Parts Needed To Tow Pop Up Camper With 2013 Kia Sorento

Question:

I have purchased a 1998 Coleman Fleetwood Sun Ridge Pop Up Camper. It weighs 2300 pounds and has a gwvr of 3000 pounds. It is equipped with brakes. I will be towing it with a 2013 KIA Sorento which has a 2inch receiver and a 4 way connector. I need to purchase the brake controller for the KIA and sway control. Also the connector for the brakes on the trailer has been cut off, so I need to replace that as well. What products do you recommend I purchase and install?

asked by: Scott C

Expert Reply:

I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885 for your 2013 Kia Sorento. This is our most popular because it is the easiest to install and use. This is a proportional controller which activates the trailer brakes in proportion to the brakes on your Sorento. I have attached a helpful article that explains how to install a brake controller from scratch.

If you do not have the ball mount and ball for the hitch, I recommend the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit, part # 989900. This includes 2 ball mounts, 2 balls, the pin and clip and a handy storage bag. You may wish to take a look at the video for this kit I have linked.

Since you said the camper has brakes you will need to convert the 4-way connector to a 7-way connector on your 2013 Kia Sorento. You can use part # ETBC7 for this. You can check out the attached article that shows how to install the # ETBC7.

If extra wire is needed when wiring the kit I recommend using jacketed 2-wire, 10 gauge wire, part # 10-2-1, which can be ordered by the foot. For 10 gauge butt connectors you can use part # 05732-2.

If you are looking for sway control only, I recommend the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit, part # 83660. This will help reduce sway caused by crosswinds. This kit can be used on either the left or right side of the trailer.

I also recommend the Reese Sway-Control Bracket, part # RP26003. I have attached a product review video for this bracket.

While the sway control is very helpful when you are towing, using a weight distribution system with sway control will make towing a much more pleasant experience and reduce stress on both the trailer and vehicle suspension. I have attached a helpful article that explains weight distribution.

You may want to check out a system like the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control, part # BXW0350. This is a trunnion bar system and is designed for tongue weight up to 350 lbs and gross towing weight of 3,500 lbs.

You said the connectors for the brakes on the trailer have been cut off. If you need to replace the wiring connector on your trailer, you can use part # H20046. This is a 7-way connector for the trailer with an 8 ft lead. I have included a link to a video that shows how to replace the 7-way on a trailer, using the # H20046.

You will want to inspect the brakes and connections on the trailer to make sure everything is in good working order. You can test the wiring on the trailer with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993.

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