and within spec. If your trailer has electronic brakes the 4-pin connection is not enough. Most states do the same as Kia and specify "trailer brake" not distinguishing between hydraulic vs electronic. This is how UHaul lets people rent trailers nationwide and you can tow with just a 4-pin when moving.

Does the Self-Leveling Suspension improve towing capacity?
Regardless of what some dealer sites and third party articles talking about the Telluride's tow package giving you 5,000 lbs . . . the tow package does not give you this. According to spec, all trims, even the FWD LX have a 5,000 lbs max towing capacity with the OEM hitch that has a 500 lbs max tongue weight.

The fact that American buyers tend to tow more and travel by car on vacation more than other markets and this is Kia's largest vehicle ever sold, I can't help but think we might all be guinea pigs for how to market safe towing to a satisfied customer. And maybe this information will prevent one horrible accident from happening.

 

[MarcinTexas]

I'm just going to put this out there. Many of you have seen my numerous posts about towing and I can't help but think that there are some Telluride buyers that aren't being informed properly by the manual and the dealers on some important safety basics regarding towing.

Suspension upgrades like self-leveling shocks and air bags do not replace the need for proper weight management and using a weight distribution system. Anyone who sold you the tow package under the premise that it will be safer to tow with has likely never towed anything large and should not have misled you.

The fact is that the leveling feature is fine when you are carrying cargo and passengers to address sag, but it creates three main problems when towing:

1. You could be making it worse: By raising the back end you are putting pressure on the axle, that is the opposite of what you are trying to do when approaching 5,000 lbs. Yes, this means that with self-leveling suspension shocks you are actually putting MORE pressure on your rear axle by pushing up than if you didn't have the shocks and let it sag.
2. You could be hiding a problem: Simply by raising the rear end of the vehicle, if the shocks get activated, you may be hiding how bad your weight distribution is both in the vehicle and at the tongue weight.
3. You could be complicating proper towing configuration: Having self-leveling shocks means that you have to drive with weight over them for the shocks to "activate" which makes it a little more complicated to configure you hitch level with your weight distribution. This doesn't mean you can't, it just means you have to educate yourself more and be more careful when configuring as opposed to when you have standard shocks.

Leveling systems are meant to address the following: rear sag when driving, lowered drag, headlight beam direction. They do not improve towing capacity and other than preventing your headlights from pointing slightly up will not add to more safety when towing. Too much weight over your rear axle when driving especially down hills, changing lanes, bad whether or on curvy roads can lead to life threatening injuries. If you still don't think so, just google "towing failure videos".

We can have a healthy debate all day long as to whether self-leveling shocks to correct sag should be marketed as a tow package and we probably won't change our opinions . . . but the three facts above are definitely something you should read and consider so that you don't put yourself and other people on the road at risk. Having good tires to improve traction and grip on the road are also very important. We can also debate as to whether AWD gives any towing benefit over FWD . . . but general concepts of weight distribution when towing apply the same regardless of your transmission. You want to take the stress off the back and distribute to the front because that is where the weight of the engine and steering are and having 4 tires help with braking and handling is better than relying on the rear 2 tires to do most of the work.

I think there is a lot of focus on 4-pin vs. 7-pin | trailer brakes or not | hydraulic vs. electronic brakes but all of those areas sometimes miss the point to newer people that are just starting out in towing the weight aspect of your towing load is paramount for safety. Regardless of how lenient state laws might be for towing, the fact is those laws are written for that particular state and same states are more flat than others. BUT people often travel when they tow boats and campers so you aren't always going to be safe if you simply follow the law for your home state.

When do you need weight distribution? When do you need a Weight Distribution System?
You always need proper weight distribution. Even when using a small utility trailer, putting a heavier load near the front, over the axle or on the rear of the trailer makes a dramatic effect on the impact of the towing vehicle. You should always try to put the weight over the trailer axle and stay within that max capacity. In my opinion, if you are regularly towing more than 2,500 lbs you should consider weight distribution system. Smaller trailers and shorter campers often have a higher relative tongue weight because longer and multi-axle trailers are already distributing some of their weight.

