If you decide to tow a trailer

Important points if you decide to tow a trailer:

  • Consider using sway control. You can ask a trailer hitch dealer about sway control.

  • Do not do tow a trailer during your vehicle’s first 2,000 km (1,200 miles) to allow the power electric system to properly break in. Failure to heed this advice may result in serious power electric system damage.

  • When towing a trailer, consult a professional workshop on additional requirements such as a towing kit. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer or service partner.

  • Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed (less than 100 km/h (60 mph)) when towing a trailer.

  • On a long uphill grade, do not exceed 70 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower.

  • The following chart contains important considerations related to weight:

Item

Weight

Standard type

Maximum trailer weight

With brake system

750 kg (1,653 lbs.)

Without brake system

750 kg (1,653 lbs.)

Maximum permissible static vertical load on the coupling device

100 kg (220 lbs.)

Recommended distance from rear wheel center to coupling point

760 mm (29.9 inches)

Weight of the trailer

KIA_C09_001_2
  1. Tongue Load

  2. Total Trailer Weight

The maximum safe weight should never exceed the maximum trailer weight with trailer brakes. Even that may be too heavy depending on how you plan to use your trailer. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature, and how often you tow a trailer are all important. The ideal trailer weight may also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.

Weight of the trailer tongue

KIA_C09_002_2
  1. Gross Axle Weight

  2. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

The tongue load of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total GVW. This weight includes the curb weight of your vehicle, any cargo you carry, and the people riding in your vehicle. If you tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle is also carrying that weight.

The trailer tongue should weigh a maximum of 10% of the total loaded trailer weight, within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load permissible.

After you load your trailer, weigh the trailer and the tongue separately to see if the weights are proper. If they are not, you may be able to correct them by moving some items around in the trailer.

WARNING

Trailer

  • Never load a trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front. The front should be loaded with approximately 60% of the total trailer load; the rear should be loaded with approximately 40% of the total trailer load.

  • Never exceed the maximum weight limits of the trailer or trailer towing equipment. Improper loading can result in damage to your vehicle or personal injury. Check weights and loading on a commercial scale or at a highway patrol office equipped with scales.

  • An improperly loaded trailer can cause loss of control of your vehicle.