The 2023 Telluride Towing Saga - Adding some data and pictures, and it's not great news

[joespara]

Nice job - looks good - we might all be doing this if a wiring harness doesn't get released soon. I have the '22 factory hitch on mine and waiting on the Hyundai Canada Palisade 7-pin harness on backorder from 2 separate sources. When you did the conversion did you pick up a reverse feed and wire it in also? I'll need that for my boat trailer brake reverse solenoid. Boating season is only a month away here so I'll have to have something worked out by then.

I did not pick up the reverse lead - didn’t need it for the small skiff/trailer that I tow. Let me know when your harness comes in how it works out - I will get one as soon as they are available. What did you do for a trim cover?

 

[2020Telly]

@John Jacobsen if I suspect what has happened is true then I think the 2023 with tow mode models basically have the same connector as the 2020 in the left rear quarter panel and the F45 tow harness connection under the luggage compartment is meant for feeding the tow mode which is hopefully the part you have on back order. I presume the 2023 non-X trims without the tow mode just have the same connectors as the 2022. So if that is all true you may have a reverse to tap under the left rear quarter panel if all you need is a 5-pin for now.
Post in thread 'Trailer Wiring'
Trailer Wiring
I use pin 8 for my reverse on my 2020.

 

[John Jacobsen]

I did not pick up the reverse lead - didn’t need it for the small skiff/trailer that I tow. Let me know when your harness comes in how it works out - I will get one as soon as they are available. What did you do for a trim cover?

I did what you did - trimmed the original panel to fit the hitch. Looks fine for now. I will have to trim some more when I get the 7-pin plug mounted to the bracket and at that point I'll clean up the other cuts. Thought it would be temporary, but I think the wait for a Kia factory cover panel could be a long one.
When I get the wiring harness I will let the forum know. Based on what I've read on the Palisade forum and the fact Tellurides have the same connector (the white one in the jack compartment at the rear) I'm hoping it will be pretty much plug and play.

 

[Carson470]

Installed the tow bar and wiring yesterday. I will be pulling the wiring from the trunk bay when towing until Kia releases their wiring

______________________________

 

[Pandru]

Installed a factory 2022 hitch and aftermarket universal 4 pin plug adapted to a 7 pin receiver on my 2023 AWD S. I still need to clean up my cuts on the cover plate but so far not too bad.View attachment 29952View attachment 29953 View attachment 29951

Where did you find an OEM hitch? I've been looking everywhere and they seem to be backordered indefinitely...

 

[2020Telly]

Installed the tow bar and wiring yesterday. I will be pulling the wiring from the trunk bay when towing until Kia releases their wiring

So it doesn't look like you have an X-Pro nor X-Line with the tow mode. Where did you tap in? Trying to help folks confirm options for scenario #3 below.

1. 2020*- vehicle wiring to tow harness pinout (behind debris cover):
   1. Trailer Wiring
   2. Good for 4-pin only plug-n-play only and only 1 fuse that was recalled from 30A down to 15A, also had a recall tied to brake lights when towing with smart cruise control on.
2. 2021-2022* - vehicle wiring to tow harness pinout (behind debris cover):
   1. Towing
   2. Adds 3 more wires to the 12-pin connector behind the debris cover
   3. Works with 4-pin plug-n-play or a 7-pin and includes in-cabin connection for a wired brake controller and more fuses
3. 2023** - Non tow mode trim pinout: ???
   1. Post #172 in this thread claims no compatibility with any plug-n-play harness, not clear if the wiring is the same as X-trims w/ tow mode.
   2. Still confused as to why this isn’t just like a 2021-2022 if no tow mode.
4. 2023** - With tow mode X-Line or X-Pro pinout (inside luggage compartment):
   1. Post #10 in this thread demonstrates the vehicle connector in the tow mode trims.
   2. Has an F45 connector inside the luggage compartment talked about in this thread that may be compatible with Hyundai harness part #.
   3. Based on reports on this thread, there may be a 12-pin behind the debris cover but Post #1 on this thread confirms it does not work with a plug-n-play 7-pin harness from 2022. So maybe the 12-pin connection present is like the 2020 and the additional wires went to the new box meant for the tow mode?

*Tow package included or not makes no difference to vehicle wiring.
**Tow option not available yet in 2023. Tow package no longer a choice. Self-Leveling shocks listed as a separate option. In X-trims advertised as Tow Mode with Self-Leveling shocks.

 

[joespara]

Hollywood Kia here in south Florida

 

[Carson470]

We have a 23 S AWD. Used the 22 oem towbar, and Curt circuit protected harness. The wires were yellow and blue on the drivers side. Passenger side was gray.

