Kia Sportage Tow hook removal

[fourstardan]

Hi,

Just put a deposit down on a 2017 GT line with low mileage after looking at a few.

This one has all the tick boxes except a few cosmetic issues outside and a factory fitted poxy tow bar.

I have no boat, no caravan and no trailer so no use for this and it looks horrific on a "sports model". Also I can see this hitting something in when reversing, the issues are endless!

I actually would like to have a tow bar but not on all the time.

I think it's this tow bar as I found a salvaged bar on ebay for sale to compare https://www.tow-trust.co.uk/towbars/kia/sportage/T...

So...has anyone got one of these and the neck part removable with bolts attached as the salesman committed to removing it and will be finalising with techs tomorrow.

[Deerfoot]

What’s he removing? The neck or the whole assembly?

That’s a fixed swan-neck bar and as the name suggests it’s supposed to be fixed.

What’s he planning to do with the electrical sockets? Remove them and stow them up behind the bumper?

Personal I’d leave it on if you think you’ll be using it at some point.

[georgeyboy12345]

What was the car towing previously?

[fourstardan]

Deerfoot said:

What’s he removing? The neck or the whole assembly?

That’s a fixed swan-neck bar and as the name suggests it’s supposed to be fixed.

What’s he planning to do with the electrical sockets? Remove them and stow them up behind the bumper?

Personal I’d leave it on if you think you’ll be using it at some point.

Removal of the neck part is what I assumed could be done with something to sort the gap and sockets.

I'm going to walk away from the motor if they can't sort it as I've got other available on the market to go for.

It's been towing a caravan but mileage is so low at 23k so hardly likely to had caused issues.

[Deerfoot]

fourstardan said:

Removal of the neck part is what I assumed could be done with something to sort the gap and sockets.

It can be done, they'll just remove the two bolts that attach the neck to the cross member and slide it out. The electrics can easily be stowed.

The bar you linked to earlier said no bumper cuts were required so there shouldn't be too much drama.

I'd speak to the service guys and see what they're planning to do, the sales department won't be much help.

[InitialDave]

If the neck bolts onto the main structure that attaches to the car, yes, you can just unbolt it and bolt it back on should you need to tow.

[fourstardan]

InitialDave said:

If the neck bolts onto the main structure that attaches to the car, yes, you can just unbolt it and bolt it back on should you need to tow.

Thanks for the help (and others).

I have found a kia owners group that is helping.

The bolts might be one time use jobbies but cheap enough if use arises in future.

As said, sales bod useless and probably best to wait until the morning.

[fourstardan]

The techs have said they will remove the hook for us.

It should be inconspicuous enough without it attached.

I actually think it's quite useful to have one for even taking stuff down the dump if I can find a decent priced trailer OR convince her to get a fishing boat