Availability of Trailer Harness for 2013 Kia Rio Hatchback That Doesnt Require Power Wire

Updated 07/21/2019 | Published 07/18/2019

Question:

I am trying to determine if there is a wiring option that does not require a separate wire to the battery for power. Thank you.

asked by: ERIK H

Expert Reply:

All of the trailer wiring harnesses for your 2013 Kia Rio do require a hot lead to be run to the vehicle's battery. This is actually required on this particular vehicle to both combine the light circuits so they are compatible with standard trailer wiring and also to provide enough power to actually activate them. The factory wiring on the Rio isn't quite strong enough by itself to power separate lights on a trailer so it needs the battery's help.

For your Kia Rio Hatchback you will need the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # HM11143964, which will plug right into factory ports in the rear cargo area on the passenger and driver's side before running that hot lead. I have attached the written installation instructions along with a great article on the subject of running a power wire that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R