______________________________

 

[dmc346]

We have a 23 S AWD. Used the 22 oem towbar, and Curt circuit protected harness. The wires were yellow and blue on the drivers side. Passenger side was gray.

Carson, where did you access the wires from, did you take the tail light assembly out?

 

[tyger23]

So it doesn't look like you have an X-Pro nor X-Line with the tow mode. Where did you tap in? Trying to help folks confirm options for scenario #3 below.

1. 2020*- vehicle wiring to tow harness pinout (behind debris cover):
   1. Trailer Wiring
   2. Good for 4-pin only plug-n-play only and only 1 fuse that was recalled from 30A down to 15A, also had a recall tied to brake lights when towing with smart cruise control on.
2. 2021-2022* - vehicle wiring to tow harness pinout (behind debris cover):
   1. Towing
   2. Adds 3 more wires to the 12-pin connector behind the debris cover
   3. Works with 4-pin plug-n-play or a 7-pin and includes in-cabin connection for a wired brake controller and more fuses
3. 2023** - Non tow mode trim pinout: ???
   1. Post #172 in this thread claims no compatibility with any plug-n-play harness, not clear if the wiring is the same as X-trims w/ tow mode.
   2. Still confused as to why this isn’t just like a 2021-2022 if no tow mode.
4. 2023** - With tow mode X-Line or X-Pro pinout (inside luggage compartment):
   1. Post #10 in this thread demonstrates the vehicle connector in the tow mode trims.
   2. Has an F45 connector inside the luggage compartment talked about in this thread that may be compatible with Hyundai harness part #.
   3. Based on reports on this thread, there may be a 12-pin behind the debris cover but Post #1 on this thread confirms it does not work with a plug-n-play 7-pin harness from 2022. So maybe the 12-pin connection present is like the 2020 and the additional wires went to the new box meant for the tow mode?

*Tow package included or not makes no difference to vehicle wiring.
**Tow option not available yet in 2023. Tow package no longer a choice. Self-Leveling shocks listed as a separate option. In X-trims advertised as Tow Mode with Self-Leveling shocks.

From what I have been able to ascertain -

The 23's all share the same F45 connector in the luggage compartment (shown in post 19). It does not matter which line you have, from what I can tell, the wiring is the same - they should all use the Palasade adapter whenever it gets back in stock. The TOW MODE is simply a software adjustment and an extra button on the dash to activate it. This apparently just adjusts the transmission shift settings and maybe the torque curve of the engine. It doesn't change anything with regards to physical capability. The TOW PACKAGE really only adds the self leveling suspension in the rear.

 

[2020Telly]

From what I have been able to ascertain -

The 23's all share the same F45 connector in the luggage compartment (shown in post 19). It does not matter which line you have, from what I can tell, the wiring is the same - they should all use the Palasade adapter whenever it gets back in stock. The TOW MODE is simply a software adjustment and an extra button on the dash to activate it. This apparently just adjusts the transmission shift settings and maybe the torque curve of the engine. It doesn't change anything with regards to physical capability. The TOW PACKAGE really only adds the self leveling suspension in the rear.

Thanks for the reply. According to your first post you did you try a 2021-2022 7-way harness so that means you had the connecter to attach to. My question is do you think the 4-way aftermarket harness would work on a 2023? It sounds like that connection may be back to the way it was in the 2020. For those looking to get a 5-way or 7-way, using the 4-way harness and then adding in the missing wires might still work if they decide to forgo the F45. I'm not against splicing, but if you need something right away on a 2023 and can do it with fewer splices why not.

 

[tyger23]

Thanks for the reply. According to your first post you did you try a 2021-2022 7-way harness so that means you had the connecter to attach to. My question is do you think the 4-way aftermarket harness would work on a 2023? It sounds like that connection may be back to the way it was in the 2020. For those looking to get a 5-way or 7-way, using the 4-way harness and then adding in the missing wires might still work if they decide to forgo the F45. I'm not against splicing, but if you need something right away on a 2023 and can do it with fewer splices why not.

There is nothing aftermarket that will work right now on the "intended" harness for the 23's (the F45 connector in the luggage bay). This is because the 23's will require a converter that interprets CANBUS signals to decode the left and right turn signals and stop lights.