When do you need trailer brakes?
Every state is a little different, but according to the Kia Telluride manual you should have trailer brakes between 1,651 - 5,000 lbs. The manual says up to 1,650 lbs the Telluride can tow without brakes.

Why doesn't the Kia Manual talk about Electronic brakes? Can I tow up to 5,000 lbs with a 4-pin?
If you have hydraulic brakes on your trailer (common on UHaul rental trailers under 5,000 lbs) you can technically tow with a 4-pin and still be legal and within spec. If your trailer has electronic brakes the 4-pin connection is not enough. Most states do the same as Kia and specify "trailer brake" not distinguishing between hydraulic vs electronic. This is how UHaul lets people rent trailers nationwide and you can tow with just a 4-pin when moving.

Does the Self-Leveling Suspension improve towing capacity?
Regardless of what some dealer sites and third party articles talking about the Telluride's tow package giving you 5,000 lbs . . . the tow package does not give you this. According to spec, all trims, even the FWD LX have a 5,000 lbs max towing capacity with the OEM hitch that has a 500 lbs max tongue weight.

The fact that American buyers tend to tow more and travel by car on vacation more than other markets and this is Kia's largest vehicle ever sold, I can't help but think we might all be guinea pigs for how to market safe towing to a satisfied customer. And maybe this information will prevent one horrible accident from happening.

Excellent point. I have never towed anything and doubt I ever will...but I got the towing package primarily for eliminating rear sag when the vehicle is loaded with people and cargo. Nothing worse than seeing a minivan or unibody SUV sagging in the rear driving down the highway because all the seats are filled and it is filled with luggage. As you correctly pointed out - keeping the vehicle level when fully loaded offers many benefits - but it does not improve towing capacity.

 

[2020Telly]

Anyone interested in seeing what an EX without the self-leveling suspension but just the tow option (OEM hitch) looks like first without a weight distribution hitch and then with, reference these user pics: My experience towing 4200lb RV trailer with. 2020 S AWD

The same applies to any trim of the Telluride (LX, S, EX, SX) regardless of the tow package or not. Properly configured and weight distributed you can raise your back end when towing and increase safety while driving. Self-Leveling suspension or even Air Bags are great when you aren't towing, but they do not distribute weight off that back axle. If you still aren't convinced, watch this video that shows the negative impact and downward force that lifting the rear suspension does when towing.

 

[2020Telly]

After reviewing I didn't stress one point enough . . . if you bought the 2021 Towing option or package with the 7-pin round wiring it does not come with an electronic brake controller. If you plan to tow a trailer with electronic brakes you still need a brake controller to send a signal to the trailer brakes. You aren't going to be able to drive the Telluride from the Kia dealer to a trailer dealer and drive off safely until you get a brake controller of some type unless your trailer has, 1. surge/hydraulic brakes or 2. trailer mounted brake control at the tongue of the trailer like an Autowbrake.

______________________________

 

[ralph.w.brown]

After reviewing I didn't stress one point enough . . . if you bought the 2021 Towing option or package with the 7-pin round wiring it does not come with an electronic brake controller. If you plan to tow a trailer with electronic brakes you still need a brake controller to send a signal to the trailer brakes. You aren't going to be able to drive the Telluride from the Kia dealer to a trailer dealer and drive off safely until you get a brake controller of some type unless your trailer has, 1. surge/hydraulic brakes or 2. trailer mounted brake control at the tongue of the trailer like an Autowbrake.

NCTelly,

Thanks for all of the very helpful information. I just ordered a 2021 Telluride SX Nightfall Edition with the tow package. I discussed with them the lack of a trailer brake controller and the need for a 7-pin round connector. I ordered a 7-pin round connector through the Kia parts department at the dealership, but they said I would need to purchase an aftermarket brake controller. However, they also said that I could have the Kia install both the 7-pin connector and the brake controller when the vehicle arrived at the dealership.

I purchased the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Proportional Trailer Brake Controller, as it seemed to be the best choice.

