2023 HYUNDAI SANTA FE towing

Driving your vehicle6-84
Trailer towing equipment
Hitches
OTM060050L
Information
The mounting hole for hitches are located
on both sides of the underbody behind the
rear tires.
It’s important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few
reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:

[ Do you have to make any holes in
the body of your vehicle when you
install a trailer hitch? If you do, then
be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal
them, carbon monoxide (CO) from
your exhaust can get into your vehicle,
as well as dirt and water.

[ The bumpers on your vehicle are not
intended for hitches. Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
hitches to them. Use only a frame-
mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.
[
Any part of the rear number plate or
lighting devices of the vehicle must
not be obscured by the mechanical
coupling device.
If the rear number plate and/or
lighting devices can be obscured
partially by any part of the mechanical
coupling device, mechanical coupling
devices that can not be easily
removed or repositioned without use
of any tools, except an easily operated
(for example, an effort not exceeding
20Nm) release key which is supplied
by the manufacturer of the coupling
device, are not permitted for use.
Please note that the mechanical
coupling device that is fitted and
not in use must always be removed
or repositioned if the rear number
plate and/or rear lighting devices
are obscured by any part of the
mechanical coupling device.

[ A HYUNDAI trailer hitch accessory is
available at an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer.

06
6-85
Safety chains
You should always attach chains between
your vehicle and your trailer.
Instructions about safety chains may
be provided by the hitch manufacturer
or trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just
enough slack so you can turn with your
trailer. And, never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to
your country’s regulations and that
it is properly installed and operating
correctly.
If your trailer weighs more than the
maximum trailer weight without trailer
brakes loaded, then it needs its own
brakes and they must be adequate. Be
sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able
to install, adjust and maintain them
properly. Be sure not to modify your
vehicle’s brake system.
WARNING
Do not use a trailer with its own brakes
unless you are absolutely certain that
you have properly set up the brake
system. This is not a task for amateurs.
Use an experienced, competent trailer
shop for this work.
Driving with a trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you must get to
know your trailer. Acquaint yourself with
the feel of handling and braking with the
added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch
and platform, safety chains, electrical
connector(s), lights, tires and brakes.
During your trip, occasionally check
to be sure that the load is secure, and
that the lights and trailer brakes are still
working.
Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when driving
your vehicle without a trailer. This can
help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You will need more passing distance up
ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And,
because of the increased vehicle length,
you’ll need to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before you can return
to your lane.

Driving your vehicle6-86
Backing up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. Then, to move the trailer
to the left, move your hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly
and, if possible, have someone guide
you.
Making turns
When you’re turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so your
trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs,
road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid
jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn signals
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has
to have a different turn signal flasher and
extra wiring. The green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash whenever you
signal a turn or lane change. Properly
connected, the trailer lights will also flash
to alert other drivers you’re about to turn,
change lanes, or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows
on your instrument panel will flash for
turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think
drivers behind you are seeing your
signals when, in fact, they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be
sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
You must also check the lights every time
you disconnect and then reconnect the
wires.
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer lighting system
directly to your vehicle’s lighting
system. Use an approved trailer wiring
harness. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the vehicle electrical
system and/or personal injury. Consult
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer for
assistance.
Driving on hills
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before you start down a long or steep
downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you
might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get overheated and may
not operate efficiently.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and
reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70
km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine
and transmission overheating.
If your trailer weighs more than the
maximum trailer weight without trailer
brakes and you have a automatic
transmission, you should drive in D
(Drive) when towing a trailer.
Operating your vehicle in D (Drive)
when towing a trailer will minimize heat
build-up and extend the life of your
transmission.

06
6-87
NOTICE
To prevent engine and/or transmission
overheating:

[When towing a trailer on steep
grades (in excess of 6%) pay close
attention to the engine coolant
temperature gauge to ensure the
engine does not overheat. If the
needle of the coolant temperature
gauge moves towards “H” (HOT),
pull over and stop as soon as it is
safe to do so, and allow the engine
to idle until it cools down. You may
proceed once the engine has cooled
sufficiently.

[ If you tow a trailer with the maximum
gross vehicle weight and maximum
trailer weight, it can cause the
engine or transmission to overheat.
When driving in such conditions,
allow the engine to idle until it cools
down. You may proceed once the
engine or transmission has cooled
sufficiently.