That being said - Tekonsha has indicated that there will be a 4-pin harness available for the 23's that does not use the "intended" tow wiring connector (F45). The part number for this is "118881". I'll link it below. Instead, this Tekonsha adapter will tap into both the left and right taillights, requiring you to remove more of the interior paneling during installation, and have less functionality than the KIA/Hyundai version. The Tekonsha will not have access to the reverse light (nor to the trailer brake power), as the reverse light signals don't route to the rear taillights. The reverse light signals on the 23's only go to the rear bumper (and to the rear camera in the upper part of the tailgate). So - that Tekonsha 118881 will only support a 4-pin and not a 5- or 7-pin.

The Hyundai official adapter should allow for a fully-wired 7-pin harness, from which you could convert down to a 4-pin easily.

TEKONSHA | 118881 | T-One® T-Connector Custom Harness, 4-Way Flat, w/Circuit Protected ModuLite® HD Module, Compatible with Hyundai Palisade

Tekonsha | Brake Controllers

www.tekonsha.com

______________________________

 

[2020Telly]

There is nothing aftermarket that will work right now on the "intended" harness for the 23's (the F45 connector in the luggage bay). This is because the 23's will require a converter that interprets CANBUS signals to decode the left and right turn signals and stop lights.

That being said - Tekonsha has indicated that there will be a 4-pin harness available for the 23's that does not use the "intended" tow wiring connector (F45). The part number for this is "118881". I'll link it below. Instead, this Tekonsha adapter will tap into both the left and right taillights, requiring you to remove more of the interior paneling during installation, and have less functionality than the KIA/Hyundai version. The Tekonsha will not have access to the reverse light (nor to the trailer brake power), as the reverse light signals don't route to the rear taillights. The reverse light signals on the 23's only go to the rear bumper (and to the rear camera in the upper part of the tailgate). So - that Tekonsha 118881 will only support a 4-pin and not a 5- or 7-pin.

The Hyundai official adapter should allow for a fully-wired 7-pin harness, from which you could convert down to a 4-pin easily.

TEKONSHA | 118881 | T-One® T-Connector Custom Harness, 4-Way Flat, w/Circuit Protected ModuLite® HD Module, Compatible with Hyundai Palisade

Tekonsha | Brake Controllers

www.tekonsha.com

Interesting. I'm surprised they went this way instead of that single connector you found in your 2023 that replaced the 2 connectors from your 2022 behind the left rear quarter panel dust cover.

 

[ddrotts]

Sorry if I'm repeating things, but I have to suddenly make a decision. After over a year of waiting our Telluride SX is here. I tow a 20 foot boat, and don't think I have had reverse lights?

Anyway, my dealer says that they can install a hitch no problem, but not the wiring. They are looking for a company to add the wiring.

I don't really know what to do:

1. Hold off and deal with the whole thing when there's a proper fix from KIA? (I don't have an urgent need as I can use my old vehicle for a little while).
2. Have them install the hitch and do the wiring later.
3. Have them install the hitch and use a third party to install wiring?

Will #3 void any part of the warranty?

Thanks for any help on this!

 

[tyger23]

Sorry if I'm repeating things, but I have to suddenly make a decision. After over a year of waiting our Telluride SX is here. I tow a 20 foot boat, and don't think I have had reverse lights?

Anyway, my dealer says that they can install a hitch no problem, but not the wiring. They are looking for a company to add the wiring.

I don't really know what to do:

1. Hold off and deal with the whole thing when there's a proper fix from KIA? (I don't have an urgent need as I can use my old vehicle for a little while).
2. Have them install the hitch and do the wiring later.
3. Have them install the hitch and use a third party to install wiring?

Will #3 void any part of the warranty?

Thanks for any help on this!

I wish I could help you make a decision. I have a 19' boat that is just sitting in storage right now because I can't tow it.

I'm personally waiting for the Kia/Hyundai solution as anything else seems to involve splicing into the wiring harness, which will likely void the warranty on the harness. The exception to this is the Tekonsha wiring kit I listed above, but that is only for a 4-pin flat connector. If you're towing a 20' boat, my guess is that you either have surge brakes or need electronic brakes, which means a 4-pin flat connector won't do it for you (or me).

For now, I wait, and grow more and more angry every weekend I spend without my boat.

 

[John Jacobsen]

I wish I could help you make a decision. I have a 19' boat that is just sitting in storage right now because I can't tow it.

I'm personally waiting for the Kia/Hyundai solution as anything else seems to involve splicing into the wiring harness, which will likely void the warranty on the harness. The exception to this is the Tekonsha wiring kit I listed above, but that is only for a 4-pin flat connector. If you're towing a 20' boat, my guess is that you either have surge brakes or need electronic brakes, which means a 4-pin flat connector won't do it for you (or me).

For now, I wait, and grow more and more angry every weekend I spend without my boat.

