Proper install of hitch?

[Derekm900]

Hi all, I paid a lot of money to have this tow hitch installed. It appears to be aftermarket to me. Can you have a look at the pics and tell me if this is a proper instal by the dealership? Looks quite low.

 

[Nightsky93]

Hi all, I paid a lot of money to have this tow hitch installed. It appears to be aftermarket to me. Can you have a look at the pics and tell me if this is a proper instal by the dealership? Looks quite low.

the aftemarket hitches sit below the bumper so for aftermarket that is a correct install. The oem Kia hitch requires the bumper cover section to be removed and it sits up in there for a more clean look of install. So with aftermarket you are much closer to the ground.

 

[Derekm900]

Mostly all the aftemarket hitches sit below the bumper so for aftermarket that is correct install. The oem Kia hitch needs the bumper cover removed and it sits up in there for a more clean look of install.

But it wasn’t aftermarket. This was installed by the dealership.

 

[Nightsky93]

But it wasn’t aftermarket. This was installed by the dealership.

The dealership might have had a second party shop install it maybe. But the oem hitch sits higher with the 7pin connector close by it. It seems from the pics they have your power connector plug off to the side on a weird angle. I’ll add a pic of what oem install should look like.

https://tellurideforum.org/attachments/oem-silver-bumper-gif.19501/

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[landyacht]

Also note that an aftermarket hitch will not have the self-leveling feature.

 

[Derekm900]

What I’m trying to find out is the hitch is low because the dealership used the wrong trailer hitch? That is in order to install it properly is there a different design of hitch to make it go higher?

 

[G-716856]

One data point would be to check out a reputable hitch company like Curt. See what they offer for your vehicle. Also check out etrailer.com, they often have good resources for selecting the right parts. I used them for my CX-5 and it worked out great.

I'm guessing this is the way the hitch has to be for the stock bumper, but check those resources and see what others are doing.

Sorry I don't know a definitive answer. It's frustrating wondering if the dealer is screwing you

 

[PittPa]

You can't install the "wrong" hitch, just not the OE one as shown. All the aftermarket ones sit lower, most likely to reduce alterations to the bumper. If I was planning on the OE one, yes I would be furious. If not, this is what you get. The center piece can be removed and trimmed since it is being deflected . The hitch ball can be purchased with a riser to get it to the proper height. It's all fine and functional, just may be an issue with the look if that matters.

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[Derekm900]

You can't install the "wrong" hitch, just not the OE one as shown. All the aftermarket ones sit lower, most likely to reduce alterations to the bumper. If I was planning on the OE one, yes I would be furious. If not, this is what you get. The center piece can be removed and trimmed since it is being deflected . The hitch ball can be purchased with a riser to get it to the proper height. It's all fine and functional, just may be an issue with the look if that matters.

Do you or anyone else happen to have a picture of an OEM hitch beside an aftermarket hitch?

 

[PittPa]

Post in thread 'How To: Full Tow Hitch Install' How To: Full Tow Hitch Install

 

[Kwim]

But it wasn’t aftermarket. This was installed by the dealership.

It doesn't matter who installed it.
Dealers also use spare parts aftermarket..
This is aftermarket.

 

[Tellmeride]

Dear OP, this is what OEM hitch looks like, original silver cover removed and replaced by black cover that has the openings. If you took it to the dealer and they installed non OEM 3rd party hitch for you, you go back there and raise hell. That aftermarket hitch although may very well do what it is supposed to do, it is way too low, you will end up hitting curbs and parking blocks very easily.

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[Derekm900]

View attachment 19675
Dear OP, this is what OEM hitch looks like, original silver cover removed and replaced by black cover that has the openings. If you took it to the dealer and they installed non OEM 3rd party hitch for you, you go back there and raise hell. That aftermarket hitch although may very well do what it is supposed to do, it is way too low, you will end up hitting curbs and parking blocks very easily.

Thank you. I’m on it with the dealership. I even spoke to manager before they installed it and told him not to put the aftermarket one on. Jesus….

 

[TONYK11]

Thank you. I’m on it with the dealership. I even spoke to manager before they installed it and told him not to put the aftermarket one on. Jesus….

Also note that the aftermarket hitch does not have:
- The electric harness and 7 pin connector for trailer lights [and brakes if you have electric trailer brakes and a brake controller]
- The self levelling suspension that is part of the Tellie Tow package from the factory.
FWIW, the factory hitch, electric harness, and bumper panel are around $500 retail from Kia. The factory hitch alone is $291 from World Kia Parts

 

[SLPV]

Here's a picture of factory tow package on Nightfall Edition with black bumper trim. Everything is no lower than exhaust pipe.

 

[Derekm900]

Here's a picture of factory tow package on Nightfall Edition with black bumper trim. Everything is no lower than exhaust pipe.

Nice!

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[PNWmood]

Here's a picture of factory tow package on Nightfall Edition with black bumper trim. Everything is no lower than exhaust pipe.

If you order just the hitch and not the tow package, does it still look the same?

 

[SLPV]

Yes, same factory hitch as tow package.