[ When towing a trailer, your vehicle
speed may be much slower than the
general flow of traffic, especially
when climbing an uphill grade. Use
the right hand lane when towing a
trailer on an uphill grade. Choose
your vehicle speed according to the
maximum posted speed limit for
vehicles with trailers, the steepness
of the grade, and your trailer weight.
Parking on hills
Generally, if you have a trailer attached
to your vehicle, you should not park your
vehicle on a hill.
However, if you ever have to park your
trailer on a hill, here’s how to do it:
1. Pull the vehicle into the parking space.
Turn the steering wheel in the
direction of the curb (right if headed
down hill, left if headed up hill).
2. Shift the gear to P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake and shut off the vehicle.
4. Place wheel chocks under the trailer wheels on the down hill side of the
wheels.
5. Start the vehicle, hold the brakes, shift to neutral, release the parking brake
and slowly release the brakes until the
trailer chocks absorb the load.
6. Reapply the brakes and parking brakes.
7. Shift the gear to P (Park) when the vehicle is parked on a uphill grade and
in R (Reverse) on a downhill.
8. Shut off the vehicle and release the vehicle brakes but leave the parking
brake set.
WARNING
To prevent serious or fatal injury:

[Do not get out of the vehicle without
the parking brake firmly set. If you
have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You and
others could be seriously or fatally
injured.

[ Do not apply the accelerator pedal to
hold the vehicle on an uphill.

Driving your vehicle6-88
Driving the vehicle after it has been
parked on a hill
1. With the gear in P (Park), apply your brakes and hold the brake pedal down
while you:

[ Start your engine;

[ Shift into gear; and

[ Release the parking brake.
2. Slowly remove your foot from the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when towing a
trailer
Your vehicle will need service more
often when you regularly pull a trailer.
Important items to pay particular
attention to include engine oil,
transmission fluid, axle lubricant and
cooling system fluid. Brake condition
is another important item to frequently
check. If you’re trailering, it’s a good
idea to review these items before
you start your trip. Don’t forget to
also maintain your trailer and hitch.
Follow the maintenance schedule that
accompanied your trailer and check it
periodically. Preferably, conduct the
check at the start of each day’s driving.
Most importantly, all hitch nuts and bolts
should be tight.
NOTICE
To prevent vehicle damage:

[Due to higher load during trailer
usage, overheating might occur on
hot days or during uphill driving.
If the coolant gauge indicates
over-heating, switch off the air
conditioner and stop the vehicle in a
safe area to cool down the engine.

[ Do not switch off the engine while
the coolant gauge indicates over-
heating.
(Keep the engine idle to cool down
the engine)

[ When towing check transmission
fluid more frequently.

[ If your vehicle is not equipped with
an air conditioner, you should install
a condenser fan to improve engine
performance when towing a trailer.

06
6-91
„20 inch‡Type A
OTMA060006
‡Type B
OTMA060007
The label located on the driver’s door
sill gives the original tire size, cold
tire pressures recommended for your
vehicle, the number of people that can
be in your vehicle and vehicle capacity
weight.
Vehicle capacity weight
5 persons : 903 lbs. (410 kg)
Vehicle capacity weight is the maximum
combined weight of occupants and
cargo. If your vehicle is equipped with a
trailer, the combined weight includes the
tongue load.
Seating capacity
Total : 5 persons (Front seat : 2 persons,
Rear seat : 3 persons)
Seating capacity is the maximum
number of occupants including a driver,
your vehicle may carry. However, the
seating capacity may be reduced based
upon the weight of all of the occupants,
and the weight of the cargo being carried
or towed. Do not overload the vehicle as
there is a limit to the total weight, or load
limit including occupants and cargo, the
vehicle can carry.
Towing capacity
With brake system (PKG OPT) : 2,000 lbs
(907 kg)
With brake system (STD) : 2,800 lbs
(1,270 kg) (GDI) / 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
(T-GDI)
Towing capacity is the maximum trailer
weight including its cargo weight, your
vehicle can tow.
Cargo capacity
The cargo capacity of your vehicle will
increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants
and the tongue load, if your vehicle is
equipped with a trailer.

Driving your vehicle6-92
Steps for determining correct load
limit
1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on
your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example,
if the "XXX" amount equals 1400
lbs. and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING
Do not overload the vehicle as there
is a limit to the total weight, or load
limit, including occupants and cargo,
the vehicle can carry. Overloading can
shorten the life of the vehicle. If the
GVWR or the GAWR is exceeded, parts
on the vehicle can be broken and it can
change the handling of your vehicle.
These could cause you to lose control
and result in an accident.

07
7-17
WARNING

[When you are towing a trailer or
another vehicle, we recommend that
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is
turned off due to safety reasons.

[ Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
may operate if objects that are
similar in shape or characteristics to
vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists are
detected.

[ Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
does not operate on bicycles,
motorcycles, or smaller wheeled
objects, such as luggage bags,
shopping carts, or strollers.

[ Forward Collision-Avoidance
Assist may not operate normally if
interfered by strong electromagnetic
waves.

[ Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
may not operate for 15 seconds after
the vehicle is started, or the front
view camera is initialized.
Information
In some instances, Forward Collision-
Avoidance Assist may be cancelled when
subjected to electromagnetic interference.
Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following three
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
3. Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the device.