Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring for 2018 Hyundai Tucson Sel Plus

Question:

Just bought a 2018 Hyundai Tucson Sel Plus. same engine and trans as the Se, and Sel. The website says it has a max towing capacity of 2000 lbs. It also says the Se, and Sel has a max of 1500 lbs. I looked in the owners manual and on 1 page it says the max is 2000 lbs, but on another page, it says 1500 lbs. I called Hyundai USA and they dont know what the correct number is, I called the dealer. They do not know. Hyundais tow hitch option is their 1.25inch Perhaps you folks can clarify what the correct max weight should be. I need to know before I order your hitch. Thanks

asked by: Mike T

Helpful Expert Reply:

When we research towing capacities we base it off of what the owner's manual says but for some unknown reason there are no online manuals available for a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. I did take a look at the Hyundai website and as you said it listed the SEL Plus as having a 2,000 lb towing capacity as opposed to the 1,500 lb capacity of the SE and SEL; however, it looks like the SEL Plus only has some interior features differentiating it from the SE and SEL so it would not make sense for the capacity to be different.

There is also no reason for Hyundai, and the dealer in particular, not to be able to tell you what the capacity is. Vehicle manufacturers are the ones that set the capacity and this is important information that should be easily obtained from them. You did the right thing by calling the dealer and they need to be able to give you this information. I would call again and ask to speak to somebody that does know.

The hitch you get will not impact the capacity of your '18 Tucson because you need to go by the lowest rated component so I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12241 because of its simple, no-drill installation and the clean look it will give your vehicle as you can see in the accompanying photo of the hitch on an '18 Tucson.

The correct ball mount for this hitch is the Curt # C45520. You will also need Pin and Clip # F-4 and depending on your trailer's coupler either 1-7/8" Hitch Ball # C40001 or 2" Hitch Ball # C40018.

For wiring which will give you a 4-way connector and allow you to power your trailer's lights you need Wiring Harness # 118501 which is a simple plug-in installation; you will only need to run a hot lead to your battery after plugging the connectors in.

I have added a link to installs of the hitch and wiring for you to take a look at, as well as links to the installation manuals.

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

Allison

5/17/2020

Does this hitch work For the 2019 Hyundai Tucson midnight edition?

Chris R.

5/20/2020

I wish I had better news for you, however none of the available hitches for your 2019 Hyundai Tucson are compatible with the Night/Midnight edition. It's the model's dual exhaust tips that cause a fit issue.