Is Running a Power Wire to the Battery Required for Trailer Wiring on a 2023 Kia Sportage

Question:

Do you need to run a wire to the cars battery?

asked by: Frank E

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you're considering installing a trailer wiring harness on a 2023 Kia Sportage for towing. If that's the case then great we do have options for this along with everything else you need to tow. That said, all of which require running a power wire to the battery. This is actually rather important as it allows you to send power to the trailer lights using the vehicle's battery and not the vehicle's tail light circuits which could short out from the additional load or cause a malfunction to the vehicle's tail lights. I understand it's a nuisance but it's absolutely required. I recommend the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C99DR which is a plug-in-play, splice free option. Pro Trip: follow the brake lines under the vehicle for any easy route from the rear of the vehicle to the engine bay.

In order to complete your towing setup you'll also need a trailer hitch and a ball mount/hitch ball, I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e38KR which is a bolt-on no drill fit and the Curt Towing Starter Kit part # C45534 which has everything else you need.

expert reply by: Conner L