-
Hint: Use a descriptive title for your new message
If you're looking for help and want to draw people in who can assist you, use a descriptive subject title when posting your message. In other words, "I need help with my SUV" could be about anything and can easily be overlooked by people who can help. However, "I need help with my transmission" will draw interest from people who can help with a transmission specific issue. Be as descriptive as you can. Please also post in the appropriate forum. The "Lounge" is for introducing yourself. If you need help with your leather interior, please post in the Interior section - and so on... This message can be closed by clicking the X in the top right corner. -
Towing capacity
- Thread author Tasha
- Start date
Clemson1985
New member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2019
- Messages
- 20
- Reaction score
- 5
- Points
- 3
Can the tow package be ordered on all trim levels? When I built an EX on the KIA.com site the tow package was flagged unavailable.
BrianF
Active member
I have the tow package on my EX. Not sure about availability on the LX and S though.
______________________________
The tow option (hitch and 4-wire) can be added to LX and S. The tow package is the tow option with added self leveling rear shocks and that can be added added to EX and SX. However all have the same 351 lb tongue weight limitation.
Clemson1985
New member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2019
- Messages
- 20
- Reaction score
- 5
- Points
- 3
Thanks. I really just want the tow package to install a rack to carry coolers and such. Not sure whether to order the tow package or just install an aftermarket one. Does anyone have a good picture of the factory tow package? Does the middle portion of the bottom of the rear bumper come off or is it mounted under it?
It comes off and there is a plastic housing that replaces it. If you don’t need the wiring you can get away with just the tow hitch and the cover. Kia 2020 Telluride Accessories Guide. Or if you wait a few more weeks there should be aftermarket options for cheaper that might hang below the bumper.
Lou Panozzo
FOUNDING MEMBER
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2019
- Messages
- 177
- Reaction score
- 115
- Points
- 43
Lou Panozzo
FOUNDING MEMBER
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2019
- Messages
- 177
- Reaction score
- 115
- Points
- 43
BrianF
Active member
Agree. Glad to see Kia updated this.
bogie
Well-known member
Sorry - pet peeve here - hitch racks typically don't come with lights -- for your safety, you should install run/brake/turn lights. Those things extend back from a vehicle a fair distance, are generally black, with no lights or reflectors and mounted low - just asking someone to run into it. Bike carriers generally block some or all of the vehicle's lights - so they should definitely have lights added. LED lights (or strips) are inexpensive and easy to mount...
OK - off my soap box on this one...
I think it’s a great idea. But not a legal requirement and I have not seen approved DOT lights built into the popular hitch mounted bike carriers.
______________________________
bogie
Well-known member
Agreed - kinda the point...
Since not a requirement, they would be considered supplemental lights which don't require DOT approval. However, there are many DOT approved lights that could be mounted to the baskets or bike racks for safety and visibility.
Just purchased a hitch mounted cargo carrier basket. Based on this discussion I decided to get some lights that connect to the 4 pin for added visibility. They aren’t DOT approved but I figure they can’t hurt and are better than nothing added.
______________________________
KIAconvert
Member
- Joined
- May 10, 2019
- Messages
- 46
- Reaction score
- 45
- Points
- 18
Good call. NCTelly - Do you mind sharing which hitch basket you got?
KIAconvert
Member
- Joined
- May 10, 2019
- Messages
- 46
- Reaction score
- 45
- Points
- 18
Hi everyone, Newbie question here: I’m shopping around for either a roof rack storage solution or a hitch basket/storage solution. But I am wondering about how a hitch accessories affects the total GVWR of the Telluride.
Am I right to assume 100% of a hitch basket/storage accessory’s weight is counted toward GVWR? Unlike a trailer with wheels that only adds 7-10% to the total tongue weight.
Hope the question makes sense.
Am I right to assume 100% of a hitch basket/storage accessory’s weight is counted toward GVWR? Unlike a trailer with wheels that only adds 7-10% to the total tongue weight.
Hope the question makes sense.
BrianF
Active member
Your assumption is correct. The total weight of a hitch basket and its contents must be factored in to the GVWR. Also, the total cannot exceed the hitch weight rating, which for the Telluride is 500 pounds.
Decided to try the:
Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
I bought from Amazon but I think Walmart and Ebay also sell this one. It’s rated for 500lbs but it weighs 52lbs, so I have about 440 to work with. Also will have a roof top turtle shell type cargo carrier (XCargo Sears 15cu ft) on factory crossbars to hold a couple suitcases and random objects.
Here’s a site I used during research. Buyer's Guide: The Best Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers - The Truth About Cars
I would have preferred aluminum over steel but I didn’t want to spend a ton. The Ultra Tow one on that site is only 37lbs and 22” deep instead of 20”. But it’s ~$80 more. I liked the fact that I should be able to open the hatch on the Telluride if need be on the Mockins and I can fold it up.
Last edited:
