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Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Package

24 messages,  Last post on May 24, 2010 at 5:49 PM

You are in the Hyundai Santa Fe Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Santa Fe, Car Buying, SUV

Messages Page 3 of 3

#16 of 24 Re: 09' Santa Fe towing package by azj

Apr 18, 2010 (2:02 pm)

Tekonsha Prodigy controller. I pull a Chalet Aspen A-frame trailer w/ electric brakes. The empty weight on the sticker says 980 lbs. I haven't had the trailer weighed but suspect it probably closer to 1500 lbs.
 
I installed a Draw-Tite hitch from etrailer.com. They show 4 different hitches. As far as I could tell they're pretty much the same. The Draw-Tite and Hidden-Hitch have a mounting bracket for the 7 pin Bargmann connector. All of the hitches hang fairly low so you do have to watch out when clearing objects. I did have to raise the Bargmann connector on the bracket so that it wasn't the lowest point.
 
One other thing to watch for is that once one of these is installed you cannot use a full size tire (instead of the standard space saver) as a spare.

#17 of 24 Re: 09' Santa Fe towing package [azj] by hambone9

Apr 18, 2010 (4:30 pm)

Replying to: azj (Apr 16, 2010 7:49 am)
azi,
Thanks for the info. I'll try it.
Hate to say it, but you may be right about the installers.
Next question - Hyundai rates the Santa Fe at 3500 lbs (if you have the towing package (which it has) - and 'brakes' (which I will add).
I have a 21 ft. Aerolight trailer (1843 lbs dry weight), dual axle, that I thought the Sante Fe would be OK pulling as long as I didn't exceed the 3500 lbs.
Then was told (by the same outfit that tried - and failed - to add the brake controller) that the trailer would be too heavy for the Sante Fe. That's made me wonder and cautious about trying to pull the trailer without researching more.
What type of trailer are you pulling and what is the weight?
Is this trailer too big for the Santa Fe?
Thanks

#18 of 24 Re: 09' Santa Fe towing package [hambone9] by azj

Apr 19, 2010 (7:46 am)

Replying to: hambone9 (Apr 18, 2010 4:30 pm)
Like I said it's a 99 Chalet Aspen that, according to the sticker, is 980 lbs. dry weight. I haven't weighed it but it's likely quite a bit more.
 
The Chalet Arrowhead is the closest current Chalet model except I don't have that front storage compartment. They spec this at 1380 lbs dry weight.
 
My SF pulls it just fine, even up our mountain grades here in AZ.

#19 of 24 Re: 09' Santa Fe towing package [ohiohiker] by hambone9

Apr 19, 2010 (4:33 pm)

Replying to: ohiohiker (Apr 16, 2010 1:00 pm)
ohiohiker -
I'd be interested to know how the installation of the 'brake controller' goes, and what brand, etc. you installed.
I had a horrible experience with an installer trying to install a brake controller on my 09' SE. They ended up taking everything off because of warning lights staying on (ABS & brake), so I still don't have a brake controller!
AJI has responded, but it didn't sound like he installed a brake controller.
Also, fyi - you don't need the wiring harness that requires taking panels off and connecting to the brake lights on each side. There are two connectors up under the driver's side rear wheel that you can connect into. (I found this out too late, and connected to the brake lights! (You probably are already aware of it, but I had to learn the hard-way!)

#20 of 24 Re: 09' Santa Fe towing package [hambone9] by cj112800

May 20, 2010 (3:37 am)

Replying to: hambone9 (Apr 19, 2010 4:33 pm)
I too have an 09 santa fe se, we have towed our 96 coleman santa fe camper with no electric brakes on it and all is good. We recently got a 02 coleman mesa camper wich has electric brakes. I have never messed with anything like this before and my inquiry is there a plug on the 09 se to plug a brake controller into? and if so where is it at? I really hate to take it to hyundai and pay hundreds of dollars for them to install it. any help would be appreciated>

#21 of 24 Re: 09' Santa Fe towing package [cj112800] by ohiohiker

May 20, 2010 (3:59 am)

Replying to: cj112800 (May 20, 2010 3:37 am)
Thank you Hambone9 for your replies to my request for info. I still haven't bought a Santa Fe--I want a 2010 which seems to be in very short supply as I want an AWD. About the braking controller--my understanding from the Hyundai folk(probably not a good source of info!!) is that there is no braking anything on the car. Also about taking a Santa Fe to a dealer to install any towing equipment--I know the dealership I went to farm out the job to a local shop. I liked the 2010 because of the direct fuel engine which is supposed to get better mileage--I only buy a car every 10 years about so I want to get the one I want.

#22 of 24 cj112800 by hambone9

May 20, 2010 (6:54 am)

I've given up on trying to install a brake controller into my 09' Santa Fe SE!
I'm sure it can be done with a 'work-around' - I'm sure the good folks at etrailer.com can suggest ways to do it. But after spending too much time and effort ($), I sold the trailer instead.
The final straw was an e-mail back from Hyundai, which stated, "We strongly advise against installing a trailer brake controller into the brake system of your Santa Fe. This alteration could affect the normal operation of the vehicle and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty."
Not much help either, as I wasn't trying to install the brake controller 'into the brake system'! Hyundai, although stating that the Santa Fe will pull 3500 lbs, really don't want you pulling anything over 2200 lbs!
So the trailers' gone!
As for a brake controller 'plug'? Not there!! There are two 'plugs' up, underneath the drivers-side rear wheel well, but they're for 'lights' and have nothing to do with a brake controller.
If your more persistent than I've been, contact etrailer.com about getting the brake controller installed. They've been very responsive and helpful throughout my ordeal. (They did some research and even called me!)
Good Luck!

#23 of 24 Re: cj112800 [hambone9] by cj112800

May 20, 2010 (11:11 am)

Replying to: hambone9 (May 20, 2010 6:54 am)
thanks hambone9 I pretty much got the same answer from hyundai. They said to bring it in and let them look.I will try etrailer as you stated and I know what you are talking about the plugs behind the wheel that is where my harness for my 4 prong was wired at the dealer. Thanks again for your help and if I ever get an answer I will post it on here.

#24 of 24 five flat plug by roadrunner70

May 24, 2010 (5:49 pm)

i am considering a 2010 s.f. ltd w/v6. it has been a real hassle getting the fifth wire for the brake lock out (boat trailer).
 
in my other cars, I had to tap into the backup light wire (2002 toyota highlander), or run a hot line from the nissan factory trailer converter, and then use a toggle switch, before I backed up (2003 murano), but had to go to the back to throw the switch before backing up.
 
what are my options, if any. I have read all the posts on this board, from both towing threads. thanks, rr70

Messages Page 3 of 3

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