Kia Sportage Hybrid 2024 Owner's Manual page 233

Driving your vehicle
recommended for normal use (i.e.
without a trailer attached).
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 Do 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
hitches. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the
bumper.
僅 Any part of the rear number plate or
lighting devices of the vehicle must
not be obscured by the mechanical
coupling device.
If the rear number plate and/or light -
ing devices can be obscured partially
by any part of the mechanical cou -
pling device, mechanical coupling
devices that can not be easily
removed or repositioned without use
of any tools, except an easily operated
(i.e. an effort not exceeding 20 Nm)
release key which is supplied by the
manufacturer of the coupling device,
are not permitted for use.
Please note that the mechanical cou -
pling device that is fitted and not in
use must always be removed or repo -
sitioned if the rear number plate and/
or rear lighting devices are obscured
by any part of the mechanical cou -
pling device.
僅 Kia trailer hitch accessory is available
at an authorised Kia dealer/service
partner.
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 drag on the ground.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to your
country's regulations and that it is prop -
erly installed and operating correctly.
If your trailer weighs more than the max -
imum trailer weight without trailer
brakes loaded, then it needs its own
brakes and they must be adequate. Be
sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to
install, adjust and maintain them prop -
erly.
僅 Don't tap into your vehicle's brake
system.
WARNING
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
6
6 37