Parts Needed to Complete a Tow Package on a 2013 Kia Sportage

Published 11/27/2013

Products Featured in This Question

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

(147)

$89.69

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(665)

$15.71

Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(164)

$184.35

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1372)

$88.80

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(204)

$213.06

Question:

I am interested in purchasing a tow package for my 13 kia Sportage. Which hitch is least visible? I would like to only see the actual receiver. Some of the hitches, you can see the brace go across the whole back of the vehicle from frame to frame. I wanna make sure I dont purchase that kind. Also, what is the difference between part #118526 and the less expensive trailer light power modules? If I install the wiring harness myself, how does that effect my warranty? Thanks

asked by: Travis

Expert Reply:

All of the trailer hitches available for your 2013 Kia Sportage will have the same visibility at the rear of the vehicle. You will only see the receiver under the bumper fascia, so visibility will not be an issue. I own a 2013 Kia Sportage and I had the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch, part # C13120, installed. I have attached a photo of the Curt hitch installed on my Sportage for you to check out. The hitch has served well and would be an excellent option for your vehicle.

The main difference between the Curt trailer hitch and the Draw-Tite Class III Hitch is that Curt recommends using a stabilization strap, like part # 18050, when carrying non-trailer loads such as bike racks or cargo carriers. Keep in mind, the maximum towing capacity of the Kia Sportage is 2,000 lbs. The Class III trailer hitches I mentioned have maximum towing capacities of 3,500 lbs, but you will be limited to the towing capacity of the vehicle.

For a wiring harness, I recommend the Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness, # 118526. This wiring harness will connect to the factory tail light connectors at the back of the tail light assemblies. This harness does not require splicing or cutting into your vehicles tail light wires. The universal modulite harnesses will require cutting and splicing into the factory tail light wires.

Many of our customers ask, Will this product void my vehicle manufacturer’s warranty?

While the answer is straightforward from a legal standpoint, it is important to educate our customers (and all
after-market consumers) on some industry realities and offer some common sense precautions to minimize your risk. Consumers of aftermarket products are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act.

The Act states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the problem in question. Installing the part yourself or having a shop perform the installation has no bearing on the effect it has on the warranty. If you are not familiar with installing wiring harnesses or trailer hitches, it may be best to have a shop that is familiar with those types of installations complete the job.

The final items that you will need to complete your towing setup is a ball mount and a hitch ball. For this, I recommend looking at the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit, # 989900, which includes two ball mounts, a 1-7/8 inch hitch ball, a 2 inch hitch ball, a pin and clip and a storage bag.