Towing Components Recommendation for 2016 Kia Sedona to Tow R-Pod 176T Safely

Question:

We own a 2016 Kia Sedona minivan with 3500 lbs towing capacity. It is equipped with a Curt class 3 trailer hitch, Curt Venturer brake controller, and 7 way connector. We were pulling a pop up, but are looking at upgrading to a R-Pod 176T which comes in at around 3000 lbs unloaded. With this being so close to the max towing weight, we are looking to do any upgrades to the van that will help out. I am thinking transmission cooler, power steering cooler, some type of suspension addition and a weight distribution hitch. I have some questions though. 1. Is there any beneficial addition that I am overlooking? 2. Is the Curt Venturer brake controller sufficient for the heavier R-pod? 3. Will a weight distribution hitch be beneficial at only 3000 lbs? If so which model would I need for the R-Pod 176T? 4. What are the part #s for these additions for my 2016 Kia Thank You

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

You are on the right track with the upgrades you are considering to tow your potential R-Pod 176T safely with your 2016 Kia Sedona that has the Curt hitch part # C13115 installed on it. A brake controller is the first thing I'd recommend installing like you have as it will help your vehicle stop and at the weight of your trailer is basically a requirement. Since you have that covered you're good there.

Next I'd strongly recommend a transmission cooler like the Derale # D13503 which is going to allow your transmission to last much longer since heat is the biggest thing that causes transmissions to fail.

Next a properly rated weight distribution system will help you a lot too since it will allow the tow vehicle to tow level which and in doing so improves handling and braking. With a properly rated system you don't need suspension enhancement really.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

The best system we have that would work well for your trailer would be the Reese Strait-Line system part # RP66082 which has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs and features the best sway control around that works to fight sway before it starts. For a hitch ball you'd then want the part # A-90.