The 2023 Towing Saga Part 2 - Finally good news!

[Wasatch]

If you look at the letter from KIA HQ, they estimate the time at 1.84 hours.View attachment 31853

Assuming that the letter is legit, your labor cost seems very high.

I'll call and ask for a break down tomorrow. Seemed super high to me.

 

[lcornice]

I have such little free time it's worth it to me but it's outrageous. I could work overtime while they install it . First appointment is in November. It's absolutely Bonkers.

Fair point about time; however, at their hourly rate I think I could make a killing doing this for people for half the price! The 2 hours of install time at half their rate is a very good use of my time.

 

[rehan88]

2023 hitch saga issue. So I got the parts yesterday but it seems like my dealer has yet not installed these for anyone so far which makes me super skeptical of the job they might do. Especially with the wire harness that seems to go in the fuse box as well? Is anyone aware of that?

Anyone tried installing these parts themselves? I'm also not hearing much information about the latch replacement. It is a big part, has someone managed to do that on their own?

TIA

 

[Sqrob]

Look through previous posts in this thread.

People have installed various parts themselves and many posted pictures

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[merlin309]

That's the modified one with the trailer attachment.

I thought they were asking for the factory original w/o the mods.

My bad.

I did stop by a US dealer today and opened a kit to see the new cover does exist, though they can't order just the cover separately.

The kid said he'd check with his boss tomorrow.

Actually I was looking for both part #'s... The original so my internal OCD can be satisfied And the modified version with the hitch cutout etc. to see if it fits a Curt hitch. And if anyone figures out if it fits the Curt hitch (when it finally becomes available), I'd love to hear their experience!

Thanks

 

[Sqrob]

Actually I was looking for both part #'s... The original so my internal OCD can be satisfied And the modified version with the hitch cutout etc. to see if it fits a Curt hitch. And if anyone figures out if it fits the Curt hitch (when it finally becomes available), I'd love to hear their experience!

Thanks

This is the hitch molded part (the one Canadian dealers say doesn't exist)

I) Stamped on the cover- S9F61-AU160
2) Sticker - S9F61AU760

 

[Deb in Bailey]

Our local dealer has 6 sets in stock and can install the same day. $720ish for parts and $650 for install.

That's crazy! Maybe they are taking advantage of the fact it's in stock and they can install the same day?

It's supposed to be similar pricing to 2022 which per my research means it shouldn't be much over $600 for parts (if that). And at less than two hours for install. . .

I just called my dealer and made sure they were aware of the memo and the pricing info and the time estimates and such. I wanted to make sure they were aware of the latch and the information about installing it. I was quoted about $900 for parts and labor and taxes. They broke it down at $550 for parts and $300 for labor, but they really didn't want to be very specific.

That labor cost is still ridiculous, but I'm trying to be thankful that they didn't want to try to quote me a much higher price.

 

[don tujaka]

I have an appointment Monday, Sep 25, to have mine installed. S9TOW-Power. I am concerned about some of the prices I have read about here. I asked for an estimate and the guy said he would check and call back. That was 3 days ago. If they tell me labor is going to be >$500 I will walk as a matter of principle. Does anybody know if the dealer can refuse to sell me the part? I understand the part will not be warrantied if not installed by a dealer. 1.84 hrs * $160/hr = $295

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[Sharky]

I have an appointment Monday, Sep 25, to have mine installed. S9TOW-Power. I am concerned about some of the prices I have read about here. I asked for an estimate and the guy said he would check and call back. That was 3 days ago. If they tell me labor is going to be >$500 I will walk as a matter of principle. Does anybody know if the dealer can refuse to sell me the part? I understand the part will not be warrantied if not installed by a dealer. 1.84 hrs * $160/hr = $295

I don't know if they 'can' refuse to sell. But, I did just order the same kit from a dealer with no mention of them installing it. I even told them that I'd look into doing it myself and if I thought it was too much, I'd schedule an install (wondering about the latch portion). The parts guy said I might do some of the work, leaving less for them to do and not cost as much.

