Towing tongue weight only 350 pounds?

[drainplug]

Here is what I know after 1 week on ownership of EX with factory tow package. ONE: I am an idiot for not pulling the cap off the Four pin, assuming it was a 5, (with a class three and 5000# tow capacity). Guess that extra fifty cents cost was a deal killer to the Kia engineers! TWO: Kia dealership will NOT touch it, (to convert to a 5 or 7 pin at this point, per conversations and calls they made on my behalf, "no plans to address this problem yet", (and if you have brakes and need to back up, better keep that lockout key for your trailer handy). Dealer said they are on a conference call this coming Friday and will bring it up again. THREE: I have spoken with at least 5 trailer/tow/auto specialty shops and most "are looking into it", but few are calling back...nothing out there to look at yet. I have one guy who said that he can convert to a five or seven, but that the bracket that comes from the factory is welded to the frame and the seven pin will not fit; he could hang it below, no thanks, or live with the flat five, which is all I have to have, (Bass Cat single axle surge brakes), and could widen the grove the four pin sits in stick a flat 5 in there. Of note, the back up lights on the Telluride are in the lift gate, so see that the wires come out of the inside top of the gate, lots more labor to route, he said. The guy has concerns, as I, about voiding any warranty and "finger pointing" issues that may arise if something happens down the road. I will call the dealer again on that this week. FOUR: I pulled an 18' bass boat today, probably 3800# range loaded, about 10 miles to a local lake. IT had lots of get up and go, I breezed by an Explorer pulling a Ski boat, at the next light when they caught up they were eyeballing the KIA up and down, ha ha...already have had several of those. and FIANALLY I have to get this resolved! I have a uphill side entry garage with around 3" clearance on each side, so going 90 degrees backing into driveway from the street to another 90 degrees to garage uphill, does not usually happen without a forward/reverse adjustments, and constantly getting in and out of the vehicle to take lockout key in and out is for the birds. THIS FOUT PIN ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. This is going to became an issue only if they DO NOT QUICKLY make a dealer authorized conversion available.

 

[Garydotka]

You are not alone... except that you bought the Telluride, as opposed to a lot of people like me who are unfortunately taking a pass on buying a Telluride - even though I love most things about the vehicle. The problem is that it is not properly and safely engineered to tow 5000#. It can tow it, but it can't stop it. That's bad. After all, it is supposed to be a sports UTILITY vehicle... with a tow, tongue, and braking capability for a 5000 lb trailer 'GVW'. But that is not the case. It also does not have any parts, accessories, or upgrades available to even lift it a couple inches and add some decent sized tires - for those of us who might want to take it off the pavement, and do some back road hiking or camping. Its 'base' ground clearance is pretty poor. My wife's $28k Subaru Outback has better clearance. Its odd that the Telluride marketing materials and videos and such - and even the 'special edition' Tellurides they display at car shows (which you can not buy, or even fit-up in equivalence) - is to position the vehicle as a serious SUV, with actual utility and off-road capability. The real, 'as engineered' Telluride is not what it is marketed to be. It is really just another soccer mom AWD car - the same as a Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Ascent, GMC Traverse, or Ford Explorer. I just wish some car company would make an actual modern SUV of this size - that can tow and go off-road once in a while. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and Toyota 4-Runner still seem to be the only new vehicle choices as true SUV's in this size range - but they don't quite stack-up to the Tellies modern engine, interior and applied driver technologies. I'll have to stick with my Jeep, Subie, and F150 - three vehicles just to get all the different family driving requirements done - until some auto manufacturer engineers a real and modern 'mid-sized' SUV again... so I can get down to one vehicle maybe. I hate the thought of having to buy an over-priced, too large, gas guzzler carbon-busting Tahoe, Expedition, or Sequoia. Not going to go there. +80 cft of volume, AWD/4WD with a diff lock or limited slip rear, +8" of ground clearance, A/T tire potential, true 5000# of tow capability (and associated brake controller and engine/transmission cooling), modern driver safety features, 300/300 hp/torque, and +25 mpg highway is all I ask. Hybrid would be even better. Its all available in pieces in various vehicles, but no one has put it all together. Ironically, the Dodge Durango is closest - probably because it was engineered to be an actual SUV (albeit still a unibody vehicle) but it has an 8 year old interior and no 4WD limited slip or AWD diff lock as its primary shortcomings. Again, I was hoping the Telluride would be the answer, based on its advertised and claimed capability. But it turned-out to be more marketing hype than actual SUV. It appears to be a great vehicle for 90% of driving. But not for the 10% of harder core family vacations in the north woods or mountains while towing some toys or campers. Nor can it work hard outside of suburbia on bad roads or deep snow. Dissappointing. I'm staying on the new vehicle sidelines for a while longer - and will still hope that Kia addresses its vehicle issues - though I'm not holding my breath.

