Can a 7-Way Trailer Wiring Kit Install on 2023 Kia Sportage

Published 12/19/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(136)

$95.72

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

(3480)

$118.67

Question:

Does a 2023 Kia Sportage EX Premium support a 7 pin? We a hitch wiring installed and twice the electronics went bonkers. The hitch wiring kit is installed properly, verified by two indepedent technicians. Our local Kia dealer does not install 7 pin kits on the car. Is that for the reason its not rated for that? Weve had the back latch replaced twice, but the second time, the electrical was still bonkers until the hitch wiring kit was disconnected. Thanks.

asked by: Gord

Expert Reply:

Hey Gord, so it is definitely possible to install a 7-way on your 2023 Kia Sportage and not have the electronics go crazy but the vehicle was not pre-wired for a 7-way so the install would require some hardwiring depending on what additional circuits you need active beyond just trailer taillights. So it really depends on what you had installed and how it was done to know what you have going wrong.

For a 7-way install on your vehicle the first thing needed is a 4-way install like the Curt part # C99DR which plugs inline with the vehicle taillight connectors and runs a single wire up to the vehicle battery. To convert to a 7-way all you need is the # 37185 if all you need is taillight functions. This just plugs right into the 4-way and it's ready to use.

If you installed a brake controller too like the P2 # 90885 you'd instead want the part # ETBC7 which comes with additional wiring to complete the brake controller install. A brake controller install taps into the vehicle stoplight circuit at the brake pedal circuit so I would assume if your install was done wrong this is where it would be.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Gordon

12/19/2024

Hi Jameson, Thanks for the reply. We did not install a brake controller. Instead, the technician suggested we go with the Bluetooth brake controller. However, that did not work the first time we installed it. I'll be going to the shop after work today to discuss. Certainly, there are better car choices for towing a small travel trailer with a 7 pin. Thanks for your time.

Jameson C.

12/19/2024

@Gordon If you went with a Bluetooth brake controller install make sure the 12 volt accessory pin of the 7-way is active. This is 1:00 pin that needs to run to the positive post of the battery. If the brake controller doesn't seem to have power this would be why.