Installing a Trailer Hitch?

S

Soona

Member
I am considering installing a hitch although of course don't want to do anything to limit range. The guy at the shop told me they weigh about 70-80 lbs, and I can't imagine there is any wind resistance being bolted underneath at the rear.

I will use it for a (removable) bike rack for local trips to the mountain bike trails, when range isn't an issue. I am used to having the rack on my Subaru and it's a lot handier than the hang-off-the-back rack that I used for my VW eGolf (when I really couldn't afford loss of range from a hitch).

Has anybody installed a hitch, or thinking about it, or have opinions? After having an 80-mile range eGolf for 3.5 years, I feel that I have plenty of range to work with.

Kona EV Limited
 
I think you will be fine with a hitch for a bike rack. There seems to be a bunch of third party hitches for the gas Kona and since the batteries are forward of the suspension I don't see much of an issue. We had one of those racks that mount off the rear bumper and it dented the back hatch (on a Versa) so I don't like those. A hitch mounted rack is much better.
 
You should search on the various Facebook Kona forums as I recall someone in the Netherlands found the details for getting one type approved. Sounded like lots of criteria on the type of hitch, weight of bikes, and doing an improved install due to location of the battery. I did a quick search and didn't find it, but will again later.
 
This is the absolute first thing I will tackle this spring. I have a Thule hitch-mounted 3 bike rack that I need to be able to use. From the small amount of research I’ve done - there’s no approved hitch that’ll work and won’t void your warranty (I don’t know about Europe) I think an option would be to pester Hyundai to at least approve one. I think the biggest reason there isn’t one is because inevitably, some idiot will tow something he shouldn't have and either burn out his motors (too much torque) or burn out his regen braking system which would be all out of whack with hundreds of pounds on the rear. I don’t think a bike or two would have any ill effect at all. I hope we can find something!
 
It doesn't appear there is an approved hitch for this vehicle yet. (I had hoped that the ICE Kona hitch would work on the EV too.) I've talked to my local shop and eTrailers.com and a hitch would be a "custom" install - meaning drilling and welding, which of course is out of the question. So I guess I just wait until hitch manufacturers like Draw-Tite come up with one. Hopefully not too long as we need to use the Subaru to transport mountain bikes to the trailheads. :( If anyone hears of an approved hitch let us know!
 
Yea this has been a great disappointment so far. Spring is finally upon us and I want to throw my bikes on my car. Had I done some research prior, I’d have tried to get a roof bike mount thrown into the deal.

I’m still looking and will post what I find if anything at all!
 
I have already installed roof tracks with removable towers and cross bars, as I described in another thread (https://www.insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/roof-rails-or-racks.5120/).

You could do that too (it's a great system) and then get Yakima or Thule rooftop bike racks to go on the crossbars. I don't want to lift 29" full suspension mountain bikes on and off the roof, though, so I'll wait for the hitch mount. I'd lift road bikes, but I ride them out the driveway and don't often carry them on the car.
 
I have a 2018 gas Kona hitch on the way and will let you know if it fits the Kona Electric SEL.

Also purchased a Hyundai wiring harness part number 57314-001 which takes power off the 12V battery and senses when running, turn and brake lights are activated without any current draw from them. Ebay $15 free shipping. Will update with progress
 
Awesome! I ordered a Curt 115201 and it looks identical to the Draw-Tite. I was under the Kona yesterday and I think the plastic fairing around the frame may need to be modified. Also, the fully-independent rear suspension may actually be in the way. This is just speculation until the tow bar arrives!
 
Birkir said:
Here is a trailer hitch that fits Kona EV!

https://www.etrailer.com/question-324084.html
Click to expand...

It's funny because if you check the product page and look at the "This Product Fits The Following Vehicles", it's saying that it fits "2019 Kona excluding electric"

The experts answering the question also proceed to say that it's compatible with the 2018 Kona EV, and then on another question say that it's not compatible with the 2019 Kona EV... There's only one year at this time as far as I know...
 
ajstjacques said:
It's funny because if you check the product page and look at the "This Product Fits The Following Vehicles", it's saying that it fits "2019 Kona excluding electric"

The experts answering the question also proceed to say that it's compatible with the 2018 Kona EV, and then on another question say that it's not compatible with the 2019 Kona EV... There's only one year at this time as far as I know...
Click to expand...

Nice catch. Yeah I looked under the car, and I am having trouble finding any attachment points.
 
Sweet! I've had the nearly identical Draw-Tite #24976 sitting in my eTrailer cart for a week now. Will order immediatly. Thanks for posting!
Did the eBay electric harness work out too?
 
Now the REAL question is - will this void the warranty?
If it states that the vehicle is not rated for towing by the manufacturer, and you throw a hitch on it. What happens if anything drive train related goes wrong with the vehicle. I think the first place they'll point is to the hitch.

Would be worth asking the dealership at the very lest. Perhaps get it in writing for future protection down the road!
 
OK the $15 Hyundai wiring harness part number 57314-001 from eBay works without a problem.

Had to take power off 12V battery (fuse at battery!) and fed down to the extruded aluminum side rails of battery pack. Then through the side rails and back to the rear subframe. There are no good places to use wire ties between the end points, so I relied on a certain amount of tension.


lights_1.webp lights_2.webp lights_3.webp lights_4.webp
 
Geoff Marshall said:
OK the $15 Hyundai wiring harness part number 57314-001 from eBay works without a problem.

Had to take power off 12V battery (fuse at battery!) and fed down to the extruded aluminum side rails of battery pack. Then through the side rails and back to the rear subframe. There are no good places to use wire ties between the end points, so I relied on a certain amount of tension.


View attachment 4637 View attachment 4638 View attachment 4639 View attachment 4640
Click to expand...
This looks great!
Hopefully voiding the warranty isn't an issue here. I would LOVE to do this, and wouldn't need to go so far as to run the wiring harness as I only need the hitch for my Thule bike rack!
 
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