Trailer Hitch Installation - 2012 Kia Soul - Curt

Installation of a Trailer Hitch on a 2012 Kia Soul

Today on our 2012 Kia Soul, we'll be installing the Curt hitch part number 11110. This is what our hitch will look like once it is installed. Next we'll go ahead and give you a few measurements that will assist you in selecting accessories for your new hitch. From the center of the hitch pin hole, to the outermost edge of the bumper is approximately five inches. From the top of the receiver tube to the ground is ten and a half inches. This will assist you in selecting accessories such as a bike rack or a cargo carrier.

Now, let's go ahead with the installation. For the ease of the installation, I've gone ahead and removed the rear wheels. Next, we'll need to remove the inner fender wells or splash guards on both sides. To do this, there's a total of two screws, and four pushpin fasteners that will need to be removed. Now with our six fasteners removed here on the driver's side, I'll go ahead and repeat the same process on the passenger's side.

Next we need to remove the tow hook on the passenger's side. There are two fasteners on the side of the frame, and two underneath the frame. Let's go ahead and find out our attachment points. We'll be setting both the fasteners and tow hook aside as they will not be reinstalled. Now, we'll need to lower the exhaust.

To do this we'll use some spray lubricant on both the hanger just in front of the muffler, and the hanger just rear of the muffler, and then you use a pry bar or exhaust hanger removal tool to remove the rubber isolator from the muffler, so that we can drop it down and as we install the hitch, it'll go over the top of the muffler. To install our hitch, we'll be using the new Tindall Meter Bolts, and seven-sixteenth conical tooth washer, with the teeth of the washer facing the hitch. Now is a good idea to get an extra set of hands to help you hold the hitch in place while you install your fasteners. As we slide the hitch into position, we'll go over the top of the exhaust, and roll it into position behind the bumper face shield. Now that we've got in position, we'll go ahead and install our fasteners fingertight.

With all our fasteners installed we can go ahead and tighten them down. Now we can go back and torque each fastener to specifications as indicated in the instructions. With our hitch completely installed, we can now go ahead and reinstall the exhaust, the inner fender wells, and in this application the rear wheels. And this will complete the installation of our Curt hitch part number 11110 on our 2012 Kia Soul.