[twinsemi]

Newbie here. We bought the SCL yesterday and have 200 mi on it. We bought it so that we can tow our Retro 179. It's 3400# dry, and we have been towing it a few times with my old truck. (1955 Chevy 3100 that's basically a retro-rod, so it's got the stones, but the tranny is not quite ideal for towing)
I really appreciate the latest posts (noslenwerd & tinytunerz) about towing something similar to our rig. To all those who have posted between p.6 & p.26, I might get there yet. Since this is also the CFO's daily driver, I have been told that I may not touch the interior with any wires, brackets or anything that looks like an aftermarket brake controller. And I know by now that I can do that. So in addition to the hitch question, (OEM, Curt, Draw-Tite are the options I have seen) and the WDH (I have a WDH setup that I have been using on the Chevy) the big ?????????? is the controller. I don't trust the Curt Bluetooth because it looks like it will break off in the first twenty miles because of the weight of my trailer cable. (my cable is one of the thick ones) It sounds like the Kia harness will give me a 7-pin connector without much struggle, but I have not seen much on it yet, so I'm not sure. The other option is a 4-pin harness from e-trailer with an adapter to 7-way, but that still means a power cable from the battery. I am currently leaning towards a controller on trailer (Autowbrake is one) that would like to have a good power source from the tow vehicle. My sincere apologies to anyone who posted earlier. I only found this thread today. We put down a $100 deposit on a Limited back in My of 2021, but supply chain and crazy markups kept us thinking that it just wasn't going to work out.
I'm sure that there is something that I have missed by not reading the entire thread, but feel free to point out the direction.
Is there any feedback on controllers located on the trailer?

 

[tinytunerz]

Anyone know the GCVWR Rating for the SC Limited AWD? The GCVWR is the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the maximum allowable weight your truck & trailer can weigh combined.

 

[Jmitchelltfo]

Anyone know the GCVWR Rating for the SC Limited AWD? The GCVWR is the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the maximum allowable weight your truck & trailer can weigh combined.

Wouldn't that be GVWR+max tow capacity?

Surely Hyundai wouldn't advertise the 3500 and 5000 lb towing capacity without taking this into account. I could be wrong though.

 

[SantaCruzFan]

My 1/2 ton tow rating is reduced by the cargo weight, the passenger weight and even some of the options installed on my truck.

This is normal practice so that truck makers can advertise the highest possible tow rating, even though it can seldom actually be used.

 

[tinytunerz]

Howdy Folks!

Saw a video from a vlogger that provided some great information about towing. Even had a spreadsheet with formulas to calculate towing capacities.

Here is the link to the spreadsheet download: http://bit.ly/payload-calc-download

Vlogger video:

 

[twinsemi]

Don't forget to add the weight of a full tank of gas (just over 100 lb) to one of the payload numbers.

 

[tinytunerz]

Don't forget to add the weight of a full tank of gas (just over 100 lb) to one of the payload numbers.

Definitely.

 

[twinsemi]

I ran the numbers for my trailer and it tells me that with my normal tongue weight, putting in four people will put me over the vehicle payload. Very handy to know. Thanks.

 

[LB07740]

I've said from the get-go towing near max with a SC is going to lead to disappointment. Just my opinion but to be safe take the tow rating and cut it in half if you plan on doing a lot of towing. The SC is just a uni-body CUV not a BOF truck, there is a reason they make full size trucks (with extra cooling, different gearing, aka real "tow package"), such vehicles are ideally suited for towing task. I once towed my boat with a Ram diesel and it was a dream... total peaceful experience vs my mid-size truck where you could feel the trailer fighting you despite being well within the limits. Every since then I've believed this is one area where overkill is perfered.

When I first start towing back in 1999 I had a Ford Ranger that was rated to tow 5k but it struggled to pull 3K. For 50 or so miles this not a problem at all, but towing 200 miles every weekend it became clear I had to upgrade. Moving up to a Dakota that was rated to tow nearly 7K handled the load so much better. The V8 vs V6 power helped, plus the longer wheelbase and overall heavier truck (Quad Cab w/ full tow package) made a huge difference. The SC will have more power then my Dak so no worries there, but the shorter wheelbase and lack of additional coolinig scares me. My boat sitting on the trailer is pushing 24 feet long, that is a lot of physical space to control despite it only being 2,500lbs in terms of weight. I have no idea how people tow campers which have a much larger profile in the wind, they are going to get jerked around by shear size even if the weight is well within the SC's limits.

