Kia Sportage: Hitches. Safety chains

Hitches

Choosing the correct hitch equipment is essential for safe towing. Crosswinds, passing heavy vehicles and rough roads can all affect a trailer, so select and install a hitch suited to your Kia Sportage and the trailer you intend to tow. Follow these requirements:

• If installing a trailer hitch requires holes in the vehicle body, seal those holes when the hitch is removed.

  Unsealed openings can allow exhaust containing carbon monoxide (CO) to enter the cabin, along with dirt and water. Carbon monoxide is deadly.

• The vehicle’s bumpers are not designed to support a hitch. Do not attach a rental hitch or any other bumper-mounted hitch. Use a frame-mounted hitch that does not connect to the bumper.

• The mechanical coupling device must not obstruct any part of the rear number plate or the vehicle’s lighting equipment.

  If any part of the coupling device could partially obscure the rear number plate or lights, it must be easy to remove or reposition without tools. The only exception is a release key supplied by the coupling device manufacturer that can be operated with a force not exceeding 20 Nm.

  When the coupling device is fitted but not in use, remove or reposition it whenever it obstructs the rear number plate or rear lights.

• A Kia trailer hitch accessory is available from an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Safety chains

Always fit safety chains between your Kia Sportage and the trailer. Cross the chains beneath the trailer tongue so that, if the trailer separates from the hitch, the tongue is less likely to fall onto the road.

The hitch or trailer manufacturer may provide specific instructions for attaching the safety chains. Follow those recommendations and leave enough slack for the trailer to turn freely behind your Kia Sportage. Make sure the chains cannot drag on the ground.

Trailer towing: (if equipped)

If you plan to tow with your Kia Sportage, first contact your country’s Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm the legal requirements that apply. Towing regulations vary by location, and the re...

Trailer brakes

If the trailer has its own braking system, check that it complies with the regulations in your country and is installed and working correctly. A trailer that exceeds the maximum permitted weight f...