How Well Can A Hyundai Santa Fe Tow Campers?

If you're looking to go on an adventure with your Hyundai Santa Fe, you might be wondering if it can tow a camper. The short answer is yes, it can. The Hyundai Santa Fe can tow a camper or trailer that weighs up to 3,500 pounds. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the Santa Fe doesn't come with a towing package included, so you'll need to add or install one yourself. Additionally, you'll need to consider the weight of your camper and the tongue weight, or the amount of weight pressing down on the hitch. You'll also want to check the laws in your state regarding trailer brakes and brake controllers. With the proper equipment and precautions, you can safely tow a camper with your Hyundai Santa Fe and enjoy your camping trips.

The Hyundai Santa Fe can tow a camper up to 3,500 pounds

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a compact SUV with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This means it can successfully tow a camper or trailer that weighs under 3,500 pounds. The Santa Fe does not come with a towing package included, so you will need to add or install one yourself. This will include a trailer hitch and wiring harness, which can be purchased and installed professionally or done yourself.

In addition to the trailer hitch and wiring harness, you may also need a brake controller if your camper or trailer has electronic brakes. Most states require any trailer over 3,000 pounds to have a brake controller, but be sure to check the specific laws in your state. The cost of a brake controller is typically between $100 and $200 for the part, with installation costing up to $250.

When considering what camper or trailer to tow with your Hyundai Santa Fe, it is important to look at the dry weight or unloaded vehicle weight (UVM) to ensure it is below 3,500 pounds. You will also need to factor in any additional weight added by cargo, water, or propane tanks to ensure the total weight does not exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle.

Some popular examples of campers and trailers that can be towed by a Hyundai Santa Fe include:

• Forest River Wolf Pop 16FQ
• Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro
• Vintage Cruiser 19CSK
• Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD
• Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro
• Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX

It is important to always follow safety precautions and manufacturer directions when towing a camper or trailer with your Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Hyundai Santa Fe does not come with a towing package included

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a powerful compact SUV with a luxurious design and impressive towing capabilities. While the vehicle does not come with a towing package included, it has a remarkable tow rating of up to 3,5000 lbs with the proper trailering equipment. This means that if you're looking to utilise your Santa Fe for towing, you will need to purchase and install additional equipment to ensure safe and effective towing.

The specific equipment you will need includes trailer brakes and a pre-wired harness to hook up your trailer. These additions will enable you to take advantage of the Santa Fe's impressive towing capacity, providing the necessary power to tow essential trailers and other equipment. It's important to note that without these additions, the towing capacity is significantly reduced to just 1,650 lbs, which may not be sufficient for your needs.

The 2022 model of the Hyundai Santa Fe offers advanced performance specifications, including an available turbocharged powertrain and optional All-Wheel Drive. These features, combined with extra towing features like Trailer Sway Control and Electronic Stability Control, contribute to a confident and controlled towing experience.

Additionally, the Santa Fe provides a comfortable cabin with ample space for passengers and their belongings. With a maximum cargo volume of up to 72.1 cubic feet behind the front row and a passenger volume of 111.5 cubic feet, you can rest assured that you'll have more than enough room for your adventures.

When considering the purchase of a Hyundai Santa Fe for towing purposes, it is essential to keep in mind that the towing capacity varies depending on the trim level. For example, the SE and SEL trims have a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs with trailer brakes due to their standard 2.5L Smartstream Inline 4-cylinder engine.

In conclusion, while the Hyundai Santa Fe does not come with a towing package included, it is a capable and powerful option for those seeking to tow campers or other equipment. With the proper additions and considerations, you can confidently utilise the Santa Fe's impressive towing capabilities to enhance your adventures.

You may need a suspension enhancement kit to improve ride quality and stability

When towing a camper with your Hyundai Santa Fe, you may need a suspension enhancement kit to improve ride quality and stability. This is especially important if you're towing a larger or heavier camper, as the added weight can put strain on your vehicle's suspension.

There are a few options available to enhance your Hyundai Santa Fe's suspension when towing a camper. One option is to install a suspension enhancement kit, which can provide a more comfortable ride and improve stability. These kits typically include new shocks and struts that are designed to handle the additional weight of a camper. They can also help to raise the ride height of your vehicle, which can be important when towing to ensure that your vehicle is sitting at the correct height.

