bing tracking image

Filter Questions and Answers:

reset filter

Expert Answers about Kia Optima


  • Kayak Carrier Recommendation for a 2014 Kia Optima with a Naked Roof
  • The Malone Foam Block Kayak Carrier part # MPG152 will fit on to naked roofs like what you have on your 2014 Kia Optima so it would work well to carry your 10 foot kayak. This is a great, economic way to carry a kayak without having to also install an expensive roof rack. For straps you will need the # E98876-2 as well. Be sure to check the owners manual of your Optima to determine the roof capacity.
    view full answer...

  • Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2013 Kia Optima
  • The only trailer hitch receivers available for your 2013 Kia Optima are Class I with a 1-1/4" receiver opening. The two options available are the Curt # C11025, and Draw-Tite # 24965. Between these two options I recommend the Draw-Tite # 24965 due to it not requiring a stabilization strap when carrying a non-trailered load. You will need to make sure that the accessories you use are compatible with a Class I receiver. If you are planning on using a bike rack I recommend the Hollywood...
    view full answer...

  • What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire 8 Marker Lights, Incandescent or LED
  • First, LED lights do draw a fraction of the amperage compared to incandescent lights. But going with either 16 gauge or 14 gauge wire would work. I would say if you use incandescent bulbs then 14 would be the better option and 16 gauge for LED lights.
    view full answer...

  • Roof Rack and Kayak Carriers for 2013 Kia Optima with Panoramic Glass Roof
  • We do have a roof rack that will fit your 2013 Kia Optima with the Panoramic glass roof. However you will not be able to open the roof while the roof rack is installed. You will need the following parts for the roof rack: Crossbars, # RRVA126B-2 Feet, # RRRLKVA Clamps # DK283 Then for a 2-kayak compatible carrier you can use 2 of the J-Style Kayak carriers # S512. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual and/or Kia for the roof capacity before loading.
    view full answer...

  • Best Options to Carry a Kayak and 2 Bikes with a 2018 Kia Optima
  • The best way to transport a kayak and 2 bikes with your 2018 Kia Optima is to use a hitch mount bike rack and then add a roof rack for carrying your kayak. You could potentially carry everything on your roof but the 165 lb max weight limit of a roof rack can easily be exceeded depending on what bikes and kayak you have. The trailer hitch I recommend using is the Class I Draw-Tite Sportframe # 24965 because it doesn't require the use of a support strap for non-trailer loads like the Curt...
    view full answer...

  • Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations for a 2005 Kia Optima and 2008 Hyundai Tucson
  • For the 2005 Kia Optima, I have included a link to the installation instructions for Curt hitch # 24709. For the 2008 Hyundai Tucson, I have included a link to instructions for Curt hitch # 13526. The Curt hitch for the Tucson is the most popular hitch option for that vehicle. The Tucson will also have the higher towing capacity of the 2 vehicles if trailer weight is an issue. For the Optima I recommend going with the Curt trailer hitch # C11216 because it installs just a little different...
    view full answer...

  • 2016 Kia Optima Trailer Hitch Recommendation for Carrying 2-Bike Rack
  • For your 2016 Kia Optima I would recommend the Draw Tite hitch part # 24965 as it is a confirmed fit and it doesn't require a stabilizer strap like part # 18050 when carrying a bike rack like the Curt part # C11402 does. The most popular bike rack we carry that has been confirmed to fit this vehicle is the Thule Camber 2 part # TH9058. We asked our demo and install guys to name their favorite, most easy-to-use bike racks and this one showed up in nearly everyone's top three. Check out...
    view full answer...

  • Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for 2013 KIA Optima SX
  • As long as your 2013 KIA Optima isn't the Hybrid model, the Curt # C56314 would be compatible with the LED taillights on your vehicle. This is what's known as a powered taillight converter, which draws the power from the taillights directly from the vehicle battery, rather than drawing it through the taillight circuits. The isolates the electrical system of the Optima from that of the trailer, which will protect the vehicle's wiring from being damaged by any short circuits that might occur...
    view full answer...

  • How To Carry Two E-Bikes On a 2014 Kia Optima
  • I do have an option for you but there would be no way to carry either of your bikes with a trunk mount bike rack. The trunk mount bike racks all max out at 35 lbs per bike. The best and only option you have for your two Aventon 500 Pace E-Bikes is a hitch mounted bike rack, the Saris Freedom 2 Bike Platform Rack part # SA4412B is one of the most cost effective options for two electric bikes. The Saris Freedom is also very lightweight at only 22-1/2 lbs so it is easy to take on and off the...
    view full answer...

