Recommended Towing Setup for 2018 Hyundai Tucson

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Question:

we have a 2018 Tucson. no hitch or wiring. we own a small utility trailer that we used with our last car for gardening mulch and topsoil. but we also are considering a small composite ultralight tear drop camper but we have not yet narrowed it down to one particular model. we want to get the car ready to use the utility trailer a.s.a.p. (spring is coming soon, I hope) but we also want to plan ahead for the tear trailer if that comes to pass. in other words we want to do it right the first time so we don't have to re-purchase new items later. Looking for guidance on a complete towing set-up. Thanks.

asked by: Ruthie

0

Expert Reply:

I can help you with towing items for your 2018 Tucson that will work for both your utility trailer and your potential teardrop camper trailer.

I recommend the Draw-Tite 2-inch hitch # 75836 for its straightforward bolt-on installation, which is shown in the linked video. All hardware is included and the hitch will have a discrete appearance on the Tucson since its main cross tube will be concealed behind trim panels. You can see the installed hitch in the photo I linked for you.

To accommodate towing both trailers I recommend using our Ball Mount Kit # 989900 since it has two hitch ball sizes and two ball mounts. This one kit will give you flexibility to tow trailers of different heights and with different coupler sizes. It includes hitch pins but if you want to lock your ball mount (a good idea) you can add anti-rattle lock # 63232.

For basic trailer wiring you can use 4-pole kit # 118501 which offers simple plug-in installation at the Tucson taillights; no cutting or splicing, as shown in the video. This harness will provide basic stop, turn and tail lighting functions. If your utility trailer has lights this will be all you need for it. If the teardrop trailer has brakes and/or an on-board battery then you can upgrade the wiring to the 7-way format using kit # ETBC7. Finally, for towing mirrors I recommend the K-Source kit # KS3990 because these mirrors feature a dual-lens design for a better view of the road and trailer behind you.

In terms of your Tucson's towing capacity that will depend on the specific version you have. I linked a table taken from the online owner's manual which details the towing capacities for each version of the car. The minimum towing capacity is 1500-lbs and the maximum is 2000-lbs. Most small teardrop trailers will be under this 1500-lbs.

Trailers with their own brakes are permitted to be heavier than trailers without them and if you select a trailer with electric brakes you will need an additional component, a trailer brake controller.
The gold-standard in controllers and the unit I often recommend is the Prodigy P3 # 90195 which is a time-tested reliable controller that is easy to set up and to operate. This controller will be installed using the # ETBC7 kit referenced above. No other items are needed.

I also included two articles with helpful towing basics and these may help you in your planning process. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

click to enlarge

Morgan

6/10/2020

Is the maximum trailer weight that the Tucson can tow the gross axle weight or just the weight of the trailer? Thanks!

Reply

Answer 1

I'm sorry to hear about your trouble and I would be happy to help you get your boat where it needs to go. For a hitch that fits your 2017 Tucson and won't need to be returned I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e54AR you were…

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Answer 2

Hi Jerry, For your 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV you would need the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C37RV for the trailer hitch. The right light kit for your Sorento is going to depend on a few factors. For models with the tow package, like you stated you have,…

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Answer 3

Hey Kevin, For a 2021 Hyundai Tucson I have the following recommendations: Trailer Hitch: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e54AR. ***Note this will not fit Night Edition models with dual exhaust tips*** 4-Pole Wire Harness: Curt T-Connector Vehicle…

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Answer 4

The 30205 bearing that you referenced has an inner diameter of just under 1 inch (0.985 to be exact). We do not have this particular bearing or a hub that uses this size bearing available. The #L44643 bearing that you also mentioned has an inner…

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Answer 5

I can help you choose between the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and Kuat Transfer V2, as both are really nice bike racks. Let me start off, since you mentioned 3-bike rack, if that's what you were after you would need the Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 3 Bikes…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

Since trailer manufacturers do not make bearing information readily available to the public you would need either the bearing numbers from the bearings themselves or measure the spindle to know which bearings would fit. If you pull the hubs off and…

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Answer 8

Both the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C94WR and Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #DT22MR are confirmed to fit all models of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. Both hitches have a…

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Answer 9

I think you gave them solid advice...but as far as if a trailer hitch will void the warranty that answer is no. When you install an aftermarket part on your vehicle like a trailer hitch in this case, you are protected by the Magnuson–Moss Warranty…

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