 

[stbentoak]

You are not alone... except that you bought the Telluride, as opposed to a lot of people like me who are unfortunately taking a pass on buying a Telluride - even though I love most things about the vehicle. The problem is that it is not properly and safely engineered to tow 5000#. It can tow it, but it can't stop it. That's bad. After all, it is supposed to be a sports UTILITY vehicle... with a tow, tongue, and braking capability for a 5000 lb trailer 'GVW'. But that is not the case. It also does not have any parts, accessories, or upgrades available to even lift it a couple inches and add some decent sized tires - for those of us who might want to take it off the pavement, and do some back road hiking or camping. Its 'base' ground clearance is pretty poor. My wife's $28k Subaru Outback has better clearance. Its odd that the Telluride marketing materials and videos and such - and even the 'special edition' Tellurides they display at car shows (which you can not buy, or even fit-up in equivalence) - is to position the vehicle as a serious SUV, with actual utility and off-road capability. The real, 'as engineered' Telluride is not what it is marketed to be. It is really just another soccer mom AWD car - the same as a Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Ascent, GMC Traverse, or Ford Explorer. I just wish some car company would make an actual modern SUV of this size - that can tow and go off-road once in a while. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and Toyota 4-Runner still seem to be the only new vehicle choices as true SUV's in this size range - but they don't quite stack-up to the Tellies modern engine, interior and applied driver technologies. I'll have to stick with my Jeep, Subie, and F150 - three vehicles just to get all the different family driving requirements done - until some auto manufacturer engineers a real and modern 'mid-sized' SUV again... so I can get down to one vehicle maybe. I hate the thought of having to buy an over-priced, too large, gas guzzler carbon-busting Tahoe, Expedition, or Sequoia. Not going to go there. +80 cft of volume, AWD/4WD with a diff lock or limited slip rear, +8" of ground clearance, A/T tire potential, true 5000# of tow capability (and associated brake controller and engine/transmission cooling), modern driver safety features, 300/300 hp/torque, and +25 mpg highway is all I ask. Hybrid would be even better. Its all available in pieces in various vehicles, but no one has put it all together. Ironically, the Dodge Durango is closest - probably because it was engineered to be an actual SUV (albeit still a unibody vehicle) but it has an 8 year old interior and no 4WD limited slip or AWD diff lock as its primary shortcomings. Again, I was hoping the Telluride would be the answer, based on its advertised and claimed capability. But it turned-out to be more marketing hype than actual SUV. It appears to be a great vehicle for 90% of driving. But not for the 10% of harder core family vacations in the north woods or mountains while towing some toys or campers. Nor can it work hard outside of suburbia on bad roads or deep snow. Dissappointing. I'm staying on the new vehicle sidelines for a while longer - and will still hope that Kia addresses its vehicle issues - though I'm not holding my breath.

Sounds like you need what I have now, A Jeep GC Eco Diesel. It ticks off everything you say you need above including towing and mileage. If you NEED all those things there really is no substitute for a JEEP. I am hinging between buying a Telly or another one of what I have. I don't really need 4LO or Air suspension or all the Off Road prowess the Jeep has, but I do like its towing, self leveling and extended 600+ mile range and 25-30 MPG under all conditions.

But for 98% of my life the Telly does everything my JEEP does at a min of 10K equivalent less price. It has more safety features, better interior, REAR AIR, (Important to us !), and of course 3rd row that would save us taking 2 cars to some places with a large family. I have a pickup to tow my 5K boat, although my JEEP could tow it just fine. I can put a little effort into the Telly and make it into a head turner. Its AWD features still would exceed any needs for winter driving etc. In the Midwest, we just don't get the winters we used to get... We used to get 2ft at a time in the 70's and 80's but any more 4-6 " is a big deal ( Which it isn't...). There aren't many negatives about it, except a small tank and short travel range. Towing wise, many Telly owners will prob be towing an occasional open trailer or reasonable fishing boat which it should do just fine. If you think you are going to tow a 20+ ft RV or dual axle cargo trailer, trust me, the Telly ain't for you.

But for what it DOES do, it still deserves a serious look and I am going to wait till the market settles on them this fall, and possibly see what JEEP offers for next year before making a final decision....

