[fisherguy]

I previously towed a 19 ft ultralite tandem trailer that weighed 3200 pds dry and about 3600pds wet with my 2013 Sorento with the V6 and it was no problem at speeds of 100KPH or about 60 MPH but gas mileage was bad but I expected that with the load and wind resistance . I just purchased a 2016 LX Plus AWD with the V6 which should safely tow the same trailer . I use an electric brake controller, equalizer bars and a sway bar with the rig . The new Sorento feels more solid and is supposed to have more torque and hp so I`m looking forward to see how it performs this summer with the trailer. My dealer said i did not need to add a trans cooler just a 5000pd hitch and the other equipment i use already. U haul sells the hitch for a very reasonable price and it has 7 mounting bolts for the frame of the car, looks very solid ! here is a pic of my 3013 and my camper !

 

[fisherguy]

here is the pic of my trailer and 2013 Sorento

 

[g2yeux]

Nice setup fisherguy!

 

[Rich1]

Real towing experience

Well, we got out new trailer a few weeks back. A 25 Ft Gulf Stream Vista. 4,000 lbs dry, about 4,500 lbs loaded with my wife in the vehicle with me.

I had an RPod before (3,000 lbs dry) and a 2015 Escape (3,500 lbs towing capability according to specs but only a V4 turbo). We originally bought the Kia for the R-Pod but my wife decided to buy a bigger trailer...

Took the Vista out of the dealer and drove it home. I was concerned. It seemed to pull quite a bit. The day was very windy (front wind). 2.5 hours drive. 22 ltrs to 100 km. I didn't knw the wind was making such a difference, but it was very strong.

We the took it out on a camping trip last weekend. The wind was light both ways. 2.5 hour drive each way. I was very impressed. I could easily go 90 - 95 km/h with no difficulty. It downshifted going up hill, but nothing out of the ordinary. Turned out to be 17.5 ltr/100 km both ways. Very very impressed. My Escape was doing 20 ltr/100 km with the 3,000 lbs R-Pod. Talked to a friend who is towing a 5,500 lbs trailer with a F150, and he does 28 ltr/100 km with his. So the Kia is doing extremely well.

I have a very good brake controller and the trailer has double axles. So the braking is very smooth. I had to take my time to adjust it properly, but once done, it didn't feel like the trailer was pushing or pulling at all. I had to brake quickly a few times and the response was great.

I also have a centre-line weight distribution hitch which includes a sway control system. That is a cool system which doesn't make the annoying noise of the chain system, and I don't need to take it off to back up. The result was a very straight set-up and very little sway (except on that very high wind day).

All and all, I am extremely impressed with the Kia. I would not drive 3,000 km with it to go camping, but within 3 or 4 hours of our home, I have no issue. The only thing is I really like it at 90-95 km/h. When it goes to 100, the mileage changes quite a bit (probably to around 20 lrs/100 km). But in really don't mind going slower. I avoid the 100km/h highway with single lanes, so I can take my time. Four lane highway are fine as the people in a rush can go around me .

Discussed all of this with my dealer and he only recommended doing more frequent oil changes on the engine. So I will do one more during the camping season. Other than that, couldn't be more satisfied.

Bottom line is: have the right equipment, properly installed and verified (I had mine installed by a dealer but verified by a trailer hitch expert), and take your time. Towing will change the way you drive. You can't expect to take off like nothing is behind you. But if you are smart and safe, I believe this little SUV is a nice towing vehicle.

 

[robininohio]

Well, we got out new trailer a few weeks back. A 25 Ft Gulf Stream Vista. 4,000 lbs dry, about 4,500 lbs loaded with my wife in the vehicle with me.

I had an RPod before (3,000 lbs dry) and a 2015 Escape (3,500 lbs towing capability according to specs but only a V4 turbo). We originally bought the Kia for the R-Pod but my wife decided to buy a bigger trailer...

