We film those separately. For the 2023 Kia Sportage, we recommend the # C99DR. You can see an install video by clicking this link: www.etrailer.com/tv-Install-CURT-Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring-Harness-2023-Kia-Sportage-C99DR.aspx www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Draw-Tite/DT22MR.html
The Draw-Tite # DT22MR fits the 2023 - 2024 Kia Sportage or the 2022 - 2024 Hyundai Tucson. Since neither vehicle's owner's manual mentions any prohibitions about towing, installing a hitch won't have any warranty implications. This assumes that the hitch is installed correctly and the capacity of the hitch or the vehicle (whichever is lower) isn't exceeded. Also, consumers of aftermarket vehicle accessories are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act which states in part that a vehicle manufacturer cannot deny warranty coverage based on the installation of an aftermarket part unless they can prove that the installed part caused the problem the consumer is seeking warranty coverage for. www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Draw-Tite/DT22MR.html
The rear underbody panel is indeed removed and not replaced. The panel provides a slight improvement in aerodynamics, but it needs to be removed in order to install the hitch as it sits right where the hitch would sit. Hope that helps explain it for you... www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Draw~Tite/DT22MR.html
You can try trimming it, but Draw-Tite says that once you do the necessary trimming there won't be much left which would make reinstallation difficult...
What about the wiring harness installation?
We film those separately. For the 2023 Kia Sportage, we recommend the # C99DR. You can see an install video by clicking this link:
www.etrailer.com/tv-Install-CURT-Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring-Harness-2023-Kia-Sportage-C99DR.aspx
www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Draw-Tite/DT22MR.html
Will this affect or void any warranties on the vehicle?
The Draw-Tite # DT22MR fits the 2023 - 2024 Kia Sportage or the 2022 - 2024 Hyundai Tucson. Since neither vehicle's owner's manual mentions any prohibitions about towing, installing a hitch won't have any warranty implications. This assumes that the hitch is installed correctly and the capacity of the hitch or the vehicle (whichever is lower) isn't exceeded. Also, consumers of aftermarket vehicle accessories are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act which states in part that a vehicle manufacturer cannot deny warranty coverage based on the installation of an aftermarket part unless they can prove that the installed part caused the problem the consumer is seeking warranty coverage for.
www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Draw-Tite/DT22MR.html
So the plastic piece that you removed isn't put back on? What is the purpose of this piece in the first place?
The rear underbody panel is indeed removed and not replaced. The panel provides a slight improvement in aerodynamics, but it needs to be removed in order to install the hitch as it sits right where the hitch would sit. Hope that helps explain it for you...
www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Draw~Tite/DT22MR.html
@etrailer Oh OK thanks. I've seen in some other videos where the piece is slightly trimmed and reinstalled after the hitch is put on.
You can try trimming it, but Draw-Tite says that once you do the necessary trimming there won't be much left which would make reinstallation difficult...