 

[Garydotka]

Sounds like you need what I have now, A Jeep GC Eco Diesel. It ticks off everything you say you need above including towing and mileage. If you NEED all those things there really is no substitute for a JEEP. I am hinging between buying a Telly or another one of what I have. I don't really need 4LO or Air suspension or all the Off Road prowess the Jeep has, but I do like its towing, self leveling and extended 600+ mile range and 25-30 MPG under all conditions.

But for 98% of my life the Telly does everything my JEEP does at a min of 10K equivalent less price. It has more safety features, better interior, REAR AIR, (Important to us !), and of course 3rd row that would save us taking 2 cars to some places with a large family. I have a pickup to tow my 5K boat, although my JEEP could tow it just fine. I can put a little effort into the Telly and make it into a head turner. Its AWD features still would exceed any needs for winter driving etc. In the Midwest, we just don't get the winters we used to get... We used to get 2ft at a time in the 70's and 80's but any more 4-6 " is a big deal ( Which it isn't...). There aren't many negatives about it, except a small tank and short travel range. Towing wise, many Telly owners will prob be towing an occasional open trailer or reasonable fishing boat which it should do just fine. If you think you are going to tow a 20+ ft RV or dual axle cargo trailer, trust me, the Telly ain't for you.

But for what it DOES do, it still deserves a serious look and I am going to wait till the market settles on them this fall, and possibly see what JEEP offers for next year before making a final decision....

Yup... precisely where I am. I too may buy another Jeep GC when all is said and done. My ‘99 GC is getting tired, as is my 07 F150. I’ll wait till Q4 to see if other companies upgrade their tech a bit - to where the Telly is. If Kia fixes the towing/brake issue, I’ll go the Tellie route, on the assumption the aftermarket will eventually come up with a small lift kit. If FCA adds driver safety tech to the 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel, I might even go that way too, with their new hybrid assisted V-6. At $50k - $60k for anything decent out there, I just hate to compromise on a vehicle that can’t do everything I need it for. I hear FCA may be putting a frame back under the Jeep and Durango? The Durango is in sore need of an update to make my ‘potentials list’. A new Grand Wagoneer could be the ticket too.

I forgot to mention, I grew up in Wisconsin, but in Vermont now. Much hillier here, and mostly dirt roads off the main thoroughfares - which themselves are just two lane beater paved roads. More snow and elevation here too. There is a 5th season here, called mud season. Seriously. It’s between winter and spring when the roads start to thaw. But they thaw from the top down. Net is, in VT you gotta have ground clearance and a good 4wd/awd... but you still want the vehicle to be a comfy cruiser when you head out on vacation. There is no population here, so no car company is going to design a vehicle for us. So we all have a truck of course, and some form of Jeep-like SUV, if not a Jeep itself. The Moms mostly have Subaru’s. Those that don’t go much farther than church, the grocery store and high school might have a Pilot or Highlander... but for now, the Subie is the go-to do everything 2nd vehicle of choice here. The state is filled with them. EVs? Forget it. Maybe a Rivian type thing some day.

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[cgallagher]

Hehe I kept my TDI Touareg for towing. 7700 lbs no problem!

 

[2020Telly]

Hi everyone, I am looking to get the SX with both prestige and tow package if all works out. In looking up the manual, I noticed that the capacity is 5,000 pounds, but the tow weight is only 500 pounds? I remember the LWB Santa Fe and Sorento having at least 10% towing capacity @ 500 pounds minimum. with the towing capacity set at 5,000 pounds.

Does this sound like a typo? I plan on towing a 3,450 pound travel trailer that has a hitch weight of 400-440 pounds. Just curious if anyone else saw this too.

View attachment 380

View attachment 381

I found this post on etrailer.com Tongue Weight Capacity for 2019 Kia Sorento | etrailer.com
I think what the author is saying is that Kia is advertising the OEM hitch tongue weight rating and the max towing of the vehicle. So if I were to extend the same thinking to the Telluride, if you get an aftermarket tow hitch (when they become available) that is rated for 500+ then you can get to the 5,000 towing. Does anyone see the same thing I’m reading?

 

[G-192482]

Hi everyone, I am looking to get the SX with both prestige and tow package if all works out. In looking up the manual, I noticed that the capacity is 5,000 pounds, but the tow weight is only 500 pounds? I remember the LWB Santa Fe and Sorento having at least 10% towing capacity @ 500 pounds minimum. with the towing capacity set at 5,000 pounds.

Does this sound like a typo? I plan on towing a 3,450 pound travel trailer that has a hitch weight of 400-440 pounds. Just curious if anyone else saw this too.

