Ready to transform your Kia into a hauling hero? We’ve got your back (or rather your rear) with this step-by-step guide on how to install the 2024 Kia EV9 trailer hitch by EcoHitch®! With meticulous attention to detail and a bit of elbow grease, you’ll successfully install the Kia EV9 EcoHitch®. Let’s delve into this step-by-step process.

Step 1:

  • Raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and place it on ramps or suitable jack stands. Chock the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Because who wants their car doing the tango unexpectedly?

Note: If using a hoist/lift, utilize the Kia-approved lifting points.

Step 2:

  • With a trim tool, remove and set aside the plastic clips securing the trim piece shown in Fig 2.1-2.3.

Step 3:

  • Remove nuts shown in Fig 3.1-3.3 and set aside. Tell them to enjoy their temporary retirement.
  • Remove and set aside the bottom plastic trim piece. It's been waiting for this moment.

Step 4:

  • On the driver’s side, unhook the plastic connector holding the orange cable. See Fig 4.1. The orange cable can finally take a breather.
  • Remove the bolt securing the trim piece bracket on the driver’s side. Repeat on passenger’s side. They will not be reinstalled. See Fig 4.2-4.3. These bolts are officially off duty.

Step 5:

  • Place a 1/2” Split lock washer followed by a 1/2” SAE Flat Washer on the threaded end of each of the six M14-1.5 x 70mm Hex bolts. Because what’s a bolt without its washer buddies? Incomplete, that's what.
  • With spacer plates facing in, align the Driver’s Side plate to the three holes on the frame. See figure 5.1.

Note: the rounded cutout should be pointing towards the front of the vehicle.

  • Loosely secure the side plate with 3 of the prepared M14 bolts. The side plate should be loose enough to swing from side to side. Because a little wiggle room makes everything more exciting.
  • Repeat this step on the passenger side. Yes, you get to experience this joy twice!

Step 6:

  • Lift the Crosstube into position between the side plates. Yes, lift with your knees, not your back.
  • Insert one 1/2"-13 x 1-1/2” hex bolt through one of the holes in the driver side plate and crosstube flange. Secure the bolt with one 1/2” split lock washer and one 1/2”-13 grade 8 hex nut. Repeat the process on the passenger side. See Figure 6.1.
  • Once each side has one bolt installed, install the remaining 1/2” hardware to secure the side plates to the crosstube. Because having only one bolt is like putting on one shoe and calling it a day.

Step 7:

  • Reinstall the plastic connector holding the orange cable removed in Step 4 – its time to make it useful again.
  • Torque all M14 bolts to 110 ft-lbs (149 Nm). This is where your finely tuned torque wrench skills come in handy.
  • Torque all 1/2” hardware to 60 ft-lbs. (81Nm) Come on flex those muscles!

Step 8:

  • Using the mold lines indicated in Figure 8.1, cut a rectangle 4-1/2” Deep on the plastic trim piece with a reciprocating body saw or other plastic cutting tool. If you've never used one of these before, now's a great time to start.
  • Reinstall the bottom plastic piece onto the car.
  • Place a 1/4" Bolt into each of the brackets shown in Fig 8.2,8.3 facing threaded side down. Reach through the front side of the panel to hold the bolt in place while securing it with a 1/4"-20 Flange Nut. Feel free to wish for an extra set of hands during this step.
  • Reinstall plastic connectors removed in Step 2.
  • Secure the bottom trim piece to the remaining factory studs with the nuts removed in Step 3.

Step 9: Optional Plug Bracket Installation

  • Align plug bracket slots to hitch receiver holes. If they don’t align, just force it – kidding, take your time.
  • Insert a 1/4  Flange nut on each bolts. See figure 9.1

Congratulations! You've successfully installed the 2024 Kia EV9 EcoHitch®. With this sleek addition, your EV9 is now ready to tackle any towing challenge with ease and style. Visithttps://torkliftcentral.com/kia-ev9-trailer-hitch-stainless-steel-by-ecohitchrand get yours today. For further inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to our expert team. Happy trails!