Can the 2014 Kia Soul + Tow a 1,200 Pound Trailer

Updated 12/06/2016 | Published 12/05/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(392)

$177.32

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(128)

$77.92

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-3/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2621)

$14.79

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs

(2621)

$18.47

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K

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$35.48

Question:

I am in the process of buying a 2014 Kia Soul + . I wish to tow 4 times only in summer as used for camping with family. Utility trailer with tents, camp gear, wood, stoves, picnic things, Etc. weights in at 1200lbs.includes the trailer. Tongue weight about 75lbs. Travel approx. 75miles. Question: Will the Kia Soul be safe to tow this at designated speeds.

asked by: Tom B

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked the vehicle owner's manual and all it says is that it is not recommended to tow a trailer with the 2014 Kia Soul (any model). But it also does not say you can't and there are numerous references to towing throughout the manual. So my interpretation is that you could tow a trailer but how heavy is unclear. I would say that at 1,200 pounds that is probably the max you would want to tow. Also, at 75 pounds that tongue weight is too light and that will make the trailer susceptible to sway. Tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. So if you can get it to 120 pounds that would be great.

In addition to the trailer hitch # 24915 you will also need ball mount # 3593. For a 1-7/8 inch ball use # 19257 and for a 2 inch ball use # 19258. And for trailer wiring you can use # 118637 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H