3300 trailer limit, but beefiest hitch is class 1 (2000 lbs)

[arencambre]

In a different thread, I found that the Australian manual for the 2022 Stinger says it can tow up to a 3300 lb trailer (1500 kg) (page-5-218).

Surprisingly, I do not see a hitch anywhere capable of that. The stoutest Kia hitch I can find online is a class 1, which is for 2000 lbs. This may be the only example: Reese Draw-Tite 24974.

If a car is rated for 3300 lbs, seems like it would have been tested at 3300 lbs? There are photos of a presumably test-mule Stinger with a dual-axle trailer behind it. I guess that trailer alone exceeds 2000 lbs?

How is this tow-rating possible when no appropriate hitch is produced?

 

[AWDGT2]

I read somewhere that there's a Class 2 hitch 3,500 pound capacity available for the Genesis G80 which shares the same platform as the Kia Stinger. You might have to research the bolt pattern but it wouldn't surprise me if it fit.
Here's a class II that might work 2019 Genesis G80 Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com

 

[arencambre]

Thank you. Comparing the hitches, there are considerable differences, especially the height difference between the receiver and the top of the brackets.

The Curt C12165, for the 2019 Genesis G80, has high wings:


By comparison, the Draw-Tite 24974, class 1 for the Stinger: has lower wings, and the wings go further back:

 

[stoopid]

3300 pounds seems like a lot for a Stinger, just based on weight of (a passenger) vehicle versus what's being towed. I find the underlying premise of their rating suspect! [I suppose using a trailer with brakes and a distribution hitch would offset some of these concerns]

Sorry can't be of help with finding a better hitch. Were you in the States I'd suggest going to a U-haul store and seeing what their computer spits out for options. Our last 3 cars/suvs that needed hitches this is what we did and they had very high quality solutions for a fair price installed. Maybe you have a comparable shop or chain that offers similar services?

 

[arencambre]

3300 pounds seems like a lot for a Stinger, just based on weight of (a passenger) vehicle versus what's being towed. I find the underlying premise of their rating suspect! [I suppose using a trailer with brakes and a distribution hitch would offset some of these concerns]

Good point! The max without trailer brakes is 1650 lbs. It's 3300 lbs only with brakes.

 

[arencambre]

Were you in the States I'd suggest going to a U-haul store and seeing what their computer spits out for options.

I am in the USA. Even though I believe my USA-spec version is functionally identical to the Australia/Europe spec, at least for trailer-tow purposes, the USA manual does not provide trailer-tow guidance. I am not sure why.

U-Haul recommends a custom-built hitch.

A detail: Per the Australian manual, there is some particulate emissions filter on some gas-engined Australia/Europe-spec Stingers. When equipped, with it, it reduces trailer capacity significantly. In the USA, particulate emissions filters are only on diesel engines, not gas engines, so not applicable.

 

[Redleg94]

I am in the USA. Even though I believe my USA-spec version is functionally identical to the Australia/Europe spec, at least for trailer-tow purposes, the USA manual does not provide trailer-tow guidance. I am not sure why.

U-Haul recommends a custom-built hitch.

A detail: Per the Australian manual, there is some particulate emissions filter on some gas-engined Australia/Europe-spec Stingers. When equipped, with it, it reduces trailer capacity significantly. In the USA, particulate emissions filters are only on diesel engines, not gas engines, so not applicable.

That is almost standard US practice. It is very rare to find any modern car in the US with ANY sort of tow rating, while in Europe something as small as a VW Golf will have a specified rating from the factory, and often have the ability to have a tow hitch installed at the factory.

Somehow in the US we're convinced that we need a full size pickup to tow a Jet Ski or carry a canoe.

 

[DonD]

My 2022 Stinger GT1's owner's manual specifically says trailer towing is not recommended. Don

 

[DonD]

What's going on? Tried to post what is above but before I did, I got some IDIOTIC "prove you're not a robot" thing where there were 9 pictures of African lions, click on those with their eyes open.

Had to log in again. Irritating. Don

 

[AWDGT2]

I've pondered this for a day and I've only come up with more questions. Can our US cars really pull 3300lbs? Also, what makes that class I a class I. Is it the bolts? Metal gauge? The fact it has more welds than the Class II for the 80?
If I was in the market to exceed the Class I limits, this is what I would do.
Replace all thier hardware with grade 8 bolts. Then I would weld support struts in all the corners and angles. That includes the where the female hitch receptical is attached to its drop braces. Basically hardeneding this will meet or exceed Class II standards. An angle grinder, mig welder and two hours of work. It actually looks like a fun project, if you were local I'd do it.

