Can a 2015 Kia Sedona Safely Tow a 3,700 Pound Jayco Travel Trailer

Updated 06/22/2018 | Published 06/21/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$160.71

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3398)

$119.76

Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(715)

$124.15

Question:

I have 2 RV dealers telling me that with my 2015 Kia Sedona LX that I can tow a Jayco 174BH travel trailer that has a GVWR 3,750 pounds. I know that these guys want to make all of the money they can and I dont trust them, I am sure that some fancy lawyer drew up some paperwork that Id have to sign that essentially said if I died while pulling the RV that they sold me, itd be my fault somehow. I dont really understand all of the math that goes into this towing scenario because they say that the dry weight of the travel trailer is well below the towing capacity of my Kias 3,500 pound towing capacity that everything is OKAY. What do you guys or gals think? If you need more info, just let me know... Thanks!!!!

asked by: Daniel H

Expert Reply:

What I recommend is a trailer that has a gross trailer weight that meets or is under the towing capacity of your 2015 Kia Sedona which is 3,500 pounds as long as the trailer has brakes.

You can tow a trailer rated higher provided that the actual weight of the trailer does not exceed that 3,500 pound tow vehicle capacity. So they aren't lying about that but you do run the risk of overloading the tow vehicle by going with a heavier trailer.

You will likely need suspension enhancement when towing to combat rear end sag and for improved ride quality and stability. There is one option for your Sedona and it is Firestone kit # F4138.

I assume that your 2015 Kia Sedona has at least a 4-Way flat trailer connector. To tow a trailer with electric brakes you will need a 7-Way connector and a brake controller. For that you will need # ETBC7 to add the 7-Way. For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation.

expert reply by: Michael H