If you own or are considering a Kia Rio and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Kia Rio pull a trailer?
Yes, a Kia Rio can pull a trailer or camper up to 900 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when pulling a trailer with your Kia Rio which we’ll cover below.
Pulling A Trailer With A Kia Rio
So, can a Kia Rio pull a trailer? Yes: the Kia Rio towing capacity is 900 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 900 lbs your Kia Rio can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a camper with your Kia Rio.
Kia Rio Tow Package Details
Does The Kia Rio Come With A Tow Package?
The Kia Rio does not come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Kia Rio Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Kia Rio.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Kia Rio?
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 will not need a brake controller because the Kia Rio can only tow up to 900 pounds.
Kia Rio Hitch Kit Cost
Kia Rio Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Kia Rio trailer hitches run between $150-$250.
Take a look at this recommended Kia Rio Hitch Kit:
- 1-1⁄4 in. Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Rated Up To 2,000 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) And Up To 200 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW)
- All Hitches Are Designed For Customers With Passenger Cars And Sport Utility Vehicles
- Removable Drawbar, Pin, And Clip Sold Separately
- Clean Appearance That Attaches To The Vehicle's Frame And/Or Bumper
Kia Rio Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Kia Rio (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Kia Rio Brake Controller Cost
Kia Rio 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 Rio? Kia Rio 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 Rio trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Kia Rio?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Kia Rio, 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 Rio Pull?
Your Kia Rio can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 900 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Kia Rio can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 900 lbs:
- SoCal Buzz Teardrop Trailer
- ProLite Suite Camper
- Avan Weekender
- SylvanSport GO
- Taylor Coach 8’ Lil El
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Kia Rio.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Kia Rio, 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 900 lbs so your Kia Rio 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 900 pounds.
Kia Rio Towing Capacity
So,what’s the Kia Rio towing weight?
The Kia Rio towing weight is 2,000 pounds.
Kia Rio Towing Capacity: 900 lbs
Kia Rio GVWR: 3,616 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Kia Rio 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 Rio GVWR or Kia Rio towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Kia Rio Pull A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can pull a trailer with a Kia Rio as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 900 pounds).
Kia Rio 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 Rio, 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 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
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- Preparing for an RV one night freeze
