Kia Telluride 2023 Trailer Towing, Vehicle Load Limit, and Vehicle Weight

The Kia Telluride 2023 is a midsize SUV that has impressive towing and payload capabilities. However, it is important to understand the vehicle load limit and weight restrictions before towing a trailer with the Telluride. The towing capacity of the Telluride can vary based on the drivetrain and trim level. The front-wheel drive models have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the all-wheel drive models can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It is essential to note that the towing capacity is just one of the factors to be considered while towing a trailer. The vehicle load limit is another crucial factor that determines the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry. The vehicle load limit for the Telluride, including passengers and cargo, is 1,323 pounds. Furthermore, it is vital to consider the weight distribution when towing a trailer. Proper weight distribution is required to prevent putting too much weight on the hitch, leading to instability or swaying of the vehicle. Overall, while the Kia Telluride 2023 has the ability to tow trailers efficiently, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the towing capacity, vehicle load limit, and weight distribution to ensure safe and successful towing.

2023 Kia Telluride Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Trailer towing

If you are considering towing with your vehicle, you should first check with your country’s Department of Motor Vehicles to determine their legal requirements.
Since laws vary the requirements for towing trailers, cars, or other types of vehicles or apparatus may differ. Ask an authorized Kia dealer for further details before towing.

WARNING
Towing a trailer
Always check your towing equipment to confirm the correct equipment size and installation before use. Using incompatible or incorrectly installed trailer equipment can affect the vehicle operation and endanger you and your passengers.

Towing a trailer
Always check your towing equipment to confirm the correct equipment size and installation before use. Using incompatible or incorrectly installed trailer equipment can effect the vehicle operation and endanger you and your passengers.

WARNING
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, GCW (Gross Combination Weight), GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight), GAW (Gross Axle Weight) and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.

CAUTION
Trailer installation
Follow the instructions in this section when pulling a trailer. Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty.

Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the trailer”
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 equipment, 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 relatively higher speeds and under greater loads. This additional burden generates extra heat. The trailer also adds considerably 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 reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow:

• 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.
•  The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
• 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 maximum 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.

• 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 system. This is not a task for amateurs. Use an experienced, competent trailer shop for this work.

Driving with a trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you must get to know your trailer. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly so responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connector(s), lights, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.

The following distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.

Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And, because of the increased vehicle length, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. Due to the added load to the engine when going uphill the vehicle may also take longer to pass than it would on flat ground.

Backing up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move your hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.

Making turns
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects near the edge of the road. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance before turning or lane changes.
Turn signals when towing a trailer When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly connected, the trailer lights will also flash to alert other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes, or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signals when, in fact, they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working. You must also check the lights every time you disconnect and then reconnect the wires. Do not connect a trailer lighting system directly to your vehicle’s lighting system. Use only an approved trailer wiring harness. An authorized Kia dealer can assist you in installing the wiring harness.

CAUTION
Always use an approved trailer wiring harness. Failure to use an approved trailer wiring harness could result in damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.

Driving on grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer operate efficiently. On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission.
If your trailer weighs more than the maximum trailer weight without trailer brakes and you have an automatic transmission, you should drive in D
(Drive) when towing a trailer.
Operating your vehicle in D (Drive) when towing a trailer will minimize heat build-up and extend the life of your transmission.

Towing uphill
When towing a trailer on steep grades (in excess of 6%) pay close attention to the engine coolant temperature gauge to ensure the engine does not overheat.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves across the dial towards “H” (HOT), pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, and allow the engine to idle until it cools down. You may proceed once the engine has cooled sufficiently.
You must decide on driving speed depending on trailer weight and uphill grade to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating.

Parking on hills
Generally, if you have a trailer attached to your vehicle, you should not park your vehicle on a hill. People can be seriously or fatally injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged if they unexpectedly roll downhill. However, if you ever have to park your trailer on a hill, here’s how to do it:

1.  Pull the vehicle into the parking space. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the curb (right if headed downhill, left if headed uphill).
2.  If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, place the vehicle in P (Park).
3.  Set the parking brake and shut off the engine.
4. Place chocks under the trailer wheels on the downhill side of the wheels.
5.  Start the vehicle, hold the brakes, shift to neutral, release the parking brake and slowly release the brakes until the trailer chocks absorb the load.
6.  Reapply the brakes, reapply the parking brake and shift the vehicle to P
   (Park) for automatic transmission.
7. Shut off the vehicle and release the vehicle brakes but leave the parking brake set.

When you are ready to leave after parking on a hill

1. With the automatic transmission in P (Park), apply your brakes and hold the brake pedal down while you:
   •  Start your engine;
   •  Shift into gear; and
2.  Release the parking brake.  Slowly remove your foot from the brake pedal.
3.  Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Maintenance when trailer towing

Your vehicle will need service more often when you regularly pull a trailer. Important items to pay particular attention to include engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, axle lubricant and cooling system fluid. Brake condition is another important item to frequently check. Each item is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these sections before you start your trip.
Don’t forget to also maintain your trailer and hitch. Follow the maintenance schedule that accompanies your trailer and check it periodically. Preferably, conduct the check at the start of each day’s driving. Most importantly, all hitch nuts and bolts should be tight.

CAUTION
Air conditioning (A/C)
Do not use the air conditioning while using your vehicle to tow uphill. Due to higher load during trailer usage, overheating might occur on hot days or during uphill driving.

•  When towing check transmission fluid more frequently.

