Recommended Complete Towing Setup for 2019 Kia Sorento and Tear Camping Trailer

Question:

We just got our new 19 Sorento and we need to get it set for our soon-to-be ultra-light tear drop camping trailer. The trailer does have brakes so we need a brake controller along with the hitch and wiring parts too. Please recommend a controller that is easy to use and most of all reliable...we got the new vehicle and trailer because we like to camp...but not troubleshoot.

asked by: Shawn

Expert Reply:

We can help you get your Sorento ready for towing your new teardrop and we'll start with the hitch.

I recommend the 2-inch Class III etrailer hitch # e98843 because it is USA-made and has a high 750-lb tongue weight capacity. It also offer no-drill installation as shown in the linked video. The included photo shows the clean appearance of the installed hitch.

For the brake controller we will need to start off a with a 4-pole trailer harness. If your Sorento has the factory tow package, use # HM11143965 or # 118583 for vehicles without the factory tow pacakge.

With your 4-pole kit installed you will then add the Brake Controller Installation kit # ETBC7. This kit has all of the other wiring parts needed to install any trailer brake controller. The kit is shown in another linked video being installed in a 2016 Sorento.

Finally, for the brake controller I suggest the time-tested Prodigy P3 from Tekonsha, part # 90195, which is easy to set up and to operate thanks to its mix of features. The P3 has a large clear display screen that makes it easy to see what's happening and it also allows more choices in mounting position. The P3 will slow your teardrop proportionately, at the same rate that your Sorento decelerates, which will avoid the tug-of-war feeling that can occur with other controllers.

You will also need a ball mount, hitch ball, hitch pin or lock and a set of towing mirrors to complete your setup. I recommend an adjustable ball mount which saves you having to measure and calculate the rise or drop you need to keep the hitched trailer level with the ground. Level trailers tow much better so this matters. I recommend the 2-ball adjustable mount # AM3296 from Rapid Hitch because it has plenty of height adjustment and includes two sizes of hitch ball in one handy assembly. Hitch lock # e98881 will allow you to lock the ball mount to your hitch.

For towing mirrors I suggest the universal kit # KS3990 from K-Source since it includes both driver and passenger mirrors that install easily and that will stay securely in place as you drive.

The two linked articles on towing may also be of interest to you.