Any thing else I should be aware of or thinking about.

Thanks!

Ralph

 

[2020Telly]

NCTelly,

Thanks for all of the very helpful information. I just ordered a 2021 Telluride SX Nightfall Edition with the tow package. I discussed with them the lack of a trailer brake controller and the need for a 7-pin round connector. I ordered a 7-pin round connector through the Kia parts department at the dealership, but they said I would need to purchase an aftermarket brake controller. However, they also said that I could have the Kia install both the 7-pin connector and the brake controller when the vehicle arrived at the dealership.

I purchased the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Proportional Trailer Brake Controller, as it seemed to be the best choice.

Any thing else I should be aware of or thinking about.

Thanks!

Ralph

Nice work!

I'm not sure what you are planning to tow, but if you also plan to tow something that does not have a brake that uses either a 4-pin or 5-pin connector, you will need an adapter that does not come with the Kia harness or hitch. This will take you down from a 7-pin round to a 4 or 5 pin flat if needed then all your bases are covered: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082VV29H...olid=3HM2G7FEHQTV7&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Again, depending on what you are towing you may want to determine if you need a weight distribution system.

The Kia Telluride does not have a "tow mode" like some vehicles, so you just want to be aware that it may not be calculating estimated stopping distances accurately.

These are my preferences when towing just as a best practice:

• Set Smart mode driving - let the Telluride decide how much power
• Disable Autostart-stop - Some people find this annoying anyway because it shuts off the car at idle by winding down the starter and you have to lift your foot off the brake to start it again, but if you are towing you might need more instant pickup when the light changes to risk getting rear ended. It’s a button right next to your leg that you have to press every time you start the vehicle unless you use the card/coin hack posted on this forum.
• Disable the rear parking sensor - The Telluride doesn't know something is back there so when you backup you will go nuts with the camera and warning beeping at you.
• Turn off the auto-hold - I prefer to have my foot on the brake.
• Avoid using Smart Cruise Control - Just to remain fully aware and don't get distracted since you have added weight, if you choose to use regular or smart cruise control, I would increase the setting for the distance from the vehicle in front of you since you need more distance to stop.

If you are new to towing remember that the trailer tires are smaller and have less air so they will get hotter the faster you go with them. In general trailer tires should be filled to the max PSI whereas in the towing vehicle you can adjust the PSI for comfort. But it's good to always check tire pressure before a long trip especially if you don't have a spare. I carry a fix a flat can and a small portable 12v tire air compressor just in case. And if you are new to towing be aware that you can't drive as fast and it takes longer to stop.

 

[ralph.w.brown]

NCTelly,

Thanks again! There's always a chance I find myself with a smaller trailer that I want to pull, so the 7-pin to 4-pin converter is a good recommendation.

Ralph

 

[Traveller]

Nice work!

I'm not sure what you are planning to tow, but if you also plan to tow something that does not have a brake that uses either a 4-pin or 5-pin connector, you will need an adapter that does not come with the Kia harness or hitch. This will take you down from a 7-pin round to a 4 or 5 pin flat if needed then all your bases are covered: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082VV29H...olid=3HM2G7FEHQTV7&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Again, depending on what you are towing you may want to determine if you need a weight distribution system.

The Kia Telluride does not have a "tow mode" like some vehicles, so you just want to be aware that it may not be calculating estimated stopping distances accurately.

These are my preferences when towing just as a best practice:

• Set Smart mode driving - let the Telluride decide how much power
• Disable Autostart-stop - Some people find this annoying anyway because it shuts off the car at idle by winding down the starter and you have to lift your foot off the brake to start it again, but if you are towing you might need more instant pickup when the light changes to risk getting rear ended. It’s a button right next to your leg that you have to press every time you start the vehicle unless you use the card/coin hack posted on this forum.
• Disable the rear parking sensor - The Telluride doesn't know something is back there so when you backup you will go nuts with the camera and warning beeping at you.
• Turn off the auto-hold - I prefer to have my foot on the brake.
• Avoid using Smart Cruise Control - Just to remain fully aware and don't get distracted since you have added weight, if you choose to use regular or smart cruise control, I would increase the setting for the distance from the vehicle in front of you since you need more distance to stop.

