Recommended Weight Distribution for a 2012 Kia Sorento Towing a Trailer with 980 lbs Dry Weight

Question:

Hi, I just purchased Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2” for my 2012 Kia Sorento V6. I want to add weight distribution and sway control. What would you recommend? I will be towing a light weight vintage trailer that only weighs 980 lbs dry weight and 12 feet long. Worried about wind and road conditions and want to make sure it is safe to tow. Thank you,

asked by: Michelle

Helpful Expert Reply:

A Weight Distribution (WD) system is recommended if the trailer weighs at least half of the weight of the tow vehicle. Once you load your trailer down it will be close to this for your 2012 Kia Sorento so it would be worth looking into.

You want to choose a WD system with a Tongue Weight (TW) range that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your towing setup falls in the middle of. To find the TTW of your towing setup you will need to add the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded weight of your trailer.

Since your trailer weighs 980 lbs dry you won't need a heavy duty WD system. The Equal-i-zer # EQ37040ET that comes with 4-Point Sway Control should be exactly what you need. It has a TW range of 100 lbs - 400 lbs which I doubt you will be going over. This comes with a shank and a 1-7/8" hitch ball but a thin-walled socket like part # EQ70-00-4800 is recommended to install the hitch ball.

Be sure to check your owner's manual for any details about towing a trailer and trailer weights for your Sorento.

expert reply by: Jon G