Hey ppl. I purchased an 02 Sportage not long ago and I am in the process of building a concession type building on a small pull trailor and towing it locally ... roughly between 10 miles for a short trip and close to 100 miles for the longest haul I should be making. Its going to be approx. 7x10 and is built with 2x4s , insulated , wired and a generator ... the whole 9 yards ... I have estimated a total weight of roughly 1,500 - 1,800 lbs total when all is complete ... Should the Sportage be alright with this load ? ... Also what type of hitch should I use on it ? I believe they have a universal hitch at the local Advance auto for around $70 or $80 ... however they have a class 3 listed on Ebay with a 2,500 lb max. towing capacity and a 500lb. rating on the tongue specifically for the 02 Sportage for $127 including shipping. Any suggestions/experiences are greatly appreciated ... Thank you for your time in advance and everyone have a great and safe 4th of July !! ... RSM
mccoyxx
Do a google search on the tow capacity and as with any tow hitch the stronger you can fit the better. Your model was 4 Cylinder 2L only. Here is one document I found . See pdf link . 2000lb towing capacity according to it. Always remember google is you friend. http://coachmenrv.com/owners/guide/assets/pdf/2002-tow-rating.pdf Happy towing.
Ok, first of all, the maximum tow rating for the Sportage is 2000lbs according to 96 owners manual. Personally, I would go with the custom hitch that has a 2" receiver on it.
I have a Curt V-5 4000lb rated Custom Sportage hitch that I bought off the net 4-5 years ago and it works great. I've been told that they have down rated the Curt to a Class III, but it looks the same as my V-5.
I have pulled my 2dr (which is more than 2000 lbs) behind my 96 4door over 200 miles in 100f heat in some very steep hills (2nd gear) with no known problems with the hottest temp getting up to 230-240f:huh: if I remember correctly. I do run a 3 row radiator and dual 16" fans.
I would highly recommend an after market H2O temp gauge and an additional trans cooler if your running an automatic.
You won't set any land speed records but I had no trouble with towing @ 55mph on flat land.
Does the "whole 9 yards" include electric brakes? There is an owner from Downunder that tows and has electric brake hook up too.
Keep us posted and send picks of trailer and hitch when you get it installed.
The only other thing is that the Sporty rear springs may not like too much tongue weight. Maybe you need to lift it
UPYOURKIA
I have a Curt V-5 4000lb rated Custom Sportage hitch that I bought off the net 4-5 years ago and it works great. I've been told that they have down rated the Curt to a Class III, but it looks the same as my V-5.
I have pulled my 2dr (which is more than 2000 lbs) behind my 96 4door over 200 miles in 100f heat in some very steep hills (2nd gear) with no known problems with the hottest temp getting up to 230-240f:huh: if I remember correctly. I do run a 3 row radiator and dual 16" fans.
I would highly recommend an after market H2O temp gauge and an additional trans cooler if your running an automatic.
You won't set any land speed records but I had no trouble with towing @ 55mph on flat land.
Does the "whole 9 yards" include electric brakes? There is an owner from Downunder that tows and has electric brake hook up too.
Keep us posted and send picks of trailer and hitch when you get it installed.
The only other thing is that the Sporty rear springs may not like too much tongue weight. Maybe you need to lift it
UPYOURKIA
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