Recommended Hitch and Wiring Towing Setup for a 2012 Kia Sorento LX V6 Towing a Tent Trailer

Question:

Hi, Im looking to buy a trailer hitch and wiring package for a 2012 Kia Sorrento LX V6. Were going to be towing a tent trailer and possibly something bigger down the road. When I put the Sorrento in there are about 5 or so hitches that come up, just wondering if i can get some advice. What products do I need, I dont believe I have a tow package or hookups and looks like Ill need an adapter and ball for the kits as well? Sorry, Im not very knowledgeable about the products.

asked by: Adam

Expert Reply:

Don't worry, I can help you get all the items you will need to haul your tent trailer with your 2012 Kia Sorento LX V6.

First I recommend a 2 inch hitch receiver, this will be more compatible with accessories and have a higher tongue weight than the 1-1/4 inch receiver for your vehicle. I recommend the Draw-Tite 2 inch hitch # 75684, because it will not require you to use a stabilization strap like the Curt hitch will. This hitch will give you a tongue weight of 350lbs and a towing weight of 3,500lbs. You will want to make sure your vehicle has this capacity, this will be listed in your owner's manual or on a placard on the inside of your driver's door.

The wiring harness you will need for your Sorento is # 118506. This harness will give you a 4-way connector at the rear of your vehicle for your trailer lights. If you have a trailer with brakes you will need a 7-way which the # ETBC7 kit will simply adapt your 4-way and include all the parts to wire up your vehicle and provide you with both a 4-way and 7-way connection at the rear of the vehicle. To control the brakes you will need a brake controller.

Your tent trailer will most likely not have brakes but if it does, I recommend the Tekonsha P3 # 90195, because of its easy user interface. The P3 is a proportional brake controller which means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. It also has a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is like the P3's little brother, it has all the great qualities but doesn't have the display of the P3.

Another thing you will need when it comes to towing a trailer is a ball mount and ball. You might be interested in 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 include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

I have linked all the above recommended parts to this page as well as a few installation videos for your convenience.