Trailer Hitch

[timlaw71]

Why the need for a trailer brake to tow 5000lbs? This was not a requirement on my Jeep so not sure I understand the rationale for the Telluride. When I purchased I was told 5000lb towing capacity. That was one of the reasons I bought it so I hope this is incorrect.

Unfortunately it's in the manual that to tow 5000 lbs you must have a trailer brake.

 

[Tunes4us]

Well I was under the same impression. Looks like I got hoodwinked, per the manual. Will be going to the dealer tomorrow to let him know I’m not to happy. It may be one of those cover you asses deal because I never had one on my Cherokee either?

 

[dpaisley325]

Why the need for a trailer brake to tow 5000lbs? This was not a requirement on my Jeep so not sure I understand the rationale for the Telluride. When I purchased I was told 5000lb towing capacity. That was one of the reasons I bought it so I hope this is incorrect.

It's not required. i have a 4500 boat and trailer with it's own non-electrical brake system and I hauled it 400 miles ( not with the Kia) Capacity is just a maximum and I use the 4 pin on three trailers. There are also adapters for the round multi-pin plug found on some trailers

 

[Razorback]

Well I was under the same impression. Looks like I got hoodwinked, per the manual. Will be going to the dealer tomorrow to let him know I’m not to happy. It may be one of those cover you asses deal because I never had one on my Cherokee either?

I went back and pulled up the Jeep Grand Cherokee Owners Manual and this is what I found.

"Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000 lbs (454 kg), and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg)."

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[dpaisley325]

I went back and pulled up the Jeep Grand Cherokee Owners Manual and this is what I found.

"Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000 lbs (454 kg), and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg)."

A SURGE brake is not electrical. I hauled my 4500 lb boat with a 2003 4-Runner, 2008 Highlander, 2013 Venza and a 2015 Highlander.

 

[Tunes4us]

Makes sense, all the controller does is give additional braking. So I guess we won’t follow to close until we see how it goes.
DP you will be taking the boat to the lake before I tow so ......

 

[Dandy]

Standard, and comes with standard class 3 hitch, no ball, 1 1/4 opening for ball

Are you sure that isn't a 2" opening for the hitch? You cannot tow up to 5K with a 1-1/4" hitch.

Why the need for a trailer brake to tow 5000lbs? This was not a requirement on my Jeep so not sure I understand the rationale for the Telluride. When I purchased I was told 5000lb towing capacity. That was one of the reasons I bought it so I hope this is incorrect.

Check your state laws. Most states require the use of trailer brakes over 3K pounds, some states are as low as 1500 (possibly 1000). It isn't so much about the vehicle being able to tow as it is stop. Most vehicles that have over a 3K rating will come with a 7 pin wired in so that you can use a brake controller for the electronic brakes on the trailer. You could tow a trailer legally with surge brakes, but most trailers with brakes will have electric or electric over hydraulic both of which require an electronic brake controller and a 7 pin connection.

 

[Tunes4us]

Are you sure that isn't a 2" opening for the hitch? You cannot tow up to 5K with a 1-1/4" hitch.


Check your state laws. Most states require the use of trailer brakes over 3K pounds, some states are as low as 1500 (possibly 1000). It isn't so much about the vehicle being able to tow as it is stop. Most vehicles that have over a 3K rating will come with a 7 pin wired in so that you can use a brake controller for the electronic brakes on the trailer. You could tow a trailer legally with surge brakes, but most trailers with brakes will have electric or electric over hydraulic both of which require an electronic brake controller and a 7 pin connection.

Razorback it’s 2” opening, requires 1 1/4” ball

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[Razorback]

Razorback it’s 2” opening, requires 1 1/4” ball

Gotcha, thanks!

 

[Chwtom]

I haven't been able to find any in the midwest that have the factory tow package on the SX prestige. They are all moss/black, identically equipped. Anyone know when the next round with some more variety will come out?

 

[Tunes4us]

Change the ball needed for the hitch needed it’s a 1” opening, sorry.

 

[AnyVare]

I haven't been able to find any in the midwest that have the factory tow package on the SX prestige. They are all moss/black, identically equipped. Anyone know when the next round with some more variety will come out?

I've seen some SX models in different colors starting show up in the various car search sites, but none with a tow package. I suspect someone will need to order one.

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[stbentoak]

So are we saying the factory installed hitch (Not dealer installed or aftermarket..) is a 2" sq receiver but only a 4 PIN electrical connector? What do you do for trailers with 5 PIN or 7 PIN round connections? Have to rig some other brake actuation wire? That would be a Zonk...

 

[Tunes4us]

Yup that’s what it is.

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole Hopkins Wiring 37185

Adapter converts from 4 pole wiring on vehicle to 7-pole round plug and 4-pole flat. Additional wire leads for brake, power and accessory. Lowest Pric

www.etrailer.com

 

[stbentoak]

I see that and that is a solution, but a solution that requires further mounting and wiring front to back and the addition of a controller... and I'm guessing there is no prewire for a controller under the dash...
A little disappointing that KIA didn't put a little more thought and 20.00 more into this area...Kinda limits what you can trailer without additional investment......

 

[Tunes4us]

I hear ya brother, was kinda pissed they half assed it. Luckily my towing doesn’t require the brake so it’s an easy
but unexpected fix for a $795 pkg.

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[utmeep]

Hitch: #S9F61-AU000
Hitch cover # S9F61-AU060
Wire harness #S9F67-AC000

 

[2020Telly]

Anyone interested in a trade with payment? I'm looking for the Tow Hitch and Harness (not the tow package). I would be willing to send payment, shipping and my bumper cover insert off my S in exchange for the tow hitch and harness and the bumper molding piece. Maybe you got it with your Telluride and don't plan to use it?

 

[Gwyn]

We have one on ours, the only disappointment is it only comes with the 4pin plug.

I don't think yours is a factory install hitch.

https://www.kia.com/us/k3/content/m...2020_witch-w-harness--kia-2880x-optns-jpg.jpg

It looks nothing like the one from the kia website. It looks like the lower spec Sorento hitch.

 

[Dandy]

I don't think yours is a factory install hitch.

https://www.kia.com/us/k3/content/m...2020_witch-w-harness--kia-2880x-optns-jpg.jpg

It looks nothing like the one from the kia website. It looks like the lower spec Sorento hitch.

The hitch assembly in this link appears to have the mounting for a 7 pin plug. If you look close, there is a circular cutout with openings for the 4 mounting screws on the corners. For some reason, they have a 4 pin plug in the middle. KIA really needs to wire this up with a 7 pin and include pre-wire for a brake controller. Most states require brakes added if the trailer is rated at between 1500-3500 and up. Some states are on the lower side (CA may even be 1000 lbs) and some on the higher, here in MN I believe we are 3500 before brakes are required. Keep in mind, this is the RATING of the trailer, not the actual weight going down the road.

Hopefully they will realize the error in their set up and wire the Telluride up for a 7 pin connector. A 7 to 4 pin adapter can be had for around $10, here is one for $12.38.
https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Hopkins/HM47365.html
and another for $12.61
Pollak 7 Pole Round Pin to 4 Pole Flat Wiring Adapter Pollak Wiring PK12742

Honestly any of my 4 pin trailers are plugged into 7 pin adapters. I find that the 7 pin provides a more consistent connection.