Took the Vista out of the dealer and drove it home. I was concerned. It seemed to pull quite a bit. The day was very windy (front wind). 2.5 hours drive. 22 ltrs to 100 km. I didn't knw the wind was making such a difference, but it was very strong.

We the took it out on a camping trip last weekend. The wind was light both ways. 2.5 hour drive each way. I was very impressed. I could easily go 90 - 95 km/h with no difficulty. It downshifted going up hill, but nothing out of the ordinary. Turned out to be 17.5 ltr/100 km both ways. Very very impressed. My Escape was doing 20 ltr/100 km with the 3,000 lbs R-Pod. Talked to a friend who is towing a 5,500 lbs trailer with a F150, and he does 28 ltr/100 km with his. So the Kia is doing extremely well.

I have a very good brake controller and the trailer has double axles. So the braking is very smooth. I had to take my time to adjust it properly, but once done, it didn't feel like the trailer was pushing or pulling at all. I had to brake quickly a few times and the response was great.

I also have a centre-line weight distribution hitch which includes a sway control system. That is a cool system which doesn't make the annoying noise of the chain system, and I don't need to take it off to back up. The result was a very straight set-up and very little sway (except on that very high wind day).

All and all, I am extremely impressed with the Kia. I would not drive 3,000 km with it to go camping, but within 3 or 4 hours of our home, I have no issue. The only thing is I really like it at 90-95 km/h. When it goes to 100, the mileage changes quite a bit (probably to around 20 lrs/100 km). But in really don't mind going slower. I avoid the 100km/h highway with single lanes, so I can take my time. Four lane highway are fine as the people in a rush can go around me .

Discussed all of this with my dealer and he only recommended doing more frequent oil changes on the engine. So I will do one more during the camping season. Other than that, couldn't be more satisfied.

Bottom line is: have the right equipment, properly installed and verified (I had mine installed by a dealer but verified by a trailer hitch expert), and take your time. Towing will change the way you drive. You can't expect to take off like nothing is behind you. But if you are smart and safe, I believe this little SUV is a nice towing vehicle.

Newbie needing advice here. Let me know if I've set of any alarm bells.

So what is the hitch (tongue?)weight of your RV? We have been looking at Gulfstream Vintage Cruisers. We love the bigger one, but it's dry weight is 4325 lbs, with a hitch weight of 480. It is the only one with tandem axles however, which seems so much safer. The other one we liked is only 2900 lbs dry, with a hitch weight of 380.

Also, what kind of place do you go to to get a seven wire harness installed?

Guess I should confirm that I am driving a 2017 Sorento SX/AWD. LOVE IT better than my husband's BMW.

 

[Pushy]

Well, we got out new trailer a few weeks back. A 25 Ft Gulf Stream Vista. 4,000 lbs dry, about 4,500 lbs loaded with my wife in the vehicle with me.

I had an RPod before (3,000 lbs dry) and a 2015 Escape (3,500 lbs towing capability according to specs but only a V4 turbo). We originally bought the Kia for the R-Pod but my wife decided to buy a bigger trailer...

Took the Vista out of the dealer and drove it home. I was concerned. It seemed to pull quite a bit. The day was very windy (front wind). 2.5 hours drive. 22 ltrs to 100 km. I didn't knw the wind was making such a difference, but it was very strong.

We the took it out on a camping trip last weekend. The wind was light both ways. 2.5 hour drive each way. I was very impressed. I could easily go 90 - 95 km/h with no difficulty. It downshifted going up hill, but nothing out of the ordinary. Turned out to be 17.5 ltr/100 km both ways. Very very impressed. My Escape was doing 20 ltr/100 km with the 3,000 lbs R-Pod. Talked to a friend who is towing a 5,500 lbs trailer with a F150, and he does 28 ltr/100 km with his. So the Kia is doing extremely well.

I have a very good brake controller and the trailer has double axles. So the braking is very smooth. I had to take my time to adjust it properly, but once done, it didn't feel like the trailer was pushing or pulling at all. I had to brake quickly a few times and the response was great.

