Kia Telluride 2023 Manual page 288

Driving your vehicle
your vehicle, you should read the infor-
mation in "Weight of the trailer" on page
5-56.
Remember that trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling,
durability, and fuel economy. Successful,
safe trailering requires correct equip-
ment, and it has to be used properly.
This section contains many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your
safety and that of your passengers.
Please read this section carefully before
you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the
engine, transmission, wheel assemblies,
and tires are forced to work harder
against the load of the added weight.
The engine is required to operate at rela-
tively higher speeds and under greater
loads. This additional burden generates
extra heat. The trailer also adds consid-
erably to wind resistance, increasing the
pulling requirements.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few rea-
sons why you'll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:
僅 Will you have to make any holes in the
body of your vehicle when you install
a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure
to seal the holes later when you
remove the hitch.
If you don't seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust
can get into your vehicle, as well as
dirt and water.
僅 The bumpers on your vehicle are not
intended for hitches. Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
5 52
hitches to them. Use only a frame-
mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.
僅 Kia trailer hitch accessory is available
at an authorized Kia dealer.
Safety chains
You should always attach chains
between your vehicle and your trailer.
Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer so that the tongue
will not drop to the road if it becomes
separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or
by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer's recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave
just enough slack so you can turn with
your trailer. And, never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to your
state's regulations and that it is properly
installed and operating correctly.
If your trailer weight exceeds the maxi-
mum allowed weight without trailer
brakes, then the trailer will also require
its own brakes as well. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
僅 Don't tap into or modify your vehicle's
brake system.
WARNING
Trailer brakes
Do not use a trailer with its own brakes
unless you are absolutely certain that
you have properly set up the brake sys-
tem. This is not a task for amateurs. Use
Trailer towing