Can 2005 Kia Amanti Tow Alto Safari Travel Trailer That Weighs 2000-lbs

Question:

Do you think my 2005 Kia Amanti would safely tow the Alto Safari travel trailer which has a dry weight of 1725 pounds?

asked by: Larry W

Helpful Expert Reply:

The online edition of the owner's manual for your 2005 Kia Amanti indicates on page 5-12 that the car can tow a trailer of up to 2000-lbs IF the trailer has its own brakes, either hydraulic or electric brakes. If the trailer does not have its own brakes then the towing limit is 1000-lbs.

Keep in mind that your owner's manual may indicate different capacities so it is best to check yours too. Also note that the passenger and cargo weight in the vehicle can reduce its towing capacity. This should be noted in your printed owner's manual.

The Alto Safari R-1723 travel trailer (very cool, by the way) has a dry weight of 1725-lbs and does have electric brakes. But by the time you fill your 60-liter fresh water tank (that water weighs 132-lbs) and your 20-lb-capacity propane tank (which will then weigh about 37-lbs) you are pushing the limit.

The one hitch made for your car is the light-duty Class I Curt model # C11450, also rated for a maximum of 2000-lbs. This means that both the hitch and the car would be operated at or very close to their limits, so while you might just get by, a different car or a lighter trailer would be a good way to go.

In addition to the hitch towing the trailer will also require a wiring harness, trailer brake controller, ball mount and hitch ball. The parts needed for your car include 4-pole wiring kit # C59236, brake controller install kit # ETBC7, a brake controller like the P2 # 90885, a ball mount like # C45521 and a hitch ball to match the coupler on the trailer, such as 1-7/8-inch # A-80 or 2-inch # A-82.