I'm with you guys. Tow a 20 foot boat and need a reverse light feed to power up the brake lockout solenoid on the trailer so the surge brakes won't work when reversing. I had a 2016 Pilot with the factory tow pkg that used a 7-pin connector that worked as needed. On my Telluride ('23 SX Ltd - Canada) I have had the Kia factory hitch installed (a '22 Telluride part that fits) and have modified the original cover trim for clearance. I have been in touch with Kia Canada (case number on file) and with my dealer (a number of times).
I have the Hyundai Palisade wiring harness on order from 2 sources - my local Hyundai dealer and Hyundai Parts Pro in Ontario. Both sources are saying the harness is 4 weeks away (as of this week).
I spoke to the my Kia dealer yesterday. The service manager says there is nothing on the horizon coming from Kia. She has no comment on the use of the Palisade harness. She recommended using a local installer to have a wiring harness installed. For now, I'm going to wait for the Palisade harness and install it myself. If the backorder keeps getting pushed farther away I'll have to have the aftermarket wiring spliced in. Not my preference. Not going to wait past this time next month - I'll want to be using my boat by then.

______________________________

 

[dmc346]

I wish I could help you make a decision. I have a 19' boat that is just sitting in storage right now because I can't tow it.

I'm personally waiting for the Kia/Hyundai solution as anything else seems to involve splicing into the wiring harness, which will likely void the warranty on the harness. The exception to this is the Tekonsha wiring kit I listed above, but that is only for a 4-pin flat connector. If you're towing a 20' boat, my guess is that you either have surge brakes or need electronic brakes, which means a 4-pin flat connector won't do it for you (or me).

For now, I wait, and grow more and more angry every weekend I spend without my boat.

Tyger, are you talking about the

I wish I could help you make a decision. I have a 19' boat that is just sitting in storage right now because I can't tow it.

I'm personally waiting for the Kia/Hyundai solution as anything else seems to involve splicing into the wiring harness, which will likely void the warranty on the harness. The exception to this is the Tekonsha wiring kit I listed above, but that is only for a 4-pin flat connector. If you're towing a 20' boat, my guess is that you either have surge brakes or need electronic brakes, which means a 4-pin flat connector won't do it for you (or me).

For now, I wait, and grow more and more angry every weekend I spend without my boat.

tyger23, does the tekonsha 118881 harness work on the 2023 Tellurides, I was told by etrailer they would not.

 

[Slack Attack]

Sorry if I'm repeating things, but I have to suddenly make a decision. After over a year of waiting our Telluride SX is here. I tow a 20 foot boat, and don't think I have had reverse lights?

Anyway, my dealer says that they can install a hitch no problem, but not the wiring. They are looking for a company to add the wiring.

I don't really know what to do:

1. Hold off and deal with the whole thing when there's a proper fix from KIA? (I don't have an urgent need as I can use my old vehicle for a little while).
2. Have them install the hitch and do the wiring later.
3. Have them install the hitch and use a third party to install wiring?

Will #3 void any part of the warranty?

Thanks for any help on this!

If you need to use the boat frequently, I would find another vehicle. I’ve never seen worse communication from a car company regarding an issue so vital to the full use of the product. Kia has offered no timelines, no communication and honestly no real acknowledgement of the problem.

 

[tyger23]

Tyger, are you talking about the

tyger23, does the tekonsha 118881 harness work on the 2023 Tellurides, I was told by etrailer they would not.

Let me be honest - I'm no expert on this, I don't work for any company that specilaizes in trailers or wiring, and I don't own any product that currently works with the 23's.

That being said: Tekonsha actually calls out the Kia Telluride for their 118881 product. Just look at the description on their website:

TEKONSHA | 118881 | T-One® T-Connector Custom Harness, 4-Way Flat, w/Circuit Protected ModuLite® HD Module, Compatible with Hyundai Palisade

Tekonsha | Brake Controllers

www.tekonsha.com

Also, judging from the picutres of the 118881 on the Tekonsha website, and combining that with the pictures I posted of F12 and F13 (the taillight connectors), I would venture to guess that the Tekonsha 118881 will probably work fine with the 23 tellurides.

But - I don't guarantee anything. I'll only say that if I could personally get by with only a 4-pin flat harness, then I'd probably be buying that Tekonsha 118881 right now.

 

[mrgcg]

I called KIA customer service (800)333-4542 today to find out if or when the tow harness would be available. They stated all 2023 Telluride owners will receive a letter about the tow harness issue. Will be mailed out May 16. That's not to say the harness will be available at that time. They filled out a report and gave me a confirmation number. I would suggest everyone do the same. I'm sure they have had an ear full!