If you are new to towing remember that the trailer tires are smaller and have less air so they will get hotter the faster you go with them. In general trailer tires should be filled to the max PSI whereas in the towing vehicle you can adjust the PSI for comfort. But it's good to always check tire pressure before a long trip especially if you don't have a spare. I carry a fix a flat can and a small portable 12v tire air compressor just in case. And if you are new to towing be aware that you can't drive as fast and it takes longer to stop.

I will tow my small A-Liner, loaded weight about 1700 lb, has electric brakes. Used Subaru Outback for years, tongue weight was close to limit.

Now I have a 2021 Telluride SX V6, ordered it with complete factory installed towing package, local shop installed brake controller. Bought the KIA specifically to be able to tow a teardrop TAB400, but cancelled that idea for personal reasons and will stay with the old camper.

Do not intend to install weight distribution hitch.

Could you please list which pages in the manual have the information on disabling the features you recommend to omit while towing?

Before my next camping adventure, I will practice towing, braking and turning on a large vacant parking area.

The KIA is a joy to drive, and the turning radius is great. Do you know of any issues that could arise when backing into tight spaces at 90 degrees?

Your post has addressed my concern about the warning signals when backing up, and has given me other issues to consider. Thank you very much for your help!

______________________________

 

[2020Telly]

Do not intend to install weight distribution hitch.

Could you please list which pages in the manual have the information on disabling the features you recommend to omit while towing?

You may want to reconsider a WDH if you experience any excessive sag to take strain off your rear axle.

You will not find a reference. I wish Kia offered more guidance. It feels that the Telluride was marketed as a towing capable vehicle and there is no tow mode and no real guidance. So that is my personal recommendation based on my experience and what I have read from more experienced owners on this forum. Take from it what you will.

 

[bogie]

I just ordered a 2021 Telluride SX Nightfall Edition with the tow package... I ordered a 7-pin round connector through the Kia parts department at the dealership ... I could have... Kia install both the 7-pin connector...

2021 SX - doesn't the towing package come standard with the 7-pin connector already installed? You should not need to buy the 7-pin from parts, nor pay for the connector to be installed, I'm pretty sure...

 

[phd1026]

This is true, the 2021s have the 7-pin round towing plug.

 

[Shady5615]

I've read other posts or in other locations that it's rare for unibody vehicles to be 'rated' for use with a WDH. I've seen here and in folks' reports that people are using WDH with Tellurides with success. Given that these vehicles are new, there hasn't been much long term use of Tellurides with WDH systems, but I'm curious if anyone has any documentation or statement from Kia on the WDH issue.

I have a 21 SX and we've been shopping for camping trailers. I'm new to RVing and my only towing experience is with small utility trailers. The models we've been looking at have dry weights in the 3600-3800 pound ranges. I have no intention of getting something that size without a WDH, but I'm concerned about long term fatigue on the vehicle's frame.

Thanks for the great information on this site!

______________________________

 

[phd1026]

I've read other posts or in other locations that it's rare for unibody vehicles to be 'rated' for use with a WDH. I've seen here and in folks' reports that people are using WDH with Tellurides with success. Given that these vehicles are new, there hasn't been much long term use of Tellurides with WDH systems, but I'm curious if anyone has any documentation or statement from Kia on the WDH issue.

I have a 21 SX and we've been shopping for camping trailers. I'm new to RVing and my only towing experience is with small utility trailers. The models we've been looking at have dry weights in the 3600-3800 pound ranges. I have no intention of getting something that size without a WDH, but I'm concerned about long term fatigue on the vehicle's frame.

Thanks for the great information on this site!

I can say I have a 7x14 tandem axle enclosed trailer and it pulled ok behind our 2020 SXP ok. In high wind it was an issue keeping up to 65mph.

We loaded our HD Tri Glide (trike) and it had major issues keeping up with traffic. The trailer is 2000 lbs and the trike riding weight is just under 1295 lbs.

