Towing a Trailer

If you plan to tow a trailer, you should first consult the Vehicle Licensing Authority of your country to determine their legal requirements.

Because laws change the requirements for towing trailers, vehicles, and other types of trailers or equipment may differ. Obtain more information from an authorized Kia dealer before towing.

WARNING - Towing a trailer

If you use improper equipment and/or drive incorrectly, you may lose control when towing a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well - or may not work at all. You and your passengers could be seriously or fatally injured. Tow a trailer only after you have completed all steps described in this section.

An additional wiring harness connector may be required to install the trailer hitch. For more detailed information, contact an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING! Weight Limits

Before towing, make sure that the total trailer weight, GCW (Gross Combined Weight), GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight), GAW (Gross Axle Weight) and trailer tongue load are all within the specified limits.

CAUTION

Improper trailer towing may cause damage to the vehicle and costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To tow a trailer correctly, follow the instructions in this section.

Your vehicle can tow a trailer.* To determine the towing capacity of your vehicle, you must read the information in the section "Trailer Weight" that appears later in this section.

Remember that towing a trailer is different from simply driving the vehicle. A trailer changes handling, durability, and fuel economy.

Successful and safe trailer towing requires the correct equipment, and it must be used correctly.

This section contains many time-tested important tips and safety rules. Many of them are important for your safety and the safety of your passengers. Please read this section carefully before towing a trailer.

Load-carrying components such as the engine, transmission, axles, brakes, tires, and suspension are forced to work harder against the added weight of the load. The engine must operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads. This additional load generates extra heat.

A trailer also significantly increases wind resistance, which increases the towing requirements.

Hitch Ball

It is important to use the correct towing equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks passing by, and uneven road surfaces are some of the reasons you need the correct hitch. Observe the following guidelines:

• Will you need to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when installing the trailer hitch? If you do, be sure to seal the holes afterward when you remove the hitch. If you do not seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust may enter your vehicle, as well as dirt and water.
• Your vehicle's bumpers are not designed for towing. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a frame-mounted trailer hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
• The Kia trailer accessory can be purchased from an authorized Kia dealer.

Safety Chains

Always attach safety chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the trailer tongue so that the tongue does not drop to the road if it separates from the hitch.

Safety chain instructions may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for attaching the safety chains. Always leave enough slack so you can turn with the trailer. Never allow the safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

If your trailer is equipped with a braking system, make sure it complies with your state regulations and that it is properly installed and functioning correctly.

If the weight of your trailer exceeds the maximum allowable weight without trailer brakes, the trailer will also require its own brakes. Be sure to read and follow the trailer brake instructions so you can install, adjust, and maintain them properly.

Do not connect to your vehicle's brake system or modify it.

WARNING - Trailer Brakes

Do not tow a trailer with its own brakes unless you are absolutely sure that the brake system is correctly adjusted. This job is not for amateurs. Have an experienced, qualified trailer shop perform this work.