[Mjordan44]

I purchased the hitch from my local dealer. I also purchased the 4 pin harness. It is an excellent bundle. I installed it in my driveway in less than an hour.

You drop the spare tire and pull the two rear most rubber exhaust hangers. Then bolt the hitch to the frame using 6 bolts that fit into pre-tapped holes in the frame. The wire harness plug directly in, no issues with that.

Overall it is very easy.

 

[Mark]

Did you install the wiring harness? I couldn't see it on the hitch?

 

[Mjordan44]

Yes, you'll have to zoom in. It's on the left side.

 

[Mark]

Yes, you'll have to zoom in. It's on the left side.

WOW it is way off to the left...not sure my trailer cables will stretch that far.

 

[Mjordan44]

I measured, it's exactly 12" to the left of the center of the hitch. It's attached to a mounting point on the hitch itself. There is plenty of slack so it could be moved closer but a new mounting point would have to be fashioned.

 

[AndyJones]

and pull the two rear most rubber exhaust hangers.

Can you explain this step please? What tools are needed? Where does it move to? Any details you can add please?

 

[modshack]

I measured, it's exactly 12" to the left of the center of the hitch. It's attached to a mounting point on the hitch itself. There is plenty of slack so it could be moved closer but a new mounting point would have to be fashioned.

Yeah..terrible design. I'll fabricate my own closer to the centerline to go with my Curt hitch on the way..

 

[Mulhisen]

Can you explain this step please? What tools are needed? Where does it move to? Any details you can add please?

Basically just muscles and some WD40. They are just rubber exhaust hanger mounts that attach the exhaust to the car but still let it have some flex. When I did it I started from the axel and worked my way to the muffler. I had an jack stand under the exhaust by the axel just so it didnt more around too much. Pretty easy as far as hitches go no captured nuts you have to fish in or anything like that just bolts into already threaded holes.

These are Santa Fe's but pretty similar will give you an idea as far as if you are comfortable doing it yourself or not.

 

[Mjordan44]

It was very easy, since the vehicle is new I didn't need the wd40 or much of the muscles. 😁. I've included a picture of each hanger. I literally just wiggled them off of the steel mounting point. No issue at all. Then slid them back one when I was finished. Once you remove them the muffler will hang about 4 to 5 inches lower. When you put the hitch in above the muffler you will be able to pull it down a few more inches because it is still supported by other rubber hangers further towards the front of the vehic

le.

Once you are done you just slip the rubber hangers back on. It was very easy.

 

[SantaCruzFan]

A properly engineered factory accessory is worth the cost IMO because it usually fits the vehicle perfectly, and makes installation easier. The Hyundai one looks very high quality and fits perfectly and you confirm an easy install.

Thanks for sharing that. It looks great installed, and just like it was always there.

 

[wkc]

Hitch on SC November 2021
Just ordered a Limited and they stated a factory installed hitch is 'not' available. While I am at the dealership, they unload a Santa Cruz SEL AWD with a hitch already installed. If they are manufacturing these vehicles in the same location - is there a reason the Limited cannot be ordered with one factory installed ???

 

[modshack]

Hitch on SC November 2021
If they are manufacturing these vehicles in the same location - is there a reason the Limited cannot be ordered with one factory installed ???

Hyundai seems to randomly add accessories at the factory. No rhyme nor reason.. Dealers don't really "order" a car. They get what they get based on some allocation preferences. You can easily add one for less than $300

 

[daashcom]

The OEM hitch is probably just a Curt hitch. Curt makes about 80 percent of the hitches in North America.

 

[g.eads]

Hitch on SC November 2021
Just ordered a Limited and they stated a factory installed hitch is 'not' available. While I am at the dealership, they unload a Santa Cruz SEL AWD with a hitch already installed. If they are manufacturing these vehicles in the same location - is there a reason the Limited cannot be ordered with one factory installed ???

Checking inventory in the Kansas City area shows at least 2 SELs with factory installed hitches, so there must be some in the system. Mine is in the build queue so will see when it arrives

 

[Slotman]

WOW it is way off to the left...not sure my trailer cables will stretch that far.

Especially when making a right turn! Eek!! Its a shame there's no punchout on the bumper to the left of the license plate to install there.

 

[ToadVine]

I have been watching the builds for quite awhile now and there appears to be no discernable pattern to options from the factory. I get the distinct impression that everything - from hitches to bed extenders to first aid kits - is totally random. Sometimes there will be a long run of certain options; other times there will only be a handful made before they appear to run out of a certain thing.

On top of that, you cannot "order" a Santa Cruz, you can only "reserve" one - in a specific color and trim (but not options). Eventually, they will build one matching your specs and it may get selected for shipment to your dealer - if so, then: BINGO! It's your lucky day!

 

[SmoovC]

I measured, it's exactly 12" to the left of the center of the hitch. It's attached to a mounting point on the hitch itself. There is plenty of slack so it could be moved closer but a new mounting point would have to be fashioned.

Is the Factory wiring tab welded to the hitch, or bolted? Is it removable? I like the look of the OEM hitch much better than the Curt unit, but prefer the wiring mounting options of the Curt.

 

[Luke]

My 7-pin wiring arrives this week using JMII's suggestion above. Mine was purchased/mailed from Horne Kia in Gilbert, AZ. Still deciding on which hitch assembly to get; the several available all have slight differences in their design.

Found two videos on hitch installation. Not great videos, but one shows wiring install process and one shows factory hitch install. I was leaning toward the Draw Tite unit based on extra tab for the electrical connector already welded in, but second video indicates factory unit includes some extra parts (4-pin and 7 pin holder brackets as well as a ball receiver) with the package. These items would be things I would need buy separately anyway. Maybe higher price is justified?

Hope links work OK.

 

[JMII]

Is the Factory wiring tab welded to the hitch, or bolted? Is it removable? I like the look of the OEM hitch much better than the Curt unit, but prefer the wiring mounting options of the Curt.

Its welded and yes its too far away, thus I want the Curt.

I was leaning toward the Draw Tite unit based on extra tab for the electrical connector already welded in, but second video indicates factory unit includes some extra parts (4-pin and 7 pin holder brackets as well as a ball receiver) with the package. These items would be things I would need buy separately anyway. Maybe higher price is justified?

The brackets aren't that expensive and not being welded means you can position the connection where you want / need it. As stated above the OEM position isn't great.

 

[SmoovC]

Its welded and yes its too far away, thus I want the Curt.



The brackets aren't that expensive and not being welded means you can position the connection where you want / need it. As stated above the OEM position isn't great.

Thank you for that information.