Bottom line: you can't break the laws of physics, if the thing that you are towing is bigger (dimensional) or heavier then the tow vehicle itself you going to run into the tag wagging the dog situation.

We are buying a small (21') boat and the total weight with motor and trailer is around 4100 pounds. Good news is that I can park the trailer in my yard and a drive to the boat ramp is rarely more than about 5 miles at 40MPH. If I thought that I needed to drive farther or at higher speeds I would have definitely moved up to something like a large SUV vs a pickup.

 

[twinsemi]

We are buying a small (21') boat and the total weight with motor and trailer is around 4100 pounds. Good news is that I can park the trailer in my yard and a drive to the boat ramp is rarely more than about 5 miles at 40MPH. If I thought that I needed to drive farther or at higher speeds I would have definitely moved up to something like a large SUV vs a pickup.

Before you conclude that a tow rating is basically meaningless, check out the video review of three different small trucks towing in the mountains of Colorado. 4K lbs. The Santa Cruz is one.

 

[twinsemi]

My bad earlier. The curb weight in the formula already includes gas and other fluids. I was thinking dry weight.

 

[Akfan]

My bad earlier. The curb weight in the formula already includes gas and other fluids. I was thinking dry weight.

Fuel is always included. Some argue that a 150lb driver is included in payload capacity too but it's not on any that I've seen. It is included in the gcvwr, so people get that confused.

On trucks the payload is what you can haul with every option on your truck. Add a 5 lb wireless charger as a factory option and the payload on the sticker on your vehicle will be less than the other guys identical truck without the charger. Add a 500 lb sunroof or a transfer case and front end and your payload may be 1k lb less then the other guys identical truck without those.

 

[twinsemi]

Fuel is always included. Some argue that a 150lb driver is included in payload capacity too but it's not on any that I've seen. It is included in the gcvwr, so people get that confused.

On trucks the payload is what you can haul with every option on your truck. Add a 5 lb wireless charger as a factory option and the payload on the sticker on your vehicle will be less than the other guys identical truck without the charger. Add a 500 lb sunroof or a transfer case and front end and your payload may be 1k lb less then the other guys identical truck without those.

Yeah, that's what everyone says, options should change the payload rating. The funny thing that I am still trying to figure out is that 1411 seems to be the payload rating for every different configuration of the SC. GVWR minus curb weight is always higher. Being a universal number does not make sense from an engineering viewpoint, maybe only from the legal department's perspective or somebody too lazy to make a different sticker. IDK.

 

[Akfan]

Yeah, that's what everyone says, options should change the payload rating. The funny thing that I am still trying to figure out is that 1411 seems to be the payload rating for every different configuration of the SC. GVWR minus curb weight is always higher. Being a universal number does not make sense from an engineering viewpoint, maybe only from the legal department's perspective or somebody too lazy to make a different sticker. IDK.

Idk. I suppose they could have taken the
Lowest possible payload for a given model and used that for all. Plenty safe that way. Just put the payload for a fully loaded awd with every option. That's pretty much the way cars work.

For trucks from the Tundra and 1500s to the maverick to every 1/2 ton or larger every one will have a slightly different payload based on options. Go on a Chevy or Ford f150 forum and search for payload stickers. It's a pretty big thing for some people to compare. Some people order a truck just for the payload. Many people myself included went without a sunroof because of the 200 lbs less payload. A well optioned F150 powerboost king ranch/platinum can be under 1200 lb payload while a base 2wd can have 3300. Lol. A diesel F250 Lariat identically equipped has 1800 lb payload woth a diesel and 2400 for a gas big block. Same options. The highest payload for an f150 is a 2wd regular cab stripped truck, 5.0 with an 8 foot bed and payload package.

