Hitch Installation Instructions

GAIN ACCESS TO MOUNTING AREA

NOTICE: Installation of hitch requires removal of vehicle parts and interaction with vehicular electronics. Before installation, check the condition of body panels and note any locations where panels are not flush. Check the electronic functions of the vehicle, such as: headlights, taillights, turn signals, cameras, backup sensors, Parking Distance Controller (PDC), foot activated cargo access, etc. It is the responsibility of the installer to restore the fit and function of the vehicle.

1. Underneath the rear of the vehicle, use a [90 degree pick tool] to remove (6) plastic rivets (indicated by yellow arrows). Use a [10mm socket] to loosen (3) nuts (indicated by green arrows). Use a [14mm socket] to loosen (1) nut (indicated by red arrow). Remove the gravel guard.
2. With the gravel guard removed, locate the two support brackets shown in the image. Use a [socket] to remove and discard the brackets and nuts.
3. Retrieve (3) M12 bolts from the bolt bag. Locate the (3) holes on each side of the vehicle frame near the rear of the vehicle. Screw a bolt into each hole. This will help ensure that there are no obstructions in the hole. If the bolt will not easily thread into any hole, clean the threads with an M12-1.25 thread chaser.

NOTICE: There are 1/2" bolts included in the bolt bag. Do not thread the 1/2" bolts into the vehicle frame, doing so may damage the threads.

INSTALL STEALTH HITCH

4. Using (3) M12 bolts, 1/2” lock washers and 1/2" flat washers, loosely attach the side plate and spacer to the outside of the vehicle frame, as shown. Repeat on other side of vehicle.

NOTICE: Do not tighten hardware at this time.

NOTE: Use the provided double sided adhesive foam strip to attach the spacers to the side plates before installation to simplify procedure.

5. Retrieve the Stealth hitch frame. Raise the frame between the side plates. The block brackets will need to be rotated up when being raised into the vehicle. Attach the frame to the side plates using (6) 1/2" bolts, 1/2" lock washers, and 1/2" nuts, as shown.

NOTICE: Before tightening the bolts securing the Stealth hitch frame to the vehicle, make sure to pull/slide the hitch frame all the way to the rear, away from the vehicle.

6. Torque the M12 bolts to 85 ft.-lbs. Next, torque the 1/2" bolts and nuts to 100 ft.-lbs.

NOTE: There are (2) extra sets of 1/2” hardware in the bolt bag, which may be discarded.

MOUNT LATCH BLOCK

7. Installation of the latch block varies depending on which kit you are installing.
   • Rack Receiver Kit: Install the latch block with (2) 5/8″-11 x 5" bolts and (2) 5/8″ nylock nuts. Tighten each bolt to 150 ft.-lbs.
   • Tow Kit: Install the latch block and (2) chain hooks with (2) 5/8"-11 x 5" bolts and (2) 5/8″ nylock nuts. Tighten each bolt to 150 ft.-lbs.

NOTICE: Keys are packaged within the latch block, remove keys and store in safe location.

? IF INSTALLING A RACK RECEIVER KIT, SKIP TO STEP 43. IF INSTALLING A TOW KIT, CONTINUE TO STEP 8.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR Australia and New Zealand customers

Tow kit SHT25059 is made specifically for the Australia and New Zealand market and contains a 50mm Ball. Stealth does not provide a wiring harness with this tow kit (skip Steps 8-42). Electrical plug connections must be sourced independently.

INSTALL WIRING KIT

Step 8: Locate the wiring kit box. Review the contents of the box against the list below to check for missing components.

The passive wiring kit uses a control module to manage the functions of the trailer lighting. The module has an "input" side that receives power from the vehicle's battery and signals from the vehicle's taillights. The "output" side of the module delivers this information to the 4-way plug, see passive harness diagram. The control module is connected to the vehicle's battery and taillight wiring as outlined in the next steps.

The active wiring kit uses a Kia computer control module to manage the functions of the trailer lighting. The module will connect to the vehicle through an included wire harness. The harness has an "input" side that receives power and signals from the vehicle's electronic systems and delivers them to the control module. The "output" side of the harness delivers this information from the control module to the 4-way plug. The harness and control module installation are outlined in the next steps.

PASSIVE WIRING KIT BOX

ACTIVE WIRING KIT BOX

NOTICE: Do not allow electrical system to become disconnected from power or ground. Doing so may interrupt electrical systems.

INSTALL WIRING KIT CONTINUED

? IF INSTALLING A PASSIVE TOW KIT, CONTINUE TO STEP 9. IF INSTALLING AN ACTIVE TOW KIT, SKIP TO STEP 27.

INSTALL PASSIVE WIRING KIT

9. Inside the rear cargo area, lift up the floor panel and remove.
10. On the floor of the cargo area, use a [plastic pry tool] to release (2) clips. Lift up and remove the plastic floor panel.
    NOTE: The clips may be on either side of the floor panel.
11. Use a [pry tool] or [flat head screwdriver] to turn the (2) plastic rivets 90 degrees. Remove the plastic rivets securing the rear threshold, as shown. Lift up on the threshold and remove.
12