I also have a centre-line weight distribution hitch which includes a sway control system. That is a cool system which doesn't make the annoying noise of the chain system, and I don't need to take it off to back up. The result was a very straight set-up and very little sway (except on that very high wind day).

All and all, I am extremely impressed with the Kia. I would not drive 3,000 km with it to go camping, but within 3 or 4 hours of our home, I have no issue. The only thing is I really like it at 90-95 km/h. When it goes to 100, the mileage changes quite a bit (probably to around 20 lrs/100 km). But in really don't mind going slower. I avoid the 100km/h highway with single lanes, so I can take my time. Four lane highway are fine as the people in a rush can go around me .

Discussed all of this with my dealer and he only recommended doing more frequent oil changes on the engine. So I will do one more during the camping season. Other than that, couldn't be more satisfied.

Bottom line is: have the right equipment, properly installed and verified (I had mine installed by a dealer but verified by a trailer hitch expert), and take your time. Towing will change the way you drive. You can't expect to take off like nothing is behind you. But if you are smart and safe, I believe this little SUV is a nice towing vehicle.

MY CAR: 2016 Sorento LX + V6 AWD.

Hello everyone. I am new at this forum. The above quote is EXACTLY what I was looking for, with the exception of my dry trailer weight. The trailer I am looking at is 4,300lbs. I figured once I have the trailer loaded with the amount of water and cargo, it should be just marginally under 5,000lbs. I will be using a weight distribution hitch, and I have a brake controller installed in the vehicle. 2017 Coachmen Apex 215BRK.

I will be camping about 3 - 4 hours away from home. I live in Ontario, Canada. A few hills on the way, nothing too steep. The following may provide some clarification on the "numbers" we are all concerned about.

My vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 2,550kg (5,610 lbs) - This means that the weight INSIDE my vehicle cannot exceed 5,610 lbs. This includes driver, passengers, fuels, cargo, weight of vehicle, BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE WEIGHT OF THE TRAILER.

My vehicle's Towing Capacity is 5,000 lbs. Therefore, whatever I am TOWING cannot exceed 5,000lbs.

So, does that mean my vehicle has the potential to "move" weight equalling a total of 5,610 + 5,000 = 10,610 lbs? (car, people, cargo, trailer, etc.)

 

[Danno001]

You need to include the trailer tongue weight in your GVWR rating to ensure your calculation is accurate.

 

[JS-FL]

Quote: My vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 2,550kg (5,610 lbs) - This means that the weight INSIDE my vehicle cannot exceed 5,610 lbs. This includes driver, passengers, fuels, cargo, weight of vehicle, BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE WEIGHT OF THE TRAILER.

My vehicle's Towing Capacity is 5,000 lbs. Therefore, whatever I am TOWING cannot exceed 5,000lbs.

So, does that mean my vehicle has the potential to "move" weight equaling a total of 5,610 + 5,000 = 10,610 lbs? (car, people, cargo, trailer, etc.)

If your GVWR of your TV (Tow vehicle) is 5,610 pounds then you are partially correct. You can take the listed weight of the vehicle but then fluids, passengers, cargo, plus your trailer's tongue weight has to be added into the total. You can't forget that the tongue weight on the back of your TV counts.

The absolute best way to see EXACTLY where you are at is simple and will cost you $10.00. Get everything hooked up and filled up for camping. Drive to the nearest truck stop with a scale (Pilot, Flying J, Loves, etc.). First weigh your whole rig, the ticket they give you will break it down by axle weights if you are long enough. Then pull off the scale and unhook your trailer. Drive back on the scale with you and your passengers in the TV and get your second weight. Go inside and get your printout tickets.

This will give you the exact numbers and it only takes 15 or 20 minutes. When we were traveling full time in our 5th wheel I would run across the scales at least once a year just to make sure I was good.