If your ordering a truck you get an estimate. Once you get a vin you get the actual payload with YOUR truck. And of course that is what is on the sticker on the door

 

[2022Baja]

Great! I'd appreciate that. We don't get our trailer until the fall, so I'm still gathering info whenever I can!

OK, back from our christening trip with our InTech Sol Horizon Rover trailer behind our SC. Although you could definitely tell the SC had a heavy weight in tow because it took quite a bit of accelerator to get moving from a dead stop, once it was moving, the rig felt stable and I never thought things were risky.

I was quite impressed at how well the SC drove with 3500+ lbs behind it. The SC drives like a nimble car and even when towing a heavy load, it was smooth, quiet, and comfortable. We drove on I-68 in western MD where there are plenty of long, fairly steep grade (by East Coast standards...not Rocky Mtn standards) hills that go for many miles up. These are the kind of long climbs that have a third lane on the right for the trucks that are all driving with their flashers on at 40 mph. The SC made quick work of these, easily holding at 65-70 all the way up, with plenty of oomph to spare. It never felt difficult or strained.

My one overriding complaint? The gas tank!! OMG, it's the tiniest little gas tank. When pulling the Horizon, we got about 9-10 mpg. The virtual gas gauge needle dropped like a rock and we had to get gas about every hour and a half in order to be assured we wouldn't run out. It was pathetic. I'm half-seriously considering getting a permanent extra gas tank installed in the truck bed. It was that silly.

All in all, though, the SC did a truly great job. It's really zippy for a truck and tows surprisingly well.

Notes:
Weight distribution hitch: A must.
Also, I would hesitate to put a heavier load on the truck because I could tell there was a bit a weight-war going on, with the trailer being a nearly even match for the truck. If it were a wrestling competition, which I hope it never is.

 

[2022Baja]

OK, back from our christening trip with our InTech Sol Horizon Rover trailer behind our SC. Although you could definitely tell the SC had a heavy weight in tow because it took quite a bit of accelerator to get moving from a dead stop, once it was moving, the rig felt stable and I never thought things were risky.

I was quite impressed at how well the SC drove with 3500+ lbs behind it. The SC drives like a nimble car and even when towing a heavy load, it was smooth, quiet, and comfortable. We drove on I-68 in western MD where there are plenty of long, fairly steep grade (by East Coast standards...not Rocky Mtn standards) hills that go for many miles up. These are the kind of long climbs that have a third lane on the right for the trucks that are all driving with their flashers on at 40 mph. The SC made quick work of these, easily holding at 65-70 all the way up, with plenty of oomph to spare. It never felt difficult or strained.

My one overriding complaint? The gas tank!! OMG, it's the tiniest little gas tank. When pulling the Horizon, we got about 9-10 mpg. The virtual gas gauge needle dropped like a rock and we had to get gas about every hour and a half in order to be assured we wouldn't run out. It was pathetic. I'm half-seriously considering getting a permanent extra gas tank installed in the truck bed. It was that silly.

All in all, though, the SC did a truly great job. It's really zippy for a truck and tows surprisingly well.

Notes:
Weight distribution hitch: A must.
Also, I would hesitate to put a heavier load on the truck because I could tell there was a bit a weight-war going on, with the trailer being a nearly even match for the truck. If it were a wrestling competition, which I hope it never is.
View attachment 8629 View attachment 8629

accidental photo dup. sorry.

 

[Thumpin305]

In the spirit of not going back through 596 posts, and in hoping this helps someone, I installed the Curt 7 pin harness today. Super easy. My only issue was attaching the Curt bracket to the dumb factory hitch brace. It's angled too low for my liking so I will have to 'persuade' it upwards. More pictures and descriptions in my signature:

 

[glgilbert]

Did my first towing a couple of day ago. Picked up a golf cart about 75 miles away. Pulling an empty aluminum trailer going and got about 23 mpg and about 17.5 mpg on the trip back. Normal mileage for us is about 29 mpg. Drove my normal speeds which is generally not over the speed limit and stayed on back roads mostly. The SC handled the trip very well. Would guess the loaded trailer was in the 1800/2000 pound range. The load was similar to the Can Am Spyder we haul back and forth between Fl and NC. While getting the cart saw my first SC not at a dealer other than ours.

