Wait for tow package?

[masters2010]

Placed an order 10 weeks ago at MSRP for a SX, was told 8-12 weeks but haven't heard anything and no updates, order hasn't been accepted by Kia. The dealer contacted me and told me they have one exactly as I ordered that I could have within the month except it doesn't have the tow package. They could put on an OEM hitch, but wouldn't have the self-leveling suspension. I told him I'd rather wait b/c suspension seems really helpful, especially with towing #1500 camper, but he says otherwise who knows how long it'll be, maybe not until 2023.

I'm in no rush but also trading in a vehicle which has great resale value right now with the used car market. What do you think? Is it worth waiting for the self-leveling, especially if I'm not in a big rush and if I'll be towing, or will it be who knows how many more months before I get it when I could just be enjoying essentially the same vehicle now.

 

[Hmellish]

You need to see more dealers. Our sx was totaled in a rear end collision two months ago. I immediately put in an order with one with a tow package. Dealer said 2 months and it was that almost to the day. Looking at failcat there have been lots of sx models with the tow package

 

[Hmellish]

Go to another dealer. You are being played

 

[arattle]

Placed an order 10 weeks ago at MSRP for a SX, was told 8-12 weeks but haven't heard anything and no updates, order hasn't been accepted by Kia. The dealer contacted me and told me they have one exactly as I ordered that I could have within the month except it doesn't have the tow package. They could put on an OEM hitch, but wouldn't have the self-leveling suspension. I told him I'd rather wait b/c suspension seems really helpful, especially with towing #1500 camper, but he says otherwise who knows how long it'll be, maybe not until 2023.

I'm in no rush but also trading in a vehicle which has great resale value right now with the used car market. What do you think? Is it worth waiting for the self-leveling, especially if I'm not in a big rush and if I'll be towing, or will it be who knows how many more months before I get it when I could just be enjoying essentially the same vehicle now.

Depends on how much towing you plan to do. I bet the suspension is great for towing anywhere near the limit, but if you're only putting a bike rack back there, then obviously you can skip the tow package and get the hitch. If that hypothetical 1500# trailer is what you tow regularly, I might wait. Although if it's not in KFOS yet, you're at least 2 months out, maybe more.

Which dealer are you going through?

______________________________

 

[masters2010]

I should’ve put down a deposit at another dealer at the same time and taken whichever one came first, but I don’t want to go to another dealer now and put myself at the back of the line.

 

[sprengBoard]

I may be going against the grain here, but I specifically do not want the self-leveling suspension for towing. The type of self-leveling system that Kia uses for the Telluride consists of different shocks with a second higher pressure internal valve that releases more fluid with heavy loads. Because the shocks support some of the weight of the vehicle, softer springs are used in conjunction with the shocks. The mechanical movement of fluid in the shocks is only accomplished after a few miles of driving.

All of this means that when the trailer is attached to the Telluride with tow package, the rear of the Telluride is likely to sag until driven a few miles. This sag can make it very difficult to properly position the tongue height of the trailer. The sag can also occur any time significant additional weight is in the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the shocks are rather expensive to replace as compared with regular shocks. Since softer springs are used in conjunction with the self-leveling shocks you must use the same self-leveling shocks when replacing them. Otherwise you'd need to replace the coil springs as well.

I would rather install simple manual-inflating airbags inside the rear coil springs for the rare times that there's a lot of weight aft of the rear axle. The normal suspension isn't as likely to sag at rest as the coil springs are stiffer. Plus, when there is sag, I know exactly how much to compensate for.

It has been said that the self-leveling suspension on the Telluride is more for comfort than for actual towing. This is backed up by the fact that many Palisade come with the self-leveling suspension even without a tow package or even tow hitch.

 

[NCBill]

I'd either get the factory tow package ($795) or the factory hitch/wiring option ($495). Both IMHO are cheaper than doing it later. and both mean its covered under warranty.

Call your favorite trailer hitch installation company and ask them for an installed price for a receiver hitch and seven pin wiring assembly. Bet it is going to be more than the $495 option with Kia. And will they be using the KIA harness, or some spliced together alternative?

Since I plan to go with the Muncie extended warranty, I'm going with the $795 package. I never buy vehicles without a factory tow package, if one is available.

Order time is really dealer dependent. I was quoted 16 to 20 weeks on mine. I wouldn't count on it coming sooner. Local stealer had them available for $10,000 dealer price adjustment. No thanks! But in return, I am going to have to wait.... somewhat patiently.