Trailer Hitch And Wiring For 2012 Kia Sorento SX Towing A Pop Up Camper

Question:

I just purchased a 2012 kia sorento sx but it does not have a factory installed wiring for a trailer. what type do i need to purchase. I own a 2004 flagstaff 208 pop up camper.I also need to buy a trailer hitch .

asked by: Karen N

Expert Reply:

Since you said you do not have the factory installed wiring on your 2012 Kia Sorento SX, I assume you do not have the tow prep package. If that is the case, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class lll Trailer Hitch, part # 75684. This has a 2 inch receiver. This hitch will not fit models that have dual exhaust with a tailpipe on both the driver and the passenger side. I have attached a link to an installation video for this hitch on a 2012 Sorento you may want to take a look at.

You said you are towing a pop up camper with this vehicle, so you will need a trailer ball and ball mount. For that I recommend the etrailer Ball Mount Kit, part # 989900. This kit includes 2 ball mounts, 2 balls, the pin and clip, and a handy storage bag. I have also linked a product review video for this kit you can check out.

The wiring kit I recommend is the Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, part # C59236. This kit will give you a 4-way connector at the rear of your Sorento. The kit comes with all of the hardware needed and also includes a circuit tester and the installation instructions.

You can look at the wiring connector on the camper and see if it has a connector other than the 4-way flat connector. If it does you may have brakes on the camper and you will need the wiring connector to match it on your vehicle and also need a brake controller.

If you have brakes on your camper I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 brake controller, part # 90885. This is our most popular controller because it is so easy to install and use. This is a proportional brake controller which activates the brakes in direct proportion to the brakes in the towing vehicle. I have included links to some helpful article about brake controllers.

To install the brake controller you will need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller, part # ETBC7. This will give you a 7-way connector at the rear of your vehicle using the 4-way connector. If extra wire is needed I recommend our jacketed 2 wire, part # 10-2-1. I recommend getting about 10 ft of this wire to help finish the installation on longer vehicles.

If needed, we also offer a Brass Battery Side Bolt Extender, part # DW05416. This will attach to the side of a battery to allow the hookup of accessories.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connectors and helps prevent corrosion.