Milano - Trailer Towing - Rear View Mirrors - MISC

[tazzytazzy]

Was just on a call with Kia Canada... dude on the phone came up with "the 5000lb towing can be misleading, that weight is all the cargo it can carry including the car itself". I told him to tell me how much the car itself weighs (hint: it's almost 5K lbs, therefore the towing capacity would then mean it can carry 500lb) and he put me on hold for 15 minutes and I had to drop. Will try it again later, but it doesn't bode well...

Edit: called again but now "all systems are down". ugh.

If that's true, there'll be lawsuits. Saying a vehicle can tow 5000 pounds, but can end up only towing a couple hundred. Try calling kia usa...?? Ugh. This is Soo annoying.

 

[ColinZealKnows]

If that's true, there'll be lawsuits. Saying a vehicle can tow 5000 pounds, but can end up only towing a couple hundred. Try calling kia usa...?? Ugh. This is Soo annoying.

Nah, that dude was just saying garbage. I've opened the manual, it clearly states, "maximum trailer weight", etc. Why to have those people as customer support at all?
Anyway, I found out the email for the consumer support, as the website's contact form is crapping out, and got an email saying they will respond. It's better to get something in writing anyway.
I was considering actually driving down to the US to have a Kia dealer there install it (assuming travel restrictions are lifted in the near future), but that might be the same as having a third party doing it from the Kia Canada point of view. Who knows.

 

[tazzytazzy]

Nah, that dude was just saying garbage. I've opened the manual, it clearly states, "maximum trailer weight", etc. Why to have those people as customer support at all?
Anyway, I found out the email for the consumer support, as the website's contact form is crapping out, and got an email saying they will respond. It's better to get something in writing anyway.
I was considering actually driving down to the US to have a Kia dealer there install it (assuming travel restrictions are lifted in the near future), but that might be the same as having a third party doing it from the Kia Canada point of view. Who knows.

I'm feeling your pain through your texts.

Please post the response when you get one.

It would be sad if they treated kia usa service as 3rd party. What if you broke down in usa? Would warranty not cover it? Things I've never thought about. If it was a costly repair and they wouldn't cover it, have to pay to have it towed back over the border? Annoying!

Anyways, I'm hoping the best and they can inform the dealer on how to install a 7pin harness. It shouldn't be this difficult.

 

[playared]

We recently towed our 2002 SD with front AC (tongue weight is 470 pounds) about 500 miles (LA to Quartzsite, AZ and back) with a 2021 Telluride EX (factory tow package). No WDH only a sway bar. First trip with this tow vehicle. All good. We experienced rain and high winds. Hitching drops the rear about 2 - 2 1/2 inches on connection. The self leveling, after a short drive, reduces that to about 1 inch drop. The self leveling is not an air system. Its a internal hydraulic system built into the rear shocks. The automated cruise control and lane keeping is really good. Takes a little getting use to as it will correct for even the push and suck of the 18 wheelers. DirecLink brake controller which mounts under dash and has a handset with coiled cord. Mounted handset above the driver side air vent next to door.

The Telluride is smooth and quiet. Max RPM was little less than 4,000. Even at that it is quiet. Transmission gear selection is good on it's own and very smooth in all modes. Looks like mileage towing is about 15 or 16 at 65 MPH. I did not keep records so that is my estimate.

I really like the Telluride but of course then I bought one. I drove the Highlander, Pilot, Pathfinder but no towing. Drove and towed with the Tacoma.

______________________________

 

[ColinZealKnows]

We recently towed our 2002 SD with front AC (tongue weight is 470 pounds) about 500 miles (LA to Quartzsite, AZ and back) with a 2021 Telluride EX (factory tow package). No WDH only a sway bar. First trip with this tow vehicle. All good. We experienced rain and high winds. Hitching drops the rear about 2 - 2 1/2 inches on connection. The self leveling, after a short drive, reduces that to about 1 inch drop. The self leveling is not an air system. Its a internal hydraulic system built into the rear shocks. The automated cruise control and lane keeping is really good. Takes a little getting use to as it will correct for even the push and suck of the 18 wheelers. DirecLink brake controller which mounts under dash and has a handset with coiled cord. Mounted handset above the driver side air vent next to door.

