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Trailer hitch wiring harness questions

20K views 17 replies 8 participants last post by  Prien1937 
#1 ·
I'm picking up a 2015 Sorento LX V6 soon without the tow package. I intend to install a tow hitch and wiring harness myself. Does anyone know if these Sorentos come with the tow harness wiring connectors already attached? Has anyone done this install and have any suggestions?

Thank you!
 
#3 ·
Yes, thanks - I tried that and elsewhere first. They have harnesses for Sorentos with the tow package and harness kits where for up to 2014 that show how you have to splice the wires and run one up to the engine bay. Spoke with an etrailer rep who thought you needed the kit to splice in. No solid information about the 2015 though. Just bought the vehicle today and they tell me these should be pre-wired for a harness. Difficult to find any firm info so I'll just have to take it apart and find out.
 
#4 ·
I thought you would not have to splice any wires. I am all most certain that the wiring harness comes with plugs only. Please correct me if I am wrong . I recently had my trailer hitch installed professionally and he showed me the wiring harness which was plug and play so to speak Any one else have any further comments? Thank you.
 
#5 ·
That's what I'm hoping. Seems to make sense from a manufacturing standpoint. Bu then why would etrailer and others have a splice in kit for these vehicles? They only have videos for 2014 though showing how to install the splice in kit, plus videos for the plug in kit, with nothing yet on the 2015's. Still etrailer told me you'd need the splice in "kit". Specifically, they said I'd need Curt part number 56146kit.
 
#6 ·
I just looked under my Kia. It was a simple matter of removing the plastic panel under the left side of the rear bumper. There were pretty crappy plastic plugs holding that on because none of the threads did anything as turning the screws did nothing until unless you wedged a screwdriver behind them to help. Then they just push back in without even screwing them. They seem to hold the panel though.

Anyway, right under the panel are 2 clearly visible electrical plugs just like they show in the video for the Sorento with the tow package. However mine did not come equipped with any king of tow package so I assume they all come this way. This makes the harness install much simpler, and cheaper. Curt part number C56151 will work, on Amazon for $38.63 including shipping if you have Prime.
 
#7 ·
If the trailer hitch is not factory installed as part of the towing package your towing capacity on the V6 is 1999 lbs vs the 3500 lbs with the towing package. This makes a difference with warranty and insurance in the event of an accident. Factory package includes a trany cooler. Hope this helps.
 
#9 ·
I got a kit that did not need splicing. It was more expensive, but had the plugs. Plug in and done. Of course extra ground connection was needed.
Look on etrailer or give them a call.

I had a great service from them.

To meet 3500 towing capacity - add tranny cooler.
 
#18 · (Edited)
I will need to know what you intend to tow.
Since only a 4-wire harness comes with the official KIA towing package I had to have 7-wire harness (with a round 7-wire plug) installed to allow me to also use a brake controller (Tekonsha Prodigy P3). In Canada the KIA trailer package does not include a trailer hitch. A class 3 trailer hitch was needed and installed by a professional trailer shop. This did not invalidate my factory warranty and the installation was approved by my local KIA dealer.
Unfortunately, KIA Canada is ill equipped in dealing with any kind of trailer info. I got most of my encouragement from KIA Australia and Deutsche KIA. In those countries KIA actively promotes the Sorento as a valid and much loved towing vehicle.
My KIA towing experiences include both, the 2014 and 2016 KIA Sorento EX V6 with AWD.

See my own post (New Post section): 2016 Sorento EX AWD V6 as our RV tow vehicle
 
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