5 Tips for Towing a Camper with Your Kia This Summer

Planning to hit the road with your camper this summer? Your Kia has the capability to take you and your home-away-from-home to new destinations, but proper preparation is key. With towing capacities of up to 5,500 lbs, depending on your model, your Kia offers impressive pulling power that lets you bring along the comforts of home while exploring the great outdoors.

The right approach to towing makes all the difference between a stressful journey and a smooth adventure. These practical tips will help you maximize your Kia's towing capabilities while ensuring safety and performance remain top priorities throughout your summer travels.

1- Know Your Vehicle's Towing Limits

Understanding your specific Kia model's maximum towing capacity is essential before hitching up any camper. For example, the Sorento X-Pro offers up to 2,401 kg (4,500 lb) of towing capacity, while the PHEV variants typically provide 1,650-2,000 lb capabilities. These limits aren't merely suggestions—they represent carefully calculated thresholds established through extensive testing.

Always verify your exact model's specifications in your owner's manual rather than relying on general information. The towing capacity accounts for the combined weight of your camper, passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. Exceeding these limits puts stress on your vehicle's engine, transmission, and braking systems, potentially creating unsafe driving conditions and causing long-term damage to your Kia.

2- Properly Distribute and Secure Your Load

How you pack your camper directly impacts your towing experience. Proper weight distribution creates stability and prevents dangerous trailer sway. Position heavier items low to the ground and centered over the axles—never load the rear of the camper excessively, as this creates a pendulum effect that reduces steering control.

After packing, confirm your trailer tongue weight (the downward force on the hitch) falls between 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Too little tongue weight leads to trailer sway, while too much puts excessive strain on your Kia's rear suspension. Use appropriate tie-downs for all items inside the camper, remembering that loose objects become projectiles during emergency braking or accidents. A few extra minutes securing your load translates to hours of safer, more confident driving.

3- Upgrade Your Mirrors and Install the Right Hitch

Standard vehicle mirrors typically don't provide adequate visibility when towing a camper. Extended towing mirrors or clip-on mirror extensions give you crucial visibility along the sides of your camper, eliminating dangerous blind spots and allowing you to change lanes safely. Practice using these expanded mirrors before your trip to adjust to the different depth perception they provide.

Equally important is installing the correct hitch class for your specific towing needs. Most Kia models with towing packages use Class II or Class III hitches, but verify which is appropriate for your vehicle and camper combination. Consider adding a weight-distribution hitch for larger campers, as these systems help maintain proper front-end weight on your Kia, improving steering control and headlight aim. Professional hitch installation ensures proper electrical connections for brake lights and turn signals.

4- Adjust Your Driving Technique

Towing requires significant adjustments to your normal driving habits. Increase your following distance substantially—the added weight extends your stopping distance dramatically. Allow at least 4-5 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead, and begin braking earlier and more gradually than you would without a trailer.

Take corners wider and slower to accommodate your camper's tracking path, which follows a tighter arc than your Kia. Reduce your speed, particularly in adverse conditions like rain or wind, and avoid sudden maneuvers that could trigger trailer sway. When possible, use your Kia's tow/haul mode if equipped, which optimizes shift patterns to reduce transmission heat and improve control on hills. Remember that wind affects campers dramatically, so maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, especially when large vehicles pass.

5- Perform Pre-Trip Maintenance Checks

Before any towing journey, give your Kia a thorough inspection. Check fluid levels—especially transmission and engine oil—as towing increases heat and stress on these systems. Verify your tire pressure (including the camper's tires) and inspect for any signs of wear or damage. Remember that properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and reduce the risk of blowouts.

Test all lights on both your Kia and camper before each day of travel, and ensure the breakaway cable is properly attached. Examine your hitch connections, safety chains, and wiring harnesses for security. Consider having your brakes inspected before long trips, as they'll work harder when towing. These simple checks prevent most common roadside emergencies and give you confidence that your Kia is ready for the demands of summer towing.

Taking your Kia and camper on a summer adventure opens up endless possibilities for creating lasting memories. You'll enjoy the journey as much as the destination with proper preparation and these towing techniques.

Ready to prep your Kia for summer towing adventures? The service team at Cardinal Kia can inspect your vehicle, install the proper towing equipment, and ensure you're set for safe travels. Stop by today and let us help you get ready for the open road.