The 2023 Towing Saga Part 2 - Finally good news!

[Sqrob]

I get the problem with the electronics but a non-conductive, unpainted part which was already designed to be removed and replaced, with no impact on safety?

Purely esthetic bumper insert should (and probably does) have a part number somewhere in their database.

It seems more like the communication within the company is a major issue

 

[TellmeyourWHAT?]

I get the problem with the electronics but a non-conductive, unpainted part which was already designed to be removed and replaced, with no impact on safety?

Purely esthetic bumper insert should (and probably does) have a part number somewhere in their database.

It seems more like the communication within the company is a major issue

Nope - they are purposely not disclosing a part number so that they can sell their package deal of hitch, harness, hatch latch, and bumper insert to buyers who need it all. When their business gets slow with that package is when they will unveil the bumper part number.

 

[2020Telly]

The solution is simple but it requires someone who got the brand new kit and is willing to remove the bumper insert and report back the part number stamped on the back then someone else can try to order it.

 

[skeetermx1825]

I think the kit only sales of the plastic part is just due to a short supply and the huge demand of almost a years worth of not putting hitches on Tellurides...once the supply builds up to exceed what the hitch kits need, they will release it separately...makes no sense for KIA to sell hitch kits without enough plastic trim parts to go with them...

we're a year+ into the 2023 release and there's still no silly key fob protectors available yet...

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[Sqrob]

I appreciate your opinions however we're no closer to a viable solution from the manufacturer, nor any of their representatives

 

[bennyhanna]

I saw some people mention a brake controller. I get my hitch kit installed on Monday (9/18). Is there no brake controlled with the Kia hitch kit? If I wanted one, what would I have to do?

Kind of odd it comes with a 7 pin connector and no brake controlled (considering that’s what the 7 pin is for), other wise it should just come with a 4 pin. Which is also odd it doesn’t come with both connectors (like most factory hitch kits).

 

[skeetermx1825]

The solution is to buy the full kit like 99% of other 2023+ Telluride owners who want the hitch are doing, the 1% who pieced together an unofficial kit will have to wait I guess... this whole process has been 1 cluster F after another...there's no denying that...it was hard enough to wait 10+ months to finally get the hitch, now I need to wait another month until I could get a service appointment to install it (I don't want the liability)

 

[bennyhanna]

The solution is to buy the full kit like 99% of other 2023+ Telluride owners who want the hitch are doing, the 1% who pieced together an unofficial kit will have to wait I guess... this whole process has been 1 cluster F after another...there's no denying that...it was hard enough to wait 10+ months to finally get the hitch, now I need to wait another month until I could get a service appointment to install it (I don't want the liability)

I’m getting the full kit from Kia. My question is this; does it come with a brake controller?

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[lcornice]

The solution is simple but it requires someone who got the brand new kit and is willing to remove the bumper insert and report back the part number stamped on the back then someone else can try to order it.

I haven't installed mine yet. There were 2 numbers -

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

 

[Deb in Bailey]

I’m getting the full kit from Kia. My question is this; does it come with a brake controller?

No, a brake controller would be something you would add separately.

I've owned multiple cars that had hitches and 7-pin connectors. I had to add the brake controller myself each time.

 

[2020Telly]

I haven't installed mine yet. There were 2 numbers -

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

There, we have it!

The bumper insert for the 2023-2024 is part # S9F61-AU160.

Which makes sense because the bumper insert for the 2020-2022 is part # S9F61-AU060.

Someone could try to order S9F61-AU160 if that doesn’t work also try S9F61-AU760 and if you can’t just try again in a couple months until it is in stock.

 

[Sqrob]

Thanks for the part numbers.

My dealer threw a S9F61-AU060 in my trunk at time of delivery and said it would be better to install it once the harness was installed.

As I learned yesterday, it doesn't fit MY2023. Slightly different size and shape.

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[Sqrob]

I’m getting the full kit from Kia. My question is this; does it come with a brake controller?

The wiring harness package should come with the 4-wire connector for under the dash and approximately 8" wire leads.

The actual brake controller is not included.

 

[dtburgh]

Thanks for the part numbers.

My dealer threw a S9F61-AU060 in my trunk at time of delivery and said it would be better to install it once the harness was installed.

As I learned yesterday, it doesn't fit MY2023. Slightly different size and shape.

View attachment 31812View attachment 31813View attachment 31814

it doesnt fit the 23's with a oem hitch installed???

 

[Sqrob]

it doesnt fit the 23's with a oem hitch installed???

It is not the right size or shape for the bumper opening. The hitch doesn't matter at that point.
The one on top is what was removed from MY2023.
The one on the bottom is the replacement and is approximately 1" wider at the mounting tabs and flat on the other end, which is what is visible and has all of the mounting clips.

 

[don tujaka]

Speaking of Canada, KIA HQ still doesn't have an option for Canadian Tellurides.

This morning I purchased and installed the Hyundai Pallidade 2023 part.

S8F67AC800

I did not connect the trailer brake harness under the dash but it was included in the above part box.

Relatively easy install, apart from fighting with the Styrofoam insert for the jack.

One thing to note: if you disconnect your battery, as per the instructions, you may have to do a power liftgate reset procedure to get it to close. This only takes 15 seconds to complete, once you have a step ladder setup to reach the outter button.

All I am missing is the KIA part number for the new bumper insert. I think the one my dealer threw in my trunk is for MY 2020-2022.

It's a different shape and size.

No, a brake controller would be something you would add separately.

I've owned multiple cars that had hitches and 7-pin connectors. I had to add the brake controller myself each time.

There are also wireless brake controllers. The controller simply plugs into the cigarette lighter for power and transmits wirelessly to a receiver mounted on the trailer. The controller has a 3-axis accelerometer to figure out what breaking is required. I have used the Tekonsha Prodigy RF. Very easy to use, proportional and adjustable. The controller can be moved from tow vehicle to tow vehicle while the receiver is trailer mounted. The down side is the price, $380-$430.

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[dtburgh]

It is not the right size or shape for the bumper opening. The hitch doesn't matter at that point.View attachment 31815View attachment 31817
The one on top is what was removed from MY2023.
The one on the bottom is the replacement and is approximately 1" wider at the mounting tabs and flat on the other end, which is what is visible and has all of the mounting clips.

i think thats a hitch cover for the 1st gen tellurides. 2020-22 heres a pic from earlier in this thread of a factory installed hitch cover and its the same shape as the 23s

 

[Sqrob]

i think thats a hitch cover for the 1st gen tellurides. 2020-22 heres a pic from earlier in this thread of a factory installed hitch cover and its the same shape as the 23s

View attachment 31819

Yes, you are correct.

 

[jhhvideo]

This is the install of the OEM trailer hitch and harness and modified bumper trim panel on my 2023 Kia telluride

 

[dtburgh]

This is the install of the OEM trailer hitch and harness and modified bumper trim panel on my 2023 Kia telluride

yup, thats what mine looks like too. i may just leave it, it really doesnt look bad with the cut out cover.. its hard to tell is not all oem..