If you own or are considering a Kia Forte and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Kia Forte pull a trailer?
Yes, a Kia Forte can pull a trailer or camper up to 2000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when pulling a trailer with your Kia Forte which we’ll cover below.
Pulling A Trailer With A Kia Forte
So, can a Kia Forte pull a trailer? Yes: the Kia Forte towing capacity is 2,000 pounds, so as long as your trailer, camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 2,000 lbs your Kia Forte can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when pulling a trailer with your Kia Forte.
Kia Forte Tow Package Details
Does The Kia Forte Come With A Trailer Hitch?
The Kia Forte does not come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Kia Forte Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Kia Forte.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Kia Forte?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
You should not need a brake controller since the Kia Forte can only tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Kia Forte Hitch Kit Cost
Kia Forte Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Kia Forte trailer hitches run between $120-$190.
Take a look at this recommended Kia Forte Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add useful, versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this aftermarket tow hitch kit is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch is designed to factory fit select model years of the Kia Forte
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
A Kia Forte trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $25-$50.
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add useful, versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this aftermarket tow hitch kit is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch is designed to factory fit select model years of the Kia Forte
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
Kia Forte Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Kia Forte (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Kia Forte Brake Controller Cost
Kia Forte brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A Kia Forte? Kia Forte Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Kia Forte trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Kia Forte?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Kia Forte, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Trailers And Campers Can A Kia Forte Pull?
Your Kia Forte can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 2,000 pounds which is going to be most lightweight campers.
The Kia Forte can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 2,000 lbs:
- Palomino Palomini
- Riverside Retro
- Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro
- Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro
- Jayco Hummingbird
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Kia Forte.
When determining what trailers and camper you can pull behind your Kia Forte, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 2000 lbs so your Kia Forte can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 2000 pounds.
Kia Forte Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Kia Forte tow?
The Kia Forte towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.
Kia Forte Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs
Kia Forte GVWR: 3,792 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Kia Forte can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Kia Forte GVWR or Kia Forte towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Kia Forte Pull A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can pull a trailer with a Kia Forte as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 2000 pounds).
Kia Forte models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Kia Forte, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful travel trailer, camper, and RV repair guides:
- What to do if your RV water pump keeps running
- How to perform RV toilet foot pedal repair
- Our guide to RV roof reseal cost
- What to do if your RV heater is blowing cold air
- How to fix an RV microwave not working
- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
- How to replace RV window glazing bead
- How to fix an RV toilet not holding water
- How to fix a sagging RV slide out
- Preparing for an RV one night freeze