If you do decide to pull a trailer

Here are some important points if you decide to pull a trailer:

• Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway control.
•  Do not do any towing with your vehicle during its first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) in order to allow the engine to properly break in. Failure to heed this caution may result in serious engine or transmission damage.
•  When towing a trailer, be sure to consult an authorized Kia dealer for further information on additional requirements such as a towing kit, etc.
•  Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed (less than 60 mph (100 km/h)).
•  On a long uphill grade, do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower.
•  The chart contains important considerations that have to do with weight:

Item		(Gasoline) 3.8 GDi
		lbs. (kg)
Maximum trailer weight	Without brake system	1,650 (750)
	With brake system (Type A)	5,000 (2,268)
	With brake system (Type B)	5,500 (2,495)
Maximum tongue weight		500 (227)

 

To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the trailer”

• For X-PRO Trim (equipped with an all-terrain 18” tire), you need to increase the rear tire pressure when towing a trailer for steering stability.

Inflation Pressure	Normal	Towing
Front	35 psi	35 psi
Rear	35 psi	40 psi

 

* For recommended inflation pressure, refer to “Tires and wheels” 

Weight of the trailer

A: Tongue Load
B: Total Trailer Weight
What is the maximum safe weight of a trailer? It should never weigh more than the maximum trailer weight with trailer brakes. But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your trailer. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how often your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. The ideal trailer weight can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.

A: Gross Axle Weight
B: Gross Vehicle Weight
The tongue load of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of your vehicle. This weight includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will also be carrying that weight.
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to correct them simply by moving some items around in the trailer.

WARNING
Trailer
Always follow the loading instructions provided with your trailer. Improper loading can affect vehicle operation and result in an accident.

2023 Kia Telluride Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Vehicle load limit

The vehicle load limit is displayed on the tire and the loading information label on the driver’s door.

Tire and loading information label

Example of tire and loading information label

The label located on the driver’s door sill gives the original tire size, cold tire pressures recommended for your vehicle, the number of people that can be in your vehicle and vehicle capacity weight.

Vehicle capacity weight:

• 7 persons: 1,173 lbs. (532 kg)
• 8 persons: 1,764 lbs. (800 kg) Vehicle capacity weight is the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo. If your vehicle is equipped with a trailer, the combined weight includes the tongue load.

Seating capacity:
Total

• 7 persons (Front seat: 2 people, Rear seat: 5 persons)
•  8 persons (Front seat: 2 persons, Rear seat: 6 persons) Seating capacity is the maximum number of occupants including a driver, your vehicle may carry. However, the seating capacity may be reduced based upon the weight of all of the occupants, and the weight of the cargo being carried or towed. Do not overload the vehicle as there is a limit to the total weight, or load limit including occupants and cargo, the vehicle can carry.
  Towing capacity:
•  (Gasoline) 3.8 GDi Without trailer brakes: 1,650 lbs. (750 kg)
• With trailer brakes:
  •  Type A: 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg)
  • Type B: 5,500 lbs. (2,495 kg)

Towing capacity is the maximum trailer weight including its cargo weight, your vehicle can tow.

Cargo capacity:
The cargo capacity of your vehicle will increase or decrease depending on the weight and the number of occupants.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit –

1.  Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3.  Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs..
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
5.  Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6.  If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

WARNING
Loose cargo
Do not travel with unsecured blunt objects in the passenger compartment of your vehicle (e.g. suitcases or unsecured child seats). These items may strike an occupant during a sud-den stop or crash.

Example 1

 

Item	Description	Total
A	Vehicle Capacity Weight	849 lbs. (385 kg)
B	Subtract Occu- pant Weight 150 lbs. (68 kg) × 2	300 lbs. (136 kg)
C	Available Cargo and Luggage weight	549 lbs. (249 kg)

 

Example 2

Item	Description	Total
A	Vehicle Capacity Weight	849 lbs. (385 kg)
B	Subtract Occu- pant Weight 150 lbs. (68 kg) × 5	750 lbs. (340 kg)
C	Available Cargo and Luggage weight	99 lbs. (45 kg)

 

Example 3

Item	Description	Total
A	Vehicle Capacity Weight	849 lbs. (385 kg)
B	Subtract Occu- pant Weight 161 lbs. (73 kg) × 5	805 lbs. (365 kg)
C	Available Cargo and Luggage weight	44 lbs. (20 kg)

 

Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading information label for specific information about your vehicle’s capacity weight and seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers and cargo should never exceed your vehicle’s capacity weight.

Certification label

The certification label is located on the driver’s door sill at the center pillar. Example of the certification label

This label shows the maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded vehicle. This is called the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants and cargo.
This label also tells you the maximum weight that can be supported by the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out the actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline.

WARNING
Overloading
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, the GAWR for either the front or rear axle and the vehicle capacity weight. Exceeding these ratings can affect your vehicle’s handling and braking ability.
The label will help you decide how much cargo and installed equipment your vehicle can carry.
If you carry items inside your vehicle – like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else – they are moving as fast as the vehicle. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, the items will keep going and can cause an injury if they strike the driver or a passenger.

WARNING
Overloading
Do not overload your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can cause heat buildup in your vehicle’s tires and possible tire failure, increased stopping distances and poor vehicle handling of which may result in a crash.

NOTICE
Overloading your vehicle may cause damage. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.

Vehicle weight

This chapter will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle or trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability, with or without a trailer.
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of the vehicle design performance. Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s specifications and the compliance label:

Base curb weight
This is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.

Vehicle curb weight
This is the weight of your new vehicle when you picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.

Cargo weight
This figure includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight, including cargo and optional equipment.

GAW (Gross Axle Weight)
This is the total weight placed on each axle (front and rear) – including vehicle curb weight and all payload.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the compliance label. The total load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
This is the Base Curb Weight plus actual Cargo Weight plus passengers.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment, passengers and cargo). The GVWR is shown on the certification label located on the driver’s door sill.

CAUTION
Do not use replacement tires with lower load-carrying capacities than the original tires because they may lower your vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the original tires do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

FAQ