Another option to consider is a levelling kit, which can help to distribute the weight of the camper more evenly across your vehicle's suspension. This can improve ride quality and handling, and reduce the risk of bottoming out when going over bumps or dips in the road. Leveling kits are designed to provide a more level ride, which can be beneficial when towing a camper to ensure that weight is distributed evenly and that your vehicle remains stable.

Additionally, you may want to look into upgrading your vehicle's springs. The original springs on your Hyundai Santa Fe may not be strong enough to support the full weight of the vehicle and the camper, especially if you have a self-levelling suspension system. By installing stronger springs, you can improve the ride quality and stability of your vehicle when towing.

When choosing a suspension enhancement kit, it's important to select one that is specifically designed for your vehicle and the weight of your camper. You may also want to consider the wheel size and bolt pattern of your vehicle to ensure that the kit will fit properly. It's always a good idea to consult a professional or a mechanic who can advise you on the best suspension enhancement kit for your specific needs and vehicle.

By investing in a suspension enhancement kit, you can improve the ride quality and stability of your Hyundai Santa Fe when towing a camper. This can help to ensure a safer and more comfortable journey for you and your family.

A trailer hitch and wiring harness are required to tow your camper

Let's start by understanding what a trailer hitch is. A trailer hitch, also known as a tow hitch or tow bar, is a device attached to the chassis of your vehicle. It serves as the primary connector between your vehicle and the camper, providing a secure coupling point. There are different types of trailer hitches available, such as receiver hitches and bumper/fixed-drawbar hitches, each designed for specific vehicle types and weight capacities. It's important to select a trailer hitch that is compatible with your vehicle and can handle the weight of your camper.

Now, let's discuss the wiring harness. The wiring harness is a vital component that enables the electrical connection between your Hyundai Santa Fe and the camper. It consists of a length of wire at the back of your vehicle that integrates with the existing wiring system. This wiring harness supplies power to the trailer lights, synchronizes them with your vehicle's taillights, and can also be used for trailer brakes and auxiliary power. A proper wiring harness ensures that your trailer's lighting and brake systems function correctly, enhancing safety during towing.

When selecting a trailer hitch, it's important to consider the weight capacity and compatibility with your vehicle. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines common trailer hitch classes based on weight capacity, ranging from Class I (up to 2,000 pounds) to Class IV (up to 10,000 pounds). Additionally, the type of hitch you choose will depend on whether you have a conventional passenger car, light-duty commercial vehicle, light truck, or multipurpose passenger vehicle. It's crucial to match the hitch class and weight capacity with the weight of your camper to ensure safe towing.

In addition to the trailer hitch and wiring harness, there are other components that contribute to a complete towing system. These include a ball mount, trailer ball, hitch pin, trailer coupler, safety chains, and more. Each of these components plays a specific role in establishing a secure and functional connection between your Hyundai Santa Fe and the camper.

By choosing the appropriate trailer hitch and wiring harness, as well as ensuring you have all the necessary additional components, you can confidently and safely tow your camper with your Hyundai Santa Fe. Remember to always consider the weight of your camper, the weight capacity of your vehicle, and the compatibility of the towing equipment to make an informed decision.

The trailer brakes and available pre-wired harness hook up your trailer

The Hyundai Santa Fe is pre-wired for a tow harness, which can be hooked up under the rear cargo hold. The tow harness can be purchased from Hyundai Parts Deal for $180, with shipping, as opposed to $280 from a dealer.

To hook up the trailer brakes and pre-wired harness, you will need to follow these steps:

• Disconnect the negative battery cable: Unbolt the cable and move it to the side.
• Determine where to mount the controller: Find a suitable location for the brake controller, preferably below and off to the side of the steering wheel, or above the dash. Ensure it is easily visible but not obstructing your view.
• Drill mounting holes: Position the brake controller in the desired location and use the mounting bracket as a template to mark the drilling spots. Drill holes for each fastener included with the bracket.
• Fasten the brake controller: Reposition the brake controller bracket and fasten it into place with the included screws. Attach the brake controller to the bracket.
• Plug in the brake controller: Using a vehicle-specific wiring harness, plug one end into the vehicle's factory harness under the dash, and the other end into the brake controller.

This process will allow you to safely hook up the trailer brakes and utilise the pre-wired harness of your Hyundai Santa Fe for towing.

Frequently asked questions