  • Class I Hitch Recommendation for 2012 Kia Optima
  • The hitch I recommend for your 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid is the Draw-Tite # 24965. I confirmed with my technical contact at Draw-Tite that this 1-1/4-inch Class I hitch fits your 2012 Optima Hybrid with single exhaust. Since all hitch options for your car have the same 200-lb tongue weight rating, I am suggesting this hitch since its the lowest cost model offered. No drilling is required. To help you with your installation I have linked the written instructions and an article on hitch installation...
    view full answer...

  • Recommended Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for 2016 Kia Optima
  • For your 2016 Kia Optima, I recommend the bolt on trailer hitch receiver Draw-Tite Sportframe # 24965. It comes with the hardware needed and there is no welding involved. It will install in the same way as the Hyundai Sonata in the attached video as they utilize the same frame. For your bike rack, you will need a class I compatible bike rack. I recommend the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # HR200Z. This comes with the hitch lock...
    view full answer...

  • Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2012 Kia Optima
  • Yes it is. I checked with Thule and the Thule Gateway XT Bike rack part # TH78VR that you referenced has been confirmed as a fit for your 2012 Kia Optima so it would work great for you. I attached a review video for this rack for you to check out as well. If you plan on carrying any womens or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Swagman Easy-Out Women's and Alternative Frame Bike Adapter # 64005 to provide a horizontal top tube...
    view full answer...

  • Recommended Trunk-Mount Bike Carrier For 2006 Kia Optima
  • We have several trunk-mount bike racks that are designed to fit your 2006 Optima. I have attached a link to the carrier we offer you can check out. For a cost-effective bike carrier I recommend the Thule Passage, part # TH910XT. This bike rack has a weight capacity of 35-lbs for each bike and the carrier folds down for easy storage when not in use. This bike rack has anti-sway cradles that help keep the bikes from banging into each other. If you are planning on carrying bikes with alternative...
    view full answer...

  • Roof Rack Recommended for a 2011 Kia Optima
  • We do have roof racks that will fit your 2011 Kia Optima but SportRack roof rack # SR1002 will not fit. I recommend Rhino-Rack ROC25 # RR84MR. With this rack, you get superior aero bars and locks are included. The linked video shows the features of this style of roof rack.
    view full answer...

  • Who to Have Install Draw Tite Hitch for 2014 Kia Optima
  • Trailer hitch installs like the Draw Tite part # 24965 which is a confirmed fit for your 2014 Kia Optima are pretty simple for qualified mechanics. A specialized mechanic would not be needed at all. Best option would be to find a garage local to you with a good reputation and let them install the hitch for you.
    view full answer...

  • Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid to Use for Bike Rack or Light Trailer
  • There are just a couple trailer hitches available that are confirmed to fit your 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, both of which will feature an exposed crosstube that sits below the rear bumper. Between the two available options, I recommend the Curt Class I Trailer Hitch # C11402. This is because it has a round crosstube design that's a bit more pleasing to the eye when compared to the square bar on the Draw-Tite # 24965. This Class I hitch will give you a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening and has...
    view full answer...

  • Roof Rack Recommendation for Ski Carrier and 2015 Kia Optima with Panoramic Roof
  • I did some checking and found that Yakima has roof racks that will fit your 2015 Kia Optima with the panoramic roof. You will need the following parts: CoreBars # Y00422 BaseLine towers # Y28TR BaseClips # Y06134 BaseClips # Y06121 Then you will be able to mount a ski carrier such as the SnowPack # TH7325.
    view full answer...

  • Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2013 Kia Optima SXL Turbo
  • For your 2013 Kia Optima Turbo the Curt hitch # C11025 that you referenced is a confirmed fit. This has a 2,000 lb capacity so it would easily be able to tow a 1,000 lb jet ski. I attached an install video for this for you to check out as well. For trailer wiring you'd then want the Tekonsha kit part # 118453 as it installs easily and has a very reliable converter box. For a ball mount you'd then want the part # C45521 and for hitch balls part # A-82 for a 2 inch ball or part # A-80 for...
    view full answer...

  • Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2015 Kia Optima LX
  • For your 2015 Kia Optima LX you have just one trailer hitch receiver option the Curt # C11025 Please note that the Curt requires that a Support Strap # 18050 be used for all non-trailer loads (like bike racks and cargo carriers) per the warranty. If you let me know what you are wanting to do with the receiver (bike rack, trailer, cargo carrier) I can make some recommendations for you. I have attached some installation videos for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...

  • Economical Roof Rack Recommendation for a 2013 Kia Optima
  • The closest roof rack we offer that has been confirmed to fit your vehicle to the part # SR1002 that you referenced would be the Rhino Rack that consists of part numbers # RRVA126B-2, # RRRLKVA and # DK283. The # SR1002 has not been confirmed to fit your 2013 Kia Optima so I cannot recommend it for you.
    view full answer...