 

[netscorer]

Quote: My vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 2,550kg (5,610 lbs) - This means that the weight INSIDE my vehicle cannot exceed 5,610 lbs. This includes driver, passengers, fuels, cargo, weight of vehicle, BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE WEIGHT OF THE TRAILER.

My vehicle's Towing Capacity is 5,000 lbs. Therefore, whatever I am TOWING cannot exceed 5,000lbs.

So, does that mean my vehicle has the potential to "move" weight equaling a total of 5,610 + 5,000 = 10,610 lbs? (car, people, cargo, trailer, etc.)

If your GVWR of your TV (Tow vehicle) is 5,610 pounds then you are partially correct. You can take the listed weight of the vehicle but then fluids, passengers, cargo, plus your trailer's tongue weight has to be added into the total. You can't forget that the tongue weight on the back of your TV counts.

The absolute best way to see EXACTLY where you are at is simple and will cost you $10.00. Get everything hooked up and filled up for camping. Drive to the nearest truck stop with a scale (Pilot, Flying J, Loves, etc.). First weigh your whole rig, the ticket they give you will break it down by axle weights if you are long enough. Then pull off the scale and unhook your trailer. Drive back on the scale with you and your passengers in the TV and get your second weight. Go inside and get your printout tickets.

This will give you the exact numbers and it only takes 15 or 20 minutes. When we were traveling full time in our 5th wheel I would run across the scales at least once a year just to make sure I was good.

For the amount of towing that they'll be doing (3-4 hours) that is unnecessary hubris. The car won't suddenly disintegrate into pieces just because they will be 100-200 lb over the manufacturer weight rating. A lot also depends on terrain. Sorento can pull much heavier load safely in Florida compared to Sierra Nevada. KIA provides their towing capacity rating based on varied terrain, they can't possibly say what is safe to tow in flatlands vs hills vs mountain passes.
But my general advise always when towing close to max capacity is to go slow and steady. That reduces dynamic load on a car, reduces transmission wear and just makes the whole towing experience safer for everybody.

 

[Pushy]

You folks are fantastic. I'm glad I joined this forum. Just a wealth of knowledge and experience. Thank you to all.

 

[JS-FL]

For the amount of towing that they'll be doing (3-4 hours) that is unnecessary hubris. The car won't suddenly disintegrate into pieces just because they will be 100-200 lb over the manufacturer weight rating. A lot also depends on terrain. Sorento can pull much heavier load safely in Florida compared to Sierra Nevada. KIA provides their towing capacity rating based on varied terrain, they can't possibly say what is safe to tow in flatlands vs hills vs mountain passes.
But my general advise always when towing close to max capacity is to go slow and steady. That reduces dynamic load on a car, reduces transmission wear and just makes the whole towing experience safer for everybody.

The problem with not actually checking your weight by scaling is that you are simply guessing. Are they 100 - 200 pounds over, or are they 1,000 pounds over?

I agree an engine and transmission can stand up to more weight on flat terrain. However, none of that matters if you are exceeding limitations and can't emergency stop in time to avoid hitting something. Being a retired State LEO my first concern when giving out towing advise is always safety considerations, with equipment failure coming in last.

It is a personal choice if a person wants to spend $10.00 and a little of their time to get their exact weight break down. Your other choices are to give your "estimated" numbers to strangers on a forum and let them decide if you are good to go.

 

[clay282]

Was just going to throw this into the conversation. I really didn't want to deal with the wiring nightmare that comes with installing trailer brake controllers on vehicles that aren't pre wired for them. I read some good things about the Tekonsha - Prodigy RF trailer brake controller so I thought I would go in that direction. It's costly BUT, I can swap it between trailers and boat.

 

[phil1295]

I have a 2017 Sorento V6 AWD and plan to tow a ~4000 lb trailer (not yet purchased). I'm getting a brake controller (Tekonsha Prodigy) and hitch installed soon. From some pictures I've seen, it looks like the brake controller includes a cigarette-pack-size box to mount somewhere near the driver's knee on the firewall below the steering wheel. Anybody have photos of how they mounted it? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[Pushy]

Brake Controller

I have my controller next to my right knee. I have attached a pic.