If you looking to tow do not buy a kia. the Ford Explorer has a better towing capacity tow package and Eco boost V6.

 

[mikeg112]

If you looking to tow do not buy a kia. the Ford Explorer has a better towing capacity tow package and Eco boost V6.

Depends on what you are trying to tow. The 2020 explorer only has 600lbs more towing capacity @ 5,600. If you search some of the more recent posts there are Kias towing small travel trailers and boats. I myself am towing a 4,100 lb travel trailer without issues on my Palisade, the same chassis as the telluride. Can both the explorer and telluride tow at max capacity? Probably. But the rule of thumb with ANY towing scenario is try to keep yourself in the 80% rule of actual towing capacity so you give yourself a margin of safety.

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[2020Telly]

Depends on what you are trying to tow. The 2020 explorer only has 600lbs more towing capacity @ 5,600. If you search some of the more recent posts there are Kias towing small travel trailers and boats. I myself am towing a 4,100 lb travel trailer without issues on my Palisade, the same chassis as the telluride. Can both the explorer and telluride tow at max capacity? Probably. But the rule of thumb with ANY towing scenario is try to keep yourself in the 80% rule of actual towing capacity so you give yourself a margin of safety.

So I take it you guys are just ignoring the tongue weight vs hitch weight gap?

 

[Glennboi]

Is towing package (self-leveling rear suspension and tow hitch) included in SX Prestige?

 

[jw_tx21]

Is towing package (self-leveling rear suspension and tow hitch) included in SX Prestige?

No, it's an $800 option - can be added to EX or SX trims.

 

[Glennboi]

No, it's an $800 option - can be added to EX or SX trims.

Actually I added this to my order, and I thought the salesperson just didn't tell me. How about Mud Guards?

Thanks!

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[jw_tx21]

Actually I added this to my order, and I thought the salesperson just didn't tell me. How about Mud Guards?

Thanks!

That's a $110 option I believe. Can be added to any trim level. Also not included. The SX-P doesn't include any of the factory options that are listed on the website or in brochures - its upgrades are leather quality, HUD, power supplies, ventilated seats, headliner - things that aren't options for other trims. For something like mud guards, your dealer can install those - I would negotiate with your dealer to get them on the vehicle.

 

[Glennboi]

That's a $110 option I believe. Can be added to any trim level. Also not included. The SX-P doesn't include any of the factory options that are listed on the website or in brochures - its upgrades are leather quality, HUD, power supplies, ventilated seats, headliner - things that aren't options for other trims. For something like mud guards, your dealer can install those - I would negotiate with your dealer to get them on the vehicle.

Thanks! I will try...

 

[G-466179]

Hi everyone, I am looking to get the SX with both prestige and tow package if all works out. In looking up the manual, I noticed that the capacity is 5,000 pounds, but the tow weight is only 500 pounds? I remember the LWB Santa Fe and Sorento having at least 10% towing capacity @ 500 pounds minimum. with the towing capacity set at 5,000 pounds.

Does this sound like a typo? I plan on towing a 3,450 pound travel trailer that has a hitch weight of 400-440 pounds. Just curious if anyone else saw this too.

View attachment 380

View attachment 381

100 lbs of tongue weight gets transferred to tow vehicle with wdh system which you clearly need. However 3450 lbs sounds like dry weight. Likely that doesnt include options or your gear. Add another 800 lbs, now you're at 4300 lbs. Need to keep 20% safety cushion (as weights increase on hills), so you are over limit. You need 6000 lb tow capacity at minimum. Durango, Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder all have tow pkg models rated for 6000 lbs.

 

[mikeg112]

100 lbs of tongue weight gets transferred to tow vehicle with wdh system which you clearly need. However 3450 lbs sounds like dry weight. Likely that doesnt include options or your gear. Add another 800 lbs, now you're at 4300 lbs. Need to keep 20% safety cushion (as weights increase on hills), so you are over limit. You need 6000 lb tow capacity at minimum. Durango, Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder all have tow pkg models rated for 6000 lbs.

Wow, I forgot that I made that post, it was so long ago! Thanks for replying back with that info, I ended up purchasing the Palisade and that trailer. My loaded weight is at the most about 4,100 pounds, and it tows beautifully now with an Andersen weight distribution hitch, which at 58 pounds works perfect with the tongue hitch weight. No need now for a Durango, Cherokee or pathfinder!

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[Lou Panozzo]

The maximum tongue weight for a '20 Telluride is 351 lbs You always need to go by the lowest-rated component when towing. So the tongue weight cannot be more than 351 lbs even when your hitch had a higher rating.

