Many pull lightweight and utility trailers with their cars. Kia Forte does not contain built-in trailer hitches; you have to install these when you want to pull a towing vehicle.
Can a Kia Forte Pull a Trailer? Kia Forte can pull a lightweight trailer that weighs from 1800 to 2000 pounds, depending on the model. Check the towing capacity of the car and trailer weight, and then raise the car. Install the hitch on the mounting points and adjust the coupler into the hitch ball. Secure their connection with safety chains, and check the brake controller, side mirror, and light connections before driving.
Drive your car slowly and carefully at turning points while towing because of a disturbance in the vehicle’s overall stability.
How do you pull a trailer with a Kia Forte?
You have to consider the manufacturer’s instructions while towing the trailer with your car for safety concerns. It is the best option for people who frequently plan recreational activities like camping and boating during their vacations.
Check towing capacity and trailer weight
It is necessary to check the towing capacity of your Kia Forte when you are hauling the trailer with them because excessive weight can strain their components and disturb their stability.
You can see the towing capacity on the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions while doing this procedure for safe driving.
You can also see the sticker near the driver-side door jamb. In addition, it is also necessary to check the trailer’s weight so you cannot exceed the maximum towing capacity.
Gross vehicle weight rating means total weight of the fully loaded trailer with cargo. You can see GVWR on the VIN label and trailer tongue.
Raise the car
You have to raise the rear side of your car for installation and hitch and tow a trailer. You can raise the vehicle by using manual and hydraulic jacks.
Install the jacks on specific points so they cannot cause serious damage to your vehicle. Check the manual to get information about the mounting points for jacks.
I called the expert mechanic for their installation, and he also removed the rear side wheels to reduce the risk of damage to them during the procedure. Position the jacks on these specific points and raise your vehicle.
Install a hitch
Kia Forte does not have a built-in tow package, so you have to install the hitch to pull lightweight trailers with these vehicles. You have to access the specific mounting points of adjustment of hitches.
You can also remove the tires to access these mounting points, depending on the design and model of the hitch. These mounting points are located on the exterior side of the car’s frame.
These are generally located beneath the rear side of the bumper. Install the trailer hitch in these mounting points and tighten them with bolts and screws that come up with their kit.
Adjustment of trailer coupler
The coupler is present in the trailers, and you have to adjust them inside the hitch ball. Lower the trailer to fix the coupler inside the balls and ensure their tight connection.
Slightly lift the trailer tongue to check the secure connections of the coupler inside the ball. It is also necessary to lubricate these components after installation so the coupler does not get stuck inside the ball and cause issues when removing them.
Check the electric connectors and wiring harnesses properly when you want electric connections inside the trailer.
Secure the connections
You have to use the safety chains to connect the trailer and hitch. Safety chains are made of metal material, and these safety devices help reduce accidents and rolling-over chances.
Sometimes, the bolts connecting the coupler and ball become loose, allowing the trailers to come off from the hitches.
Safety chains are helpful to keep these connected when couplers detach from the balls in several incidents. Connect the safety chains in a crisscross manner for a safe driving experience with your Kia Forte.
Check the brakes, lights, and mirrors
Many people also add electric connections in their trailers to turn on various electric devices during their trips. Check the electric connections to illuminate their interior light.
In addition, it is also necessary to ensure the functioning of brake lights before driving and that they are syncing with your vehicle.
Furthermore, it is better to check that running lights, brake lights, and turn signals also work for safe driving and reduce collision risks.
Drive carefully while maintaining speed and safe distances from other vehicles. Adjust the side mirrors of the Kia Forte to see traffic on your left and right sides.
How many lbs. can a Kia Forte tow?
Kia Forte can easily haul weights of 1000 pounds to 2000 pounds, depending on their specific models. The 2023 model of these cars can only pull 1000 pounds, and you cannot exceed the load capacity because it can affect the functioning of their various components.
However, the Kia Forte, which comes between the years of 2020 to 2022, can easily haul a weight of 1800 pounds. It shows you can tow trailers that weigh less than 1800 pounds when fully loaded.
Furthermore, this car’s 2014, 2015, and 2016 models also have a towing capacity of 1000 pounds because of their less efficient engines that do not allow them to haul heavy loads.
What type of hitches are suitable for Kia Forte?
Several types of hitches are available in the market, depending on their weight rating. These are specifically designed to haul different weights depending on their capacity, manufacturing material, and design.
You can see the class I and II trailer hitches in the market.
Select the hitches according to the weight of the trailer you are towing and the hauling capacity of your car. Class I hitches are compatible with these vehicles because they can easily pull a weight of approximately 2000 pounds.
These are affordable; you can easily find them for $150 to $190 from local hardware stores. Class I hitches are easy to install and can also fit in all of their models.
In addition, these are coated with dual coats to protect them from chipping, UV damage, and rusting. Moreover, you require $1500 to $200 to install hitches and wiring connections.
Why would you pull a trailer with Kia Forte?
These cars are suitable for towing lighter-weight utility and camping trailers.
In addition, it is also a cost-effective option because you do not have to invest money in separate vehicles for towing purposes.
Many people do this when they have to carry a lot of cargo from one place to another that does not fit inside the cargo area.
These are also beneficial when transporting your gardening equipment from one location to another. You can also do this during the house shifting to transfer the furniture from the old place to the new.
Towing with these cars is best because they are equipped with fuel-efficient engines, which save your fuel economy during long and short travels.
These small cars provide better mpg while moving in city areas and highways as compared to trucks and SUVs that consume more fuel.
Kia Forte is the best option for frequent travelers who want to enjoy recreational activities. You can attach the trailer to transport camping equipment, boats, and small motorcycles.
These cars are not suitable for heavy hauling because of less towing capacity.
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