Recommended Hitch and 7-Way Wiring Harness for a 2020 Kia Sorento w/out the Towing Package
Question:
Hello, Im new at towing. I plan on buying a tent trailer this month and will need to install a hitch harness and brake controller for my 2020 kia Sorento V6 AWD. Its a standard model and does not have a towing package. Would these items work for it and what kind of brake controller do you recommend? Do you also recommend a weight distribution hitch? All help appreciated. Item # C13195 Item # TK24FR
asked by: Antonio T
Helpful Expert Reply:
The Curt Trailer Hitch item # C13195 will work with your 2020 Kia Sorento but the wiring harness item # TK24FR will not because you do not have the towing package. Yours has different connectors than the Sorento's with the towing package.
To install a 7-Way harness on your 2020 Kia Sorento without the towing package, you will need two separate wiring harnesses because they don't make just one that'll do the job.
The first harness you'll need is the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item # C56256. This custom-fit T-connector plugs into your Kia's wiring harness, which is located behind the tail lights. This will provide you with a 4-flat connector.
The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.
For a brake controller, I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Trailer Brake Controller item # RED24FR. This is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts your trailer's braking based on the deceleration of your Kia. The Liberty has a unique design where the main unit is concealed behind your dash and the only part visible is the control knob.
You will also need the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item # RED69FR to complete the installation. Since your Kia does not have the tow package there are no plug in adapters for your vehicle.
I recommend using the No-Drill Mount Bracket item # 18136 to secure the 7-way connector and its bracket to your hitch. This will put it in an easy to reach spot and prevent the risk of it falling onto the road.
To round out your towing setup I also recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534. This towing kit will provide you with a 2" ball and a fixed ball mount with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. It also includes a hitch pin and clip, hitch receiver lock with keys, hitch cover, and a storage case.
I have linked several installation videos below so you can see how to get these parts set up on your Sorento. As far as a weight distribution system goes, you will want to check your owner's manual to see if your Kia is compatible with them. If so and you're interested in one I would just need to know your trailer's total weight. They are extremely helpful in preventing sway. If you have any additional questions feel free to email me directly.
I know you were looking at the Curt Hitch item # C13195. I suggest getting the etrailer Hitch item # e98843 instead. This hitch is manufactured to the same specifications as the Curt with the only difference in the two being the price and finish. I prefer the matte black finish over the glossy one because it helps hide the hitch better. Saving money without sacrificing quality is also a nice perk.
Products Referenced in This Question
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 4 Round
- 5 Round
- 6 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 2 Inch Ball
- One Ball
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- Pre-Torqued
- CURT
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Redarc
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Tekonsha
more information >
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