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13420 is rated for 5,000 lbs towing and 750 lbs of tongue weight, but you still need to abide by rating stated in the owner's manual, which is 351 lbs.

 

[regaphysics]

The maximum tongue weight for a '20 Telluride is 351 lbs You always need to go by the lowest-rated component when towing. So the tongue weight cannot be more than 351 lbs even when your hitch had a higher rating.

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13420 is rated for 5,000 lbs towing and 750 lbs of tongue weight, but you still need to abide by rating stated in the owner's manual, which is 351 lbs.

TBH I wouldn't worry that much about the hitch / tongue weight. I'm not sure why people on the board are so obsessed by that. It is a class III hitch, which are all rated to at least 600 lbs. I have never seen one break, ever. The 7-pin trailer brake is the main issue to towing, as are brakes and tranny cooling. Hitch is pretty much the last thing I'd worry about. And there is no way the suspension or frame cannot handle the weight.

 

[regaphysics]

You are not alone... except that you bought the Telluride, as opposed to a lot of people like me who are unfortunately taking a pass on buying a Telluride - even though I love most things about the vehicle. The problem is that it is not properly and safely engineered to tow 5000#. It can tow it, but it can't stop it. That's bad. After all, it is supposed to be a sports UTILITY vehicle... with a tow, tongue, and braking capability for a 5000 lb trailer 'GVW'. But that is not the case. It also does not have any parts, accessories, or upgrades available to even lift it a couple inches and add some decent sized tires - for those of us who might want to take it off the pavement, and do some back road hiking or camping. Its 'base' ground clearance is pretty poor. My wife's $28k Subaru Outback has better clearance. Its odd that the Telluride marketing materials and videos and such - and even the 'special edition' Tellurides they display at car shows (which you can not buy, or even fit-up in equivalence) - is to position the vehicle as a serious SUV, with actual utility and off-road capability. The real, 'as engineered' Telluride is not what it is marketed to be. It is really just another soccer mom AWD car - the same as a Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Ascent, GMC Traverse, or Ford Explorer. I just wish some car company would make an actual modern SUV of this size - that can tow and go off-road once in a while. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and Toyota 4-Runner still seem to be the only new vehicle choices as true SUV's in this size range - but they don't quite stack-up to the Tellies modern engine, interior and applied driver technologies. I'll have to stick with my Jeep, Subie, and F150 - three vehicles just to get all the different family driving requirements done - until some auto manufacturer engineers a real and modern 'mid-sized' SUV again... so I can get down to one vehicle maybe. I hate the thought of having to buy an over-priced, too large, gas guzzler carbon-busting Tahoe, Expedition, or Sequoia. Not going to go there. +80 cft of volume, AWD/4WD with a diff lock or limited slip rear, +8" of ground clearance, A/T tire potential, true 5000# of tow capability (and associated brake controller and engine/transmission cooling), modern driver safety features, 300/300 hp/torque, and +25 mpg highway is all I ask. Hybrid would be even better. Its all available in pieces in various vehicles, but no one has put it all together. Ironically, the Dodge Durango is closest - probably because it was engineered to be an actual SUV (albeit still a unibody vehicle) but it has an 8 year old interior and no 4WD limited slip or AWD diff lock as its primary shortcomings. Again, I was hoping the Telluride would be the answer, based on its advertised and claimed capability. But it turned-out to be more marketing hype than actual SUV. It appears to be a great vehicle for 90% of driving. But not for the 10% of harder core family vacations in the north woods or mountains while towing some toys or campers. Nor can it work hard outside of suburbia on bad roads or deep snow. Dissappointing. I'm staying on the new vehicle sidelines for a while longer - and will still hope that Kia addresses its vehicle issues - though I'm not holding my breath.

I feel you - I'm in the same boat. The durango can be optioned with a real 4WD from the jeep grand cherokee, FYI. For me, I'd consider the telluride with a 7 pin connector added. Should tow 4k pounds just fine. If you need to tow 5k or more, I'd move up to durango.

In terms of off-road, I really think the telluride should be fine for most snowy, muddy conditions etc, just not rock-crawling. Then you need JGC or 4runner.

But I agree it would be nice to have a newer-version of the JGC, 4runner, durango class of SUVs. Something with actual utility that isn't huge and get 15 MPG.

 

[G-829204]

It's a typo. The latest edition of the owner's manual has been revised to state 500 lbs tongue weight. Something must have been lost in translation from Korean to English, or in conversion from metric to imperial measurements, or they failed to factor in the self-leveling suspension.