 

[Sharky]

Has anyone done the complete new kit install on their own? How difficult is the latch portion? Can the hitch be installed before the harness and latch or is there some reason to do one, or both, before the hitch? TIA.

 

[Sqrob]

Has anyone done the complete new kit install on their own? How difficult is the latch portion? Can the hitch be installed before the harness and latch or is there some reason to do one, or both, before the hitch? TIA.

Yes, in a previous post one member spoke to the latch install.

Other than being carefull not to scratch any plastic and not break any plastic clips (buy a $5 trim removal tool) it appears to be straightforward.
KIA instructions, along with most major manufacturers, always start with disconnecting the vehicle battery when dealing with any electrical/ electronic component.

Purely a CYA measure but better safe than sorry.

Once battery is disconnected, I can't see how doing the latch or wiring harness first could make any difference. I don't think either communicate with the airbags.

If you ever intend to touch any wiring that does talk to any airbags, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND WAIT THE REQUIRED DISCHARGE TIME.

If not...it can get painful & fugly.

 

[don tujaka]

Installed complete kit 09/25/2023
S9F61 Tow Hitch Kit with B $478.00
S9F67 Tow Hitch Harness $198.00
81800 Power Latch Asy $ 0.00
Labor $125.00 (I thought this was very reasonable)
Shop Supplies $ 12.50
Sales Tax Michigan 6% $ 41.31
Total $854.81

Friendly service and good support from Lisa @ Al Serra Kia in Grand Blank.

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[skeetermx1825]

Installed complete kit 09/25/2023
S9F61 Tow Hitch Kit with B $478.00
S9F67 Tow Hitch Harness $198.00
81800 Power Latch Asy $ 0.00
Labor $125.00 (I thought this was very reasonable)
Shop Supplies $ 12.50
Sales Tax Michigan 6% $ 41.31
Total $854.81

Friendly service and good support from Lisa @ Al Serra Kia in Grand Blank.

That's a crazy good labor price, its supposed to take them 2 hours to install everything...parts prices look similar to what others have posted, I get mine installed on 10/19, I'll post what I pay then...

 

[don tujaka]

That's a crazy good labor price, its supposed to take them 2 hours to install everything...parts prices look similar to what others have posted, I get mine installed on 10/19, I'll post what I pay then...

I thought so too. I have been very happy with Al Sera so far. This is my first Kia. Best of luck with your install. (I know some people here are Canadian, those were US $)

 

[rehan88]

Installed complete kit 09/25/2023
S9F61 Tow Hitch Kit with B $478.00
S9F67 Tow Hitch Harness $198.00
81800 Power Latch Asy $ 0.00
Labor $125.00 (I thought this was very reasonable)
Shop Supplies $ 12.50
Sales Tax Michigan 6% $ 41.31
Total $854.81

Friendly service and good support from Lisa @ Al Serra Kia in Grand Blank.

I am shocked at that labor cost. You got a great deal. Good for you!

 

[damiangoli]

View attachment 31863View attachment 31864


This is the hitch molded part (the one Canadian dealers say doesn't exist)

I) Stamped on the cover- S9F61-AU160
2) Sticker - S9F61AU760

I almost ordered it but there was 126 dollars shipping cost and I changed my mind, ..... will cut what i have

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[Sqrob]

I almost ordered it but there was 126 dollars shipping cost and I changed my mind, ..... will cut what i have

Where can it be ordered from?

 

[damiangoli]

I found it here:


"www kia parts oem parts kia tow hitch bumper cov s9f61au660"

 

[Sqrob]

I found it here:


"www kia parts oem parts kia tow hitch bumper cov s9f61au660"

Cool.
Was that for the 2020-2022 or 2023-2024 model year, do you know?

 

[damiangoli]

Cool.
Was that for the 2020-2022 or 2023-2024 model year, do you know?

For what I saw it was for the 2023 model....