 

[JMII]

My one overriding complaint? The gas tank!! OMG, it's the tiniest little gas tank. When pulling the Horizon, we got about 9-10 mpg. The virtual gas gauge needle dropped like a rock and we had to get gas about every hour and a half in order to be assured we wouldn't run out. It was pathetic. I'm half-seriously considering getting a permanent extra gas tank installed in the truck bed. It was that silly.

This is part of my worry too. My current Dakota has a towing range of 240 miles (with a 24 gallon tank). If the SC gets only 10 MPG that is a range of just 160 miles and be a problem since my normal trip 200 miles. I've got the over/under for towing my small boat (16' = approx 2,500#) at 15 MPG. Anything below that will be a major disappointment... anything above and I'll be doing the happy dance.

 

[ronyrod]

Hello everyone! This will be my final report/comment on this thread. @tinytunerz I've reached to the same conclusion.

Let me start by saying that I was one of those that was awaiting the release of the Santa Cruz since its concept model was first shown in an Auto show. And this is just my opinion.
We really like the truck, and it is the right size and has the right features that we were looking for on our next vehicle. A very sporty looking SUV with car-like driving capabilities and very decent truck features (bed/towing).
Our experiences with the Santa Cruz are not short from amazing. To the point that we felt that we could use it to tow an RV and start traveling our beautiful country. And we did…started…
These are the details of our setup.

TV: Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited, Payload applied: Passengers 400lbs
Dogs 80lbs
Cooler 50lbs
Tongue 450lbs
Misc. 120lbs
TT: Wolf Pup 14CCBL. Dry weight: 2900lbs
GVWR: 3900lbs
Actual weight 3500lbs
Tongue weight 450lbs
Hitch: OEM Hyundai
Brake Controller: Tekonsha Prodigy RF

Summary:
Even though I am very happy that some people had wonderful experiences towing heavier trailers………………. I can’t say the same.

The good:
1. Very powerful motor that never went over the 3000 RPM,
2. I didn’t struggle when moving from a complete stop.
3. Brake controller was amazing. Never felt the extra weight that I was towing. I guess that the trailer brakes were good as well.
4. WDH. It did its part, I never experienced any kind of sway, and the whole setup was fairly level. But it was too heavy and the reason why I had to put the propane bottles and the bikes inside the trailer. Otherwise, I would’ve exceeded the tongue weight limit (500lbs). I wanted to try just the ball mount hitch with anti-sway bars only, but I didn’t have the opportunity.

The bad:
a. Even though I’ve adjusted the WDH with a professional, I always felt some jerking at low speeds. Under 40/50mph. After that, the ride was somewhat ok.
b. The uncertainty of using a Unibody vehicle with a WDH, when other manufacturers (like Subaru and VW) stated against it and Hyundai stayed in silence. Not sure if this could potentially be a hazard.
c. I did stayed under the maximum weight limits. But the lack of room to add anything else, really frustrated me!
d. I am amazed at how good the fuel economy is resulting for many! Not my case. I am not sure how you guys are calculating the MPG, but if you are making short trips and looking at the estimation of the trip computer, well, you may be off by quite a bit. I traveled approximately 1,000 miles with the TT and the average was ALWAYS 9-10 mpg.
e. My TT came with what they call “the Adventure package”, an off road upgrade that includes All terrain tires and a 2” lift. This “nice” feature put me in bind, trying to find shanks for my WDH that will have a 9” rise. The hitch receiver on the SC is mounted very low, when compared to other trucks, while the ball receiver on the trailer was very high.

Conclusion:
We decided to keep the SC (my wife wanted it as her daily driver), but we won’t continue to use it as a Towing Vehicle for our RV.
We traded in my wife’s SUV and got a RAM 1500. That will give us the peace of mind that we need when we are on the road, heading towards our travel destinations. I still love the SC, just not for towing. As my Dad use to tell me when he was showing me the ropes of his craft: Always use the right tool for the job!

Again, this is my personal experience. I am not sure if it could’ve been different with much lesser weights.
My advice: Do your research, talk to experts, get real weights, “trust your gut”, and prioritize the safety of your family.