Installing Trailer Wiring and Hitch Recommendation for a 2016 Kia Sorento 2.5L LX

Question:

Our 2016 Sorento does not appear to have a factory wiring connection. The video regarding install is for a 2015 Sorento. Might need the T connector wiring harness, but do not know how to remove tail lights on the 2016 Sorento. Can power for the wiring package be connected to the 12 aux connector that is at the back of the Sorento instead of running the long wire underneath vehicle to the battery? Our 2.5L LX has 2000 pound towing capacity, so the lighter Hidden or Draw tight hitch might be better for pulling our small 14 foot 800 pound boat/trailer. No tongue weight issues. Why are these hitches more expensive than the Curt? Would want the extra .75 inch ground clearance.

asked by: Bill H

Expert Reply:

The process for installing trailer wiring harness # C56256 on your 2016 Kia Sorento will be the same as the video linked for the 2015. Vehicles come in generations and the custom fit items usually fit all models in that generation which is why you can go by the 2015 video.

You cannot attach the power wire on the harness to that 12 volt outlet power wire. First, installing the harness in any other way than what's stated in the installation instructions would void your warranty protection.

Secondly, the harness is purposely designed to draw power directly from the battery in order to isolate the vehicle's wiring from any short circuit that may occur in the trailer wiring. If you get power from the 12-volt outlet in the cargo area, you'll compromise this protection.

Running the wire up to the engine compartment isn't terribly difficult. I'll link you to an FAQ article that will provide some pointers on how to route the wire.

For the hitches, different manufacturers just have different prices, and they also offer different prices to us so the available hitches are priced accordingly with that.

Clearance differences among hitches are not a major concern for your 2016 Kia Sorento. This is because there are other components on the vehicle that hang down just as far if not further than the hitch so a 3/4 inch difference is not really something that will cause you any problems.

Based on that the Curt hitch # C13195 will still work well for you. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.