Trailer Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2016 Kia Soul

Question:

Very surprised. I was told that you guys had absolutely everything you would need for towing. I cannot find a brake controller for my 2016 KIA Soul which is rated to tow 2000 lbs. Some states require trailer brakes at only 1000 lbs. I believe even with a small utility trailer like Harbor Freight sells that meets the 200 lb tongue rate you are better off always using a utility trailer that has brakes. Do you have a controller for the 2016 Soul. 2.0L Even the 2014 and 2015 is the same vehicle.

asked by: Dennis

Expert Reply:

We have several brake controllers that will work for your 2016 Kia Soul. Brake controllers are not vehicle specific items, but we will list them in our fitguide for larger vehicles because they are more commonly used for towing. I have attached a link to all of the brake controllers we offer and you are free to choose any brake controller that you prefer. You are correct that towing a trailer with brakes is always better than towing a trailer without brakes. Trailer brakes reduce the wear and tear on the tow vehicle.

My personal recommendations would be the Tekonsha line, the Prodigy P3 # 90195, the P2 # 90885, the Primus IQ # TK90160 or the Voyager # 39510. I used the Voyager for years, which is a great cost saving option and I upgraded to the P3 which is the most user friendly brake controller on the market.

To use a brake controller and tow a trailer with breaks, you will also need a 7-way trailer socket installed on your Soul. The Soul does not come prewired with factory trailer wiring, so we will have to use two different wiring kits. First, if you do not already have a 4-way flat wiring harness, you can use part # 118637. I have attached an installation video we made on a 2014 Soul for you to check out.

Next, you will want our Universal 4-Way to 7-Way Brake Controller Installation Kit, # ETBC7. This kit comes will all of the parts, hardware and wiring needed to complete the installation of a brake controller. We have not had a chance to install this on a Kia Soul yet, but I attached an installation video on a small SUV to give you an idea of what is involved.

If you do not already have a trailer hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class I Sport Frame Hitch, # 24915. This is the best value and you will not sacrifice quality, weight capacity or visual appeal. The crosstube of this hitch remains hidden behind the bumper fascia, so all you will see is the receiver. I have attached a review video for this as well.

The last few items you will need are a ball mount, hitch ball and pin and clip. I attached a help article on how to choose the correct ball mount for you to check out.