Recommended Trailer Hitch And Wiring For 2005 Kia Sorento

Question:

Need the best trailer hitch with wiring all complete plus installation [does it bolt on or weld on?]. Will be towing 16 foot enclosed trailer with electric brakes with mt Harley and 3 racing motorcycles inside. Total weight will be about 4000 lbs. I have the V6 in my Sorrento but Im curious if the 4 cylinder could handle the job? Just curious because I might pick one up for my son as I have a 1964 corvette with the 396 motor that I let him drive and hes good but his college buddies gode him to speed. I let him do donuts and burn outs but you know whats next...

asked by: Richard O

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2005 Sorento is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame, part # 75516. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2-inch receiver opening. This is a bolt-on installation and requires no welding or drilling for installation. I did some research on your Kia and found on page 5-33 that the towing capacity of your vehicle is 3,500-lbs total if you have brakes on the trailer.

If you plan on doing some towing 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. Since the trailer has brakes you will need to install a 7-way trailer connector and a brake controller in your Sorento. I will recommend the items you need.

First you will need to install a 4-way trailer connector. I recommend part # C55550. This is a simple connection as you just need to plug this into the wiring harness on your Sorento behind the rear bumper on the passenger side.

Then you need part # ETBC7. This plugs into the 4-way connector and with additional wiring will give you a working 4-way and 7-way trailer connector on your Sorento.

You will need a brake controller in your Sorento since the trailer has brakes. I recommend the P3, part # 90195. This is one of our most popular because it is easy to install and operate.

I have attached a drawing that shows how the wiring is installed for the # ETBC7 and the brake controller.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.