The Telluride is smooth and quiet. Max RPM was little less than 4,000. Even at that it is quiet. Transmission gear selection is good on it's own and very smooth in all modes. Looks like mileage towing is about 15 or 16 at 65 MPH. I did not keep records so that is my estimate.

I really like the Telluride but of course then I bought one. I drove the Highlander, Pilot, Pathfinder but no towing. Drove and towed with the Tacoma.

Would you be able to take a picture of your brake controller setup? I've seen these mounted mostly on the right-hand side of the front dash, close to the right knee.

 

[ColinZealKnows]

I'm feeling your pain through your texts.

Please post the response when you get one.

It would be sad if they treated kia usa service as 3rd party. What if you broke down in usa? Would warranty not cover it? Things I've never thought about. If it was a costly repair and they wouldn't cover it, have to pay to have it towed back over the border? Annoying!

Anyways, I'm hoping the best and they can inform the dealer on how to install a 7pin harness. It shouldn't be this difficult.

Here's the reply from Kia Canada:

Thank you for your contact with Kia Canada in regards to your concern about the 7 pin hitch harness.

Please be advised that the 2020 Telluride were prewired with 4-pin harness which controls basic lightweight. Should you would like to tow, the 7-pin harness is required. However, currently Kia is still working on a solution for 7-pin. For further questions about the 7 pin harness, you may wish to discuss with your local dealerships.

We apologize for any inconvenience which may result

I mean, if at least the dealers were OK with it, it's fine, as the towing equipment here in Canada is all dealer-installed anyway for some reason. I'm asking them if they can at least tell me what is the closest dealer that will do it, instead of me calling each one of them.

 

[tazzytazzy]

We recently towed our 2002 SD with front AC (tongue weight is 470 pounds) about 500 miles (LA to Quartzsite, AZ and back) with a 2021 Telluride EX (factory tow package). No WDH only a sway bar. First trip with this tow vehicle. All good. We experienced rain and high winds. Hitching drops the rear about 2 - 2 1/2 inches on connection. The self leveling, after a short drive, reduces that to about 1 inch drop. The self leveling is not an air system. Its a internal hydraulic system built into the rear shocks. The automated cruise control and lane keeping is really good. Takes a little getting use to as it will correct for even the push and suck of the 18 wheelers. DirecLink brake controller which mounts under dash and has a handset with coiled cord. Mounted handset above the driver side air vent next to door.

The Telluride is smooth and quiet. Max RPM was little less than 4,000. Even at that it is quiet. Transmission gear selection is good on it's own and very smooth in all modes. Looks like mileage towing is about 15 or 16 at 65 MPH. I did not keep records so that is my estimate.

I really like the Telluride but of course then I bought one. I drove the Highlander, Pilot, Pathfinder but no towing. Drove and towed with the Tacoma.

You're lucky. With HDA (lane keep assist), we felt like we were bouncing side to side constantly, and actually got a little motion sick which has never happened before. This was an empty trailer, will try again in a few weeks with it loaded for camping.

 

[playared]

ColinZealKnows​

Below is a link to the DirecLink brake controller web page. The large black box can be mounted any where under the dash in any orientation. The handset is all controls. Will try to post a picture of the handset mounted on the dash tomorrow. The controller also connects to the OBD2 port and uses data from there to detect the vehicle braking and other data. As you will see the DirecLink is more expense than the normal brake controllers people use. When I bought a tow vehicle in 2021 there was no where to mount the usual controllers the was good so I found this one and used it ever since. Only my opinion, I think it is better than the usual pendulum or similar device/proportional controllers.