Needless to say we traded in our Telly for something that was made for pulling. I just didn’t feel long term the Telly will hold up

 

[2020Telly]

I've read other posts or in other locations that it's rare for unibody vehicles to be 'rated' for use with a WDH. I've seen here and in folks' reports that people are using WDH with Tellurides with success. Given that these vehicles are new, there hasn't been much long term use of Tellurides with WDH systems, but I'm curious if anyone has any documentation or statement from Kia on the WDH issue.

I have a 21 SX and we've been shopping for camping trailers. I'm new to RVing and my only towing experience is with small utility trailers. The models we've been looking at have dry weights in the 3600-3800 pound ranges. I have no intention of getting something that size without a WDH, but I'm concerned about long term fatigue on the vehicle's frame.

Thanks for the great information on this site!

I think it’s very much relative to your load and how long you are towing for. To me the frame is less of a concern if the suspension is getting crushed and exceeding the maximums for the rear axle. If you are dragging so much that the rear of the Telluride breaks an axle, then the axle and suspension are going to give out well before you see a problem with the frame.

The way I see it we have to take Kia at it’s word that the unibody frame can handle 5,000 lbs. But you don’t have to be an engineer to see that weight distribution helps take off load from the rear axle and that makes it safer. A level load front to back helps braking and handling. Just think of a popsicle stick and three fingers applying pressure equally, it’s less likely to break. Then apply the most pressure in the middle and it will snap or at the very least the ends will start to come up. When the trailer axle and front axle aren’t taking more load evenly then you lose traction.

I guess my point is with no WDH you risk a broken rear axle, damaged suspension, or an accident where you are liable well before you should expect any long term damage to the frame. Any guidance to not use a WDH not from Kia is suspect and could be anecdotal or using old guidance from the early days of smaller unibody crossovers.

Despite all other factors, the awards and Kia heavy lean on marketing, with or without WDH, if I were towing anything close to an enclosed double axle horse trailer with one horse, (like the ads suggest*) on a regular basis, I would be looking for a larger vehicle. Pushing the limits of any towing specs on a regular basis can lead to disastrous and life threatening consequences that I’m not willing to gamble with.

*Notice the ad with the horseback rider only had a saddle in the back as cargo, 1 bag of luggage and no passengers. I’ll bet that was purposeful. Not everyone is buying a Kia Telluride for towing capability is a single horseback rider. Why not show an ad with kids, cargo, and a smaller camper? Too much liability? I know the towing picture doesn’t match the open hatch picture because the open hatch saddle picture has no tow option which also makes me suspect.

 

[slayer72]

I think it’s very much relative to your load and how long you are towing for. To me the frame is less of a concern if the suspension is getting crushed and exceeding the maximums for the rear axle. If you are dragging so much that the rear of the Telluride breaks an axle, then the axle and suspension are going to give out well before you see a problem with the frame.

The way I see it we have to take Kia at it’s word that the unibody frame can handle 5,000 lbs. But you don’t have to be an engineer to see that weight distribution helps take off load from the rear axle and that makes it safer. A level load front to back helps braking and handling. Just think of a popsicle stick and three fingers applying pressure equally, it’s less likely to break. Then apply the most pressure in the middle and it will snap or at the very least the ends will start to come up. When the trailer axle and front axle aren’t taking more load evenly then you lose traction.

I guess my point is with no WDH you risk a broken rear axle, damaged suspension, or an accident where you are liable well before you should expect any long term damage to the frame. Any guidance to not use a WDH not from Kia is suspect and could be anecdotal or using old guidance from the early days of smaller unibody crossovers.

Despite all other factors, the awards and Kia heavy lean on marketing, if I were towing anything more than an enclosed double axle horse trailer with one horse, (like the ads suggest) on a regular basis, I would be looking for a larger vehicle.

Hi thanks for the information, I will be moving some stuff to storage soon and was going to rent a small uhaul type covered trailer, do they require a braking system or are they small enough to just hookup to the telly towing connector. Ive never towed anything, do I need to buy any attachments (Ball type)? Its going to be short trips.

