I know this should probably be under towing but it is all part of our story of coming home.
With a little research and common sense we found out that the Kia Sorento actually has a towing capacity of 5000lbs. As they are so new the specs listed are actually from the Sedona Mini Van - even fooled the "Lemon Head"
Edmonston.
Nevertheless...with lots of relentless help from forum member "gymes" we rigged up the Sorento for her ride home - about to tow some precious cargo as gymes neighbour - fellow streamer put it as we were pulling away.
Package included: Class III Reese hitch direct mount to the Sorento "truck- frame" (not a unibody frame - as with many midsize SUV's) Installed by Kia along with a Custom RV wiring harness with some pretty peculiar wiring schematics - a total other story preferred not to tell in public - as there would be some choice words for Kia's wiring abilities)
With a brand new Prodigy brake controller (that fits perfectly in the left change cup when removed), 550 pound load levelers, with a single way bar mounted on the right - we were off. With a dry weight of 3300 pounds and 390lb at the tongue we have lots to spare when we get loaded up for future adventures. (now I don't think we will push the 10,000lb mark ha ha but 4000-4500 is not out of her league as one might put it.) She will be heading in for appropriate shocks, and additional coolers and her wiring sorted out before we head out on a loaded trip - not to mention we have a bit of restoring to do
The Kia travels great at about 70-80- miles per hour at 2500 rpm and could probably "fly" even more - but the pocket book from speeding tickets would get a little thin
As we drove for over 700 miles in the poring rain the Sorento's AWD system was fab... when we hit the "hills" of Tennessee I-65 she managed a respectable 60-65mph at about 3500-4000rpms and coasted without a blink on the back side.
All in all we had a great ride home - but we will have to put together a little story book for you to read. But for now this is "Moon Unit" at the end of her trip waiting to be backed into her new home. In the spring a fancy new open air roof structure will be built to protect her from the elements - might even pave the spot to get her feet out of the soon to be mud in the spring!
Again to all who helped us with our multitude of questions two weeks ago - Thanks! I am sure we will now have 100's more.
Sent away for the owners manual today, and signed up with WBCCI - even got the same number - it was available. A bit unlucky on the service manual though - do not make them for the 69 - any suggestions? what about going to each appliance manufacturer??