The installation begins by gaining access to the mounting area beneath the rear of the vehicle. Depending on the configuration of the Telluride, this may involve lowering or removing the spare tire from the rear cargo area. A small gravel guard under the vehicle is also removed to expose the frame rails where the hitch will be installed.
Next, the exhaust system is carefully supported and temporarily lowered. This step creates the necessary working space above the exhaust so the hitch frame can be positioned against the vehicle’s chassis. The factory mounting points on the frame rails are then cleaned and inspected to ensure the supplied mounting hardware can thread into them properly.
Once the hitch structure is fully installed and torqued to specification, the exhaust system and any underbody components that were removed during the process are reinstalled. The spare tire is then returned to its original position.
When the installation is complete, the Stealth Hitch frame remains hidden behind the bumper. The receiver can be quickly installed when towing or carrying accessories such as bike racks or cargo carriers, and removed afterward so the vehicle retains its original appearance.
Telluride Stealth Hitch Installation Overview
Towing Capacity: 6000 lbs
Tongue Weight: 600 lbs
Installing a Stealth Hitch on a Kia Telluride is more involved than installing a traditional receiver hitch because the system is designed to remain completely hidden when it is not in use. The structural hitch frame mounts behind the rear bumper area and the removable receiver is only inserted when towing or carrying accessories.
The Stealth Hitch frame itself is made up of multiple components that are assembled before being installed on the vehicle. Once assembled, the frame is lifted into position beneath the rear of the Telluride and secured to the chassis using high-strength mounting hardware. These bolts attach the hitch directly to the vehicle’s structural frame rails, providing the strength required for towing and hitch-mounted accessories.
After the main hitch frame is secured, the latch block and receiver system are installed. This is the component that allows the removable hitch receiver to lock into place when needed and be removed when not in use.