 

[Transmetal]

Why would you want to tow something with your Stinger anyways? I've literally never towed anything with my Ford Lightning pickup either. I think it can tow about 5000lbs max. Was thinking about removing the hitch as it's ugly and just dead weight on the back.

 

[vipeboy2000]

Thank you. Comparing the hitches, there are considerable differences, especially the height difference between the receiver and the top of the brackets.

The Curt C12165, for the 2019 Genesis G80, has high wings:
View attachment 74439

By comparison, the Draw-Tite 24974, class 1 for the Stinger: has lower wings, and the wings go further back:
View attachment 74440

looks like the hidden style that i think is mostly sold over the pond has a 1500kg ~3300lbs rating... https://etowbars.com/us/Towbars/Kia/Kia-Stinger-Towbars/Kia-Stinger-towbar-detachable

 

[arencambre]

looks like the hidden style that i think is mostly sold over the pond has a 1500kg ~3300lbs rating... https://etowbars.com/us/Towbars/Kia/Kia-Stinger-Towbars/Kia-Stinger-towbar-detachable

Nice! Installation looks mostly straightforward, just several steps. Looks like you have to cut off some of the rear bumper cover's bottom.

Challenges: the price is , and no receiver hitch for bike rack. Also unclear if it's a single-sized ball? But I guess you can't have everything. Was hoping for a solution that might accommodate trailers and bike racks and not break the bank.

I think in the end, I may need to drop the idea of using the Kia for towing? Was considering it for once every month or two weekend trips where a 2500 lb single-axle trailer needs to come along. (Yes, I know, would need trailer brakes.)

 

[vipeboy2000]

Nice! Installation looks mostly straightforward, just several steps. Looks like you have to cut off some of the rear bumper cover's bottom.

Challenges: the price is , and no receiver hitch for bike rack. Also unclear if it's a single-sized ball? But I guess you can't have everything. Was hoping for a solution that might accommodate trailers and bike racks and not break the bank.

I think in the end, I may need to drop the idea of using the Kia for towing? Was considering it for once every month or two weekend trips where a 2500 lb single-axle trailer needs to come along. (Yes, I know, would need trailer brakes.)

yea... looks like you have to buy the bike racks made for those hitches:

https://etowbars.com/us/Bike-Carriers

 

[RM7]

Why would you want to tow something with your Stinger anyways? I've literally never towed anything with my Ford Lightning pickup either. I think it can tow about 5000lbs max. Was thinking about removing the hitch as it's ugly and just dead weight on the back.

Who cares? Maybe he wants to put his race wheels in a trailer to take to the track, or maybe he wants to put a super-cub on a trailer and move it a across town? Surely don't need a F-150 for this stuff...

 

[arencambre]

Why would you want to tow something with your Stinger anyways?

It would be handy to tow a trailer every 1-2 months to support a youth organization. It is also handy to have a bike rack mounted back there for other purposes.

 

[Transmetal]

Who cares? Maybe he wants to put his race wheels in a trailer to take to the track, or maybe he wants to put a super-cub on a trailer and move it a across town? Surely don't need a F-150 for this stuff...

I don't care. Was just asking cuz most people use SUVs and pickups for that stuff. If he wants to hook a trailer or bike rack on to his Stinger so be it, it's odd to me but it's his car.

 

[arencambre]

I don't care. Was just asking cuz most people use SUVs and pickups for that stuff. If he wants to hook a trailer or bike rack on to his Stinger so be it, it's odd to me but it's his car.

I don’t own a truck.

 

[arencambre]

looks like the hidden style that i think is mostly sold over the pond has a 1500kg ~3300lbs rating... https://etowbars.com/us/Towbars/Kia/Kia-Stinger-Towbars/Kia-Stinger-towbar-detachable

Bad news: These only come with a 50 mm tow ball, and it cannot be switched out. That is smaller than the 2" standard for American trailers.

 

[D.J.]

Bad news: These only come with a 50 mm tow ball, and it cannot be switched out. That is smaller than the 2" standard for American trailers.

The 50mm ball will work fine vs the 2" ball (50.8mm).

The 0.8mm (0.031") difference is inconsequential

In all likelyhood, they are actually the same actual physical size when measured.