Kia telluride

[Tdemp13]

Just purchase an Apex Nano and had our KIA dealer install the hitch and they only put a 4 pin. Trying to figure out if they messed up or do they not have a 7 pin set up, which makes no sense if that is the case since it is Alex's out to pull 5k and you'd need brakes. Anyone run into this issue yet? Guessing I'm going to have to have a 3rd party add the brake control.

[Flybob]

Look at the sticker on the drivers door and get the cargo capacity. What capacity hitch did they install? Receiver size?

[Capt. Mike]

Originally Posted by Tdemp13

Just purchase an Apex Nano and had our KIA dealer install the hitch and they only put a 4 pin. Trying to figure out if they messed up or do they not have a 7 pin set up, which makes no sense if that is the case since it is Alex's out to pull 5k and you'd need brakes. Anyone run into this issue yet? Guessing I'm going to have to have a 3rd party add the brake control.

I think we need a lot more info about your Telluride to be able to address your issue. While the Telluride specs say it can tow 5,000 #, there are some other factors to think about. First, is your Kia FWD or AWD? Curb weight varies significantly between an EX, LX and S model, while GVWR remains the same. Is yours a 7- or 8- passenger configuration?

The Hitch weight of the Nano is 516 #, plus batteries plus propane plus weight distribution hitch (roughly 100#) so you are getting pretty close to maxxing out your GVWR. I wonder if your Telluride can even handle a trailer of that size? Did you discuss that with the Kia dealer before having him put the hitch and wiring harness in? Maybe they only put a 4-pin plug on because the Telluride isn't capable of towing anything that is big enough to require electric brakes.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, and maybe somebody else can chime in here if I'm missing something.

[Larry0071]

Originally Posted by Tdemp13

Just purchase an Apex Nano and had our KIA dealer install the hitch and they only put a 4 pin. Trying to figure out if they messed up or do they not have a 7 pin set up, which makes no sense if that is the case since it is Alex's out to pull 5k and you'd need brakes. Anyone run into this issue yet? Guessing I'm going to have to have a 3rd party add the brake control.

They installed the basic tow kit used for light towing of a utility trailer with no brake controller. The flat 4 pin plug does not do brakes, that is for lighting only. You need a 7 pin round and you also need a dash mounted trailer brake control system installed into this vehicle.

You'll pretty likely be violating every engineering limitation of that vehicle pulling this trailer, so once you get the brake control and 7 pin plug and then buy a weight distribution system WITH SWAY CONTROL you should be strongly thinking about buying a tow vehicle better matched to this job. A Tahoe/Yukon/Expedition size SUV based on a half ton truck would just love to tow that around for you!

You may be able to pull this off for a while once you get a proper hitch, 7 pin and brake control.... I know.... People do crazy things every day and don't die. You'll likely decide on your own that you need a more substantially built tow vehicle as you proceed down this adventure.

Good luck. It can be a bit frustrating while your in the steep side of the learning curve.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Tdemp13

Just purchase an Apex Nano and had our KIA dealer install the hitch and they only put a 4 pin. Trying to figure out if they messed up or do they not have a 7 pin set up, which makes no sense if that is the case since it is Alex's out to pull 5k and you'd need brakes. Anyone run into this issue yet? Guessing I'm going to have to have a 3rd party add the brake control.

You need to have them duplicate the factory tow package, not just the hitch receiver.
Have you actually researched what comes with that package from the factory and have you researched if it can tow your Apex?
I wouldn't tow any full height TT with any Kia unless it had the full factory tow package and it had enough payload capacity and towing capacity for the trailers GVWR weight and loaded tongue weight.

[Larry0071]

Originally Posted by bikendan

You need to have them duplicate the factory tow package, not just the hitch receiver.
Have you actually researched what comes with that package from the factory and have you researched if it can tow your Apex?
I wouldn't tow any full height TT with any Kia unless it had the full factory tow package and it had enough payload capacity and towing capacity for the trailers GVWR weight and loaded tongue weight.

Typically with a max tow package you get transmission and engine oil coolers and lower differential gearing as well.

Without that, adding the hitch on the back and thinking that you have the max tow rating is asking for trouble on the road.

[upflying]

Originally Posted by Larry0071

You'll pretty likely be violating every engineering limitation of that vehicle pulling this trailer,.

and if this is the case, the OP also voided the factory warranty

[bikendan]

That's why you should always buy a vehicle with the factory tow package, even if you have no plans to ever tow a trailer.
The Telluride has a 5000lbs tow rating IF PROPERLY EQUIPPED, which yours isn't. I'm guessing that without the factory tow package, it's probably only rated to toe 2000lbs.
Please post which Apex Nano you bought and the payload capacity number from the driver's door sticker. If the Kia's payload capacity is low, it may not be worth the expense of duplicating the factory tow package.

[grumpyer]

Smaller trailer or bigger tow vehicle. like stated above!

[Larry0071]

Okay, so this is the factory tow package on your Telluride. It looks like it doesn't come with the ability to run brakes from the factory?

You will likely need to go aftermarket for a Prodigy or some other controller.

[Larry0071]

You'll need Curt Industries it someone else for the harness to marry in a 7 pin plug also.

[bikendan]

And the brake controller wiring too.

[Larry0071]

https://www.etrailer.com/question-358085.html

https://www.etrailer.com/question-375982.html

And a hitch rated for 5000 lbs max towing typically will have a Max 500 lb tongue weight.

Before you blink you have 2 x 38 lb propane bottles, one 50 lb battery and around 80 lbs of weight distribution and sway control. Your at 210 lbs at the back of the little SUV before the EMPTY TRAILER tongue weight drops on. Now add another 30-50% to that tongue weight as you add clothes, drinks, leveling supplies and set up supplies, bedding and toys.

Now add humans, dogs, and every single item you add to that SUV.

Open the drivers door, look in the door frame for the bright yellow sticker that says TOTAL WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND CARGO MAY NEVER EXCEED XXX LBS.

Take a picture of that and post it. I think you'll find that your in a super bad way.

I would say since you already bought the SUV and can't return it.... Back out of the camper.

Go buy a small single axle utility trailer or a little enclosed trailer and pack bikes, tents, coolers and totes in it and have a blast for a couple years camping that way.

I just think you're heading down a path to a poor experience that will likely make you get a bad taste for this lifestyle.