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kayzwayz View Drop Down
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Joined: 21 Mar 2017
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Posts: 5 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Another tow vehicle question
    Posted: 17 Apr 2017 at 3:34pm
New r-pod 179 owner, and very excited to be taking a 3-month trip this summer cross country. I am planning to tow with my AWD Kia Sorento which has a 5000 lb. tow rating. Am I foolish to think my TV is adequate? I don't plan to add much to the r-pod, weight-wise (very little fresh water, empty gray and black tanks). Also, does anyone have preferences on sway control and/or wdh?
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Posts: 4518 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Apr 2017 at 3:47pm
You should be okay towing a 179.
Leo & Melissa Bachand
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Apr 2017 at 5:37pm

While I am not well versed in Kia vehicles....

Since you have a 5K tow capacity, I am assuming it has the V6 turbo rated at 290hp. It should do the job. Make sure it, at least, has a transmission cooler installed and it is usually better to not use overdrive - check your owner's manual for info.

With a somewhat short wheelbase, a weight distributing hitch with sway control might be worthy of consideration. Many of us use the Fastway E2. However, there are others.
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3331 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Apr 2017 at 6:07pm
Listen to our wise admin. aka David.  Definitely go with a WDH + sway control.  Unless you are only going to travel slowly, with no wind issues and flat roads, you will regret not having these on your short wheelbase KIA.
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kayzwayz View Drop Down
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Posts: 5 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Apr 2017 at 6:46pm
Thanks to all for the advice! I will get a transmission cooler as well as the sway/wdh installed. I don't mind going slow, just don't want to blow up my Sorento, AND need some security with cross winds and big trucks!
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Posts: 1407 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 10:30am
There are several 179 owners successfully pulling with TVs having a 5000 lb tow rating. I'm one of them (2012 Highlander V6 w/ tow package, 270 hp). We've pulled our 179 up grades as steep as 9% with minimal struggle.

I recommend the Fastway E2 600/6000. It has built-in sway control that doesn't need to be disengaged when backing up like a separate sway bar does. The price is also reasonable.
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 3:38pm
I am really getting concerned after reading so many different opinions. Go with a WDH, don't need one, go with a sway bar, upgrade suspension..... OMGosh .. I'm starting to wonder am I getting in over my head. 
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 3:38pm
I'm sorry I should have put in there that I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 3:45pm
SEW83,

What is your tow capacity?
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 4:35pm
Originally posted by SEW83

I am really getting concerned after reading so many different opinions. Go with a WDH, don't need one, go with a sway bar, upgrade suspension..... OMGosh .. I'm starting to wonder am I getting in over my head. 


EVERY setup is different, and personal opinions can count. We towed our pod with a Expedition, (2 actually), with over 9,000lb tow rating.. and used a WDH. Did we HAVE to? Nope, not for a minute.. but the ride WAS better with it. Our current combo is pretty close to the same.. 12.5K tow rating, and a 1500lb hitch rating, no WDH needed to achieve that. We still use WDH and dual cam sway control. Truck rides better and feels more secure.

If you are going to tow with a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, I would HIGHLY recommend a WDH and sway control, because of the short wheelbase.

Tow ratings very widely in any model, what is the tow rating of YOUR Jeep?
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