Recommended Hitch and 7-Way Wiring Harness for a 2020 Kia Sorento w/out the Towing Package

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Question:

Hello, Im new at towing. I plan on buying a tent trailer this month and will need to install a hitch harness and brake controller for my 2020 kia Sorento V6 AWD. Its a standard model and does not have a towing package. Would these items work for it and what kind of brake controller do you recommend? Do you also recommend a weight distribution hitch? All help appreciated. Item # C13195 Item # TK24FR

asked by: Antonio T

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch item # C13195 will work with your 2020 Kia Sorento but the wiring harness item # TK24FR will not because you do not have the towing package. Yours has different connectors than the Sorento's with the towing package.

To install a 7-Way harness on your 2020 Kia Sorento without the towing package, you will need two separate wiring harnesses because they don't make just one that'll do the job.

The first harness you'll need is the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item # C56256. This custom-fit T-connector plugs into your Kia's wiring harness, which is located behind the tail lights. This will provide you with a 4-flat connector.

The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.

For a brake controller, I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Trailer Brake Controller item # RED24FR. This is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts your trailer's braking based on the deceleration of your Kia. The Liberty has a unique design where the main unit is concealed behind your dash and the only part visible is the control knob.

You will also need the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item # RED69FR to complete the installation. Since your Kia does not have the tow package there are no plug in adapters for your vehicle.

I recommend using the No-Drill Mount Bracket item # 18136 to secure the 7-way connector and its bracket to your hitch. This will put it in an easy to reach spot and prevent the risk of it falling onto the road.

To round out your towing setup I also recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534. This towing kit will provide you with a 2" ball and a fixed ball mount with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. It also includes a hitch pin and clip, hitch receiver lock with keys, hitch cover, and a storage case.

I have linked several installation videos below so you can see how to get these parts set up on your Sorento. As far as a weight distribution system goes, you will want to check your owner's manual to see if your Kia is compatible with them. If so and you're interested in one I would just need to know your trailer's total weight. They are extremely helpful in preventing sway. If you have any additional questions feel free to email me directly.

I know you were looking at the Curt Hitch item # C13195. I suggest getting the etrailer Hitch item # e98843 instead. This hitch is manufactured to the same specifications as the Curt with the only difference in the two being the price and finish. I prefer the matte black finish over the glossy one because it helps hide the hitch better. Saving money without sacrificing quality is also a nice perk.

expert reply by: Jerred H

1

Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only…

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Answer 4

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion…

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Answer 7

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has…

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Answer 8

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way…

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Answer 9

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 10

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 11

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors…

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Answer 12

Sure thing, I will go ahead and list out what you need for your 2023 Kia Sportage to add a 7-way for a brake controller so you can tow with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C94WR: - T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer…

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Recommended Hitch and 7-Way Wiring Harness for a 2020 Kia Sorento w/out the Towing Package

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