 

[Taresa]

Pushy, I am looking at the Coachmen Apex Nano ultralight 193bhs. It's 3300 dry. Did you get the model you were looking at? And how is it going?

 

[Pushy]

I got a Apex 215RBK. It's weight is 4,400lbs. I'm taking it out camping first time on May 18th. I will let you know how it works out.

 

[clay282]

I got a Apex 215RBK. It's weight is 4,400lbs. I'm taking it out camping first time on May 18th. I will let you know how it works out.

Please do a write up on it. That is one BIG camper for the 5000lb limit... your brave! Very nice camper!

 

[BrianV]

Taresa, I just purchased a 2018 193BHS to tow with my 2016 Sorento SX AWD. We did a trial run with a slightly smaller trailer and had no problems so we felt comfortable purchasing the 193BHS. The trailer we rented to test was 20' 6" long and 85" wide and about 3100 pounds loaded. The 193BHS is 22' long and 90" wide and will be closer to 3700 pounds loaded. We didn't want anything wider than 90" since the Sorento isn't very wide by tow-vehicle standards. While the 193BHS is a bit bigger and heavier than our rental was, it's also more aerodynamic.

Overall our Sorento did just fine, but I'm not going to claim that I didn't notice the trailer. The engine revved a little higher and our mileage dropped substantially. We averaged about 14 MPG while towing along country highways (versus the 28 we would otherwise get). Driving along at about 55 MPH was no problem and is probably where we'll be at most of the time.

I may be able to take out the trailer on the weekend of the 13th. If I do, I'll report back my experiences.

 

[Capt Duck]

To Soento

Do you keep the Sorento in Sport Mode when Towing ??

 

[BrianV]

Towing Experience of Apex 193BHS

As promised, here's a quick review of my towing experience. I just received a 2018 193BHS trailer and took it out for a single night. We drove mostly on I-95 and nearby highways with our 2016 Sorento SX AWD. The trailer was hooked up to the vehicle with a Husky Center Line TS. The dry weight of the trailer is right around 3500 pounds, and was probably around 3600 - 3700 pounds when we pulled it. We also had two adults and two young children in the Sorento.

Please consider that I don't have a lot of experience towing and my only previous experience was towing a slightly smaller trailer that weighed around 3000 pounds. I have only ever towed with the Sorento, so I can't compare it to other vehicles such as trucks or vehicles with diesel engines.

Overall, our towing experience was good, but not great. On flat terrain, and slower roads we had no problems at all. On hills, I had to give it some extra gas to keep up freeway speeds and it revved a bit higher. We left the Sorento in Sport mode, which seemed to work well enough, but I haven't noticed a huge difference between the modes. A few times with the 193BHS I tried accelerating quickly and was pleased that the vehicle could get up to speeds quickly enough even if it momentarily had to rev the engine higher. On an average highway with relatively flat terrain I'd say the Sorento "wanted" to drive at around 55 MPH, which is what the manual suggests as a target speed.

We're going to be towing this trailer over 3500 miles this summer and I think it will be fine, but I'm not going to be zooming up any hills. I certainly wouldn't suggest anything bigger or heavier unless you're only going short distances on relatively flat terrain.

Since the Sorento is a relatively small tow-vehicle, I don't know whether the weight or size of the trailer makes a larger difference to towing performance. A trailer that weighed the same but had a smaller cross-section might pull considerably better. Or it might not.

We liked the 193BHS because it was only 90" across and quite spacious for the weight and length. But you could also look at models like the R-Pods (176, for example) which would probably pull quite easily. We opted for the larger trailer since we're going to be living in it for two months though.

In conclusion, do we like our 193BHS? Yes. Can the Sorento pull it? Yes. Does it drive like I'm not towing anything at all? No. I will certainly post a more detailed log after we've towed for a couple of weeks this summer. Let me know if anyone has some specific questions I can answer.