 

[DarkMossJustin]

So basically, I'm getting a real truck to pull a horse trailer, but my Telly should do fine carrying a hitch cover and maybe, occasionally a snowmobile trailer if I can manage weight distribution and not stress the rear axle?

______________________________

 

[2020Telly]

Hi thanks for the information, I will be moving some stuff to storage soon and was going to rent a small uhaul type covered trailer, do they require a braking system or are they small enough to just hookup to the telly towing connector. Ive never towed anything, do I need to buy any attachments (Ball type)? Its going to be short trips.

UHaul trailers use hydraulic or sugar brakes (not electric). So you can tow an enclosed UHaul trailer with just a 4-pin flat connection. Some important things to consider, put heaviest items over the trailer axles rather than the front of the trailer near the tongue. And make sure to fill the trailer tires to the max PSI before you load.

 

[2020Telly]

So basically, I'm getting a real truck to pull a horse trailer, but my Telly should do fine carrying a hitch cover and maybe, occasionally a snowmobile trailer if I can manage weight distribution and not stress the rear axle?

It should but if you have the tow package and the self leveling shocks appear to “work” don’t fool yourself into thinking you are helping level you load and take strain off the axle. Given you are pulling a snowmobile you definitely want to move weight off the rear axle to the front (and use snow tires!) to help with traction and make the rear brakes work less. Hyundai and Kia market the Santa Fe and Sorento as capable toy haulers (small bots, jet skis, snowmobiles, etc) so I think you are fine. If I were you I would load up one time and stop by a weight station just to make sure you are within tolerances. I think they cost under $20 to get weighed and the information may help you.

The towing package marketing is where I really think Kia is going to have to give some answers. Hopefully misleading advertising and misinformed dealers won’t result in a class action lawsuit prompted by fatalities caused by misinterpretation of what this towing “package” is vs is not.

 

[DarkMossJustin]

It should but if you have the tow package and the self leveling shocks appear to “work” don’t fool yourself into thinking you are helping level you load and take strain off the axle. Given you are pulling a snowmobile you definitely want to move weight off the rear axle to the front to help with traction and make the rear brakes work less. Hyundai and Kia market the Santa Fe and Sorento as capable toy haulers (small bots, jet skis, snowmobiles, etc) so I think you are fine. If I were you I would load up one time and stop by a weight station just to make sure you are within tolerances. I think they cost under $20 to get weighed and the information may help you.

The towing package marketing is where I really think Kia is going to have to give some answers. Hopefully misleading advertising and misinformed dealers won’t result in a class action lawsuit prompted by fatalities caused by misinterpretation of what this towing “package” is vs is not.

Thank you yet again Master Jedi @NCTelly. Right now, I'm just rocking a billet aluminum hitch cover, but will soon look into some trailers for not-so-heavy loads.

I totally agree with you that the "Tow package w/ self-leveling rear suspension" is misleading at worst and lacking clarification at best.

Kia should, or needs to separate the two features into two items on the sticker at least.

Was it you or someone else in the other threads that mentioned that the self-leveling Mando shock absorbers are marketed as a "Ride comfort" feature in the Middle East and other markets and as a "luxury" feature on the Palisade?

"Factory-installed tow hitch" should be a separate item on the sticker/build list. Kia, make this happen.

 

[2020Telly]

Thank you yet again Master Jedi @NCTelly. Right now, I'm just rocking a hitch cover.

I totally agree with you that the "Tow package w/ self-leveling rear suspension" is misleading at worst and lacking clarification at best.

Kia should, or needs to separate the two.

Was it you or someone else in the other threads that mentioned that the self-leveling Mando shock absorbers are marketed as a "Ride comfort" feature in the Middle East and other markets and as a "luxury" feature on the Palisade?

"Factory-installed tow hitch" should be a separate item on the sticker/build list. Kia, make this happen.

Our friends in Canada can confirm too but I think the US is the only place where these shocks are marketed as a towing package. The rest of the Telluride markets include them as ride comfort added to certain trims or packages.