Subaru Forester: Trailer towing: (if equipped) / If you decide to tow a trailer

Before towing a trailer with your Kia Telluride, keep the following important recommendations in mind:

  • Consider installing a trailer sway control device. An authorized trailer hitch specialist can recommend the most appropriate sway control equipment for your towing setup.

  • Do not tow a trailer during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of vehicle operation. This break-in period allows the engine and transmission to wear in properly. Ignoring this recommendation may result in premature engine or transmission damage.

  • Consult an authorized Kia dealer regarding any additional towing requirements, including recommended towing accessories or equipment.

  • Always operate your Kia Telluride at moderate speeds when towing, remaining below 60 mph (100 km/h).

  • When climbing extended grades, do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h) or the posted trailer towing speed limit, whichever is lower.

  • The following specifications provide important trailer weight limitations that should always be observed.

Item

Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi

Standard

X-Line

X-Pro

Maximum trailer weight

With brake system

5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg)

Without brake system

1,653 lbs. (750 kg)

Maximum tongue weight

500 lbs. (227 kg)

Weight of the trailer

Kia Telluride trailer tongue load and total trailer weight illustration
  1. Tongue Load

  2. Total Trailer Weight

The maximum safe trailer weight must never exceed the specified towing capacity for a trailer equipped with brakes. Even when operating within this limit, the ideal trailer weight depends on several factors, including driving speed, road grade, altitude, ambient temperature, towing frequency, and any optional equipment installed on your Kia Telluride.

Weight of the trailer tongue

Kia Telluride gross axle weight and gross vehicle weight diagram for trailer towing
  1. Gross Axle Weight

  2. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

Trailer tongue weight is one of the most important towing measurements because it directly affects the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). The total GVW includes the vehicle's curb weight, passengers, cargo, and the trailer tongue load transferred to the hitch. All of these values must remain within the specified limits for safe towing.

The trailer tongue weight should not exceed 10% of the fully loaded trailer weight and must always remain within the maximum permissible tongue load specified for the Kia Telluride.

After loading the trailer, weigh both the complete trailer and the trailer tongue separately. If either measurement falls outside the recommended range, redistribute the cargo until the load is balanced correctly before beginning your trip.

WARNING

Trailer

  • Never load more weight at the rear of the trailer than at the front. As a general guideline, approximately 60% of the trailer load should be positioned toward the front, with the remaining 40% toward the rear to promote stable towing.

  • Never exceed the maximum allowable trailer weight or the rated capacity of any towing equipment. Excessive loading may damage your Kia Telluride, the trailer, or the hitch components and could result in serious injury. Verify all weights using a commercial scale or another certified weighing facility.

  • An improperly balanced or overloaded trailer can significantly reduce vehicle stability and may result in a loss of control while towing.

    Maintenance when towing a trailer

    Y..

    Vehicle load limit

    The tire and loading information label on the driver side door provides the load limit information for your Kia Telluride. Tire and loading information label The label located on the driver side door sill shows the original tire size, the recommended cold tire inflation pressures, the approved s..

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