Can a 2011 Kia Sorento 4 Cylinder Flat Tow a 2008 Nissan Versa  

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Expert Reply:

I have good news and bad news. First the good news. I can tell you the towing capacity of the 2011 Kia Sorento 4 cylinder. The bad news, it is not enough to tow the 2008 Nissan Versa.

The Sorento has a towing capacity of 1650 pounds and a gross combined vehicle weight rating of 5534 pounds. The 6 cylinder Sorento has a capacity of 3500 pounds.

The 2008 Nissan Versa has a curb weight of approximately 2700 pounds. This is more than a thousand pounds above what the Sorento can tow so you will not be able to tow the Versa with the Sorento.

If you have a different vehicle that has a higher towing capacity there are several items you will need to flat tow the Versa. First, the Versa is only flat towable with 4 wheels on the ground if it has a manual transmission. If you have an automatic or a CVT (continuously variable transmission) you must use a tow dolly like # RM-2050-1.

If you have a manual transmission, you can flat tow with 4 wheels on the ground. Put the vehicle in the neutral position. After 500 miles idle the engine while in neutral. Do this every 500 miles. The first item you will need is base plates. For the Versa, any model, you can use # 52347-1.

You will then need a compatible tow bar. The most popular option is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you. You will also need safety cables such as # RM-643.

Next you will need lights on the Versa. If you will not be towing it frequently then I recommend a magnetic kit like # RM-2120 or a kit that fits in the trunk or hatch gap like # EZT20B. If you will be towing it often I recommend kit # 154-792-118158. I have linked instructions for this kit as well.

Last, most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Even Brake, # RM-9400, proportional system that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

I have included some helpful links on flat towing for you as well.

expert reply by: Michael H

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