DirecLink Base Proportional Trailer Brake Controller (DL-100)

DL-100 The Tuson DirecLink is the most advanced proportional trailer brake controller and diagnostic tool. Plugs directly into your tow vehicle’s computer network, automatically configuring to your tow vehicle and trailer’s brake system. It is compatible with both electric drum brakes and...

tusonrvbrakes.com

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[playared]

DirecLink brake controller handset on dash. Unit is dropped behind the panel by foot rest.

 

[ColinZealKnows]

Got a final answer from Kia Canada from someone who called me after my emails:

They are working on a solution for the 7-pin and advise us to wait for it.

Since I don't even have my car now, I'll just wait. I don't even have to have the towing installed right away because we're not supposed to tow anything before 2000Km anyway.

However if it comes time and there's no solution yet I'll just show the manual to my dealer and have them figure it out, I don't care. The freaking manual says my trailer needs electrical brakes, they need to figure out a way to make me safely control them from my car. Learn how to do it, have someone else do it, I don't give a damn, as long as Kia does it.

 

[rhouse]

We recently towed our 2002 SD with front AC (tongue weight is 470 pounds) about 500 miles (LA to Quartzsite, AZ and back) with a 2021 Telluride EX (factory tow package). No WDH only a sway bar. First trip with this tow vehicle. All good. We experienced rain and high winds. Hitching drops the rear about 2 - 2 1/2 inches on connection. The self leveling, after a short drive, reduces that to about 1 inch drop. The self leveling is not an air system. Its a internal hydraulic system built into the rear shocks. The automated cruise control and lane keeping is really good. Takes a little getting use to as it will correct for even the push and suck of the 18 wheelers. DirecLink brake controller which mounts under dash and has a handset with coiled cord. Mounted handset above the driver side air vent next to door.

The Telluride is smooth and quiet. Max RPM was little less than 4,000. Even at that it is quiet. Transmission gear selection is good on it's own and very smooth in all modes. Looks like mileage towing is about 15 or 16 at 65 MPH. I did not keep records so that is my estimate.

I really like the Telluride but of course then I bought one. I drove the Highlander, Pilot, Pathfinder but no towing. Drove and towed with the Tacoma.

I just wanted to check with you to confirm what a "2002 SD with front AC" was? Can you confirm the type of trailer you towed? When you were towing, what drive mode did you use?

 

[tazzytazzy]

Got a final answer from Kia Canada from someone who called me after my emails:

They are working on a solution for the 7-pin and advise us to wait for it.

Since I don't even have my car now, I'll just wait. I don't even have to have the towing installed right away because we're not supposed to tow anything before 2000Km anyway.

However if it comes time and there's no solution yet I'll just show the manual to my dealer and have them figure it out, I don't care. The freaking manual says my trailer needs electrical brakes, they need to figure out a way to make me safely control them from my car. Learn how to do it, have someone else do it, I don't give a damn, as long as Kia does it.

Hopefully they will get solution in time for you.

But, honestly, it's on the dealer to figure it out. It's their car, the manual says you must have brake controller, they need to do it!

______________________________

 

[playared]

rhouse,
The trailer is a Casita (made in Rice, TX). 17' fiberglass trailer. I the old days (2002) Casita would install a standard home window air conditioner in the front lower passager side of the trailer. The trailer weights a total of 3200 pounds and with the A/C forward the tongue weight is 470 pounds.

"drive mode did you use" I have used all the modes except snow and find little difference with or without the trailer. In smart mode, it appears to select ECO a lot. I really find no differences in the performance between the drive modes. I have not looked into what the differences might be in gas mileage.

Correction: The DirecLink brake controller was originally in a 2012 tow vehicle not a 2021. It is now in a 2021 Telluride EX.

Here's hoping you get things to an OK state with yours.

 

[jeffo65]

Here is an easy way to add the 7 pin vs the 4 pin on a 2020 Telluride. You can then use a wireless brake controller. https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7L.html

 

[rhouse]

Hi All - just to follow up on the original subject of this thread, I found these towing mirrors and found I needed them because my trailer is 92" wide. There are other more complicated models our there but these are simple clip ons with rubber straps.
11950 Clip-On Towing Mirror | CIPA USA, Inc.
I turned off the automatic mirrors so they did not flip inwards and bugger the towing mirrors while im towing.

 

[rhouse]

I don't remember the tongue scale, the hubby ordered it and comes wednesday. I'll keep you posted. The RV dealer gave us a husky WDH. It was very loud whenever we turned, you also can't backup with it on. We splurged on a blueox swaypro 550. Their customer service is top notch. You can call them or email them with any questions, any they will answer the phone nearly immediately, or respond to email within minutes.

Here's a collection of stuff I use that's required. I'm also using it as a list for replacements when needed.

Check out my list on Amazon

www.amazon.com

Here's a list of things I might buy. I ended up buying the water hose from camping world since they are the only ones that I can find actually selling it. Hint: Get 2 50' hoses cause you never know. :\

Check out my list on Amazon

www.amazon.com

I'm also thinking to purchase one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Chapin-International-HydroFeed-4701-24-Ounce/dp/B07D9T33BC

This would allow me to drop a couple steramine tablets inline from the house water supply to clean the hose, fresh water tanks, water heater, city water inlet, etc. Steramine is super cheap and is very effective, and can even be used in food prep areas. Group camps will use this as a final soak/rinse to steralize everything before tossing on the dry rack/hang from mesh bag. You never know what may be lurking in your tanks after just a few refills.

Hi Again, I wanted to check back with you and see how your towing was going with the Blue Ox WDH? I bought the Equalizer E4 but its so noisy that Im looking to switch to a Blue Ox. Thanks!

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[tazzytazzy]

Hi Again, I wanted to check back with you and see how your towing was going with the Blue Ox WDH? I bought the Equalizer E4 but its so noisy that Im looking to switch to a Blue Ox. Thanks!

It's a great hitch, with some issues. This hitch is quiet, some some occasional light clunks in sharper turns. Our previous hitch was very loud with even minor turns. Also, being able to backup without unhooking is great.

The bad: this hitch is designed to carry much heavier weights than the telluride can even dream about. Due to this, this hitch is HEAVY! It also has a long tongue...I'm not sure and total speculation, but I think this might be causing an additional sag due to it acting like a lever. It's only 1.5 inches or so longer than our previous hitch. I wish blueox had a 'light weight' for trailers under 7500# or so. This would allow them to scale it down a bit to shave some weight.

Overall, I would recommend it. I researched a lot. The Anderson hitch was a runner up, but it doesn't transfer much weight compared to blueox. Anderson will even admit it, which is great for being honest. I buy some of their other products.

 

[rhouse]

e

 

[2020Telly]

Here is an easy way to add the 7 pin vs the 4 pin on a 2020 Telluride. You can then use a wireless brake controller. https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7L.html

If you have self tap screws, ring connectors and zip ties you can spend much less.

The connector is $26, circuit breaker is $10 and a spool of 12ga wire is $12.

 

[rhouse]

It's a great hitch, with some issues. This hitch is quiet, some some occasional light clunks in sharper turns. Our previous hitch was very loud with even minor turns. Also, being able to backup without unhooking is great.

The bad: this hitch is designed to carry much heavier weights than the telluride can even dream about. Due to this, this hitch is HEAVY! It also has a long tongue...I'm not sure and total speculation, but I think this might be causing an additional sag due to it acting like a lever. It's only 1.5 inches or so longer than our previous hitch. I wish blueox had a 'light weight' for trailers under 7500# or so. This would allow them to scale it down a bit to shave some weight.

Overall, I would recommend it. I researched a lot. The Anderson hitch was a runner up, but it doesn't transfer much weight compared to blueox. Anderson will even admit it, which is great for being honest. I buy some of their other products.

Thanks that’s kind of what I expected. Did you use a 9 hole shank? Do you have clearance issues ? I guess it manages sway alright? Lastly did you get the 550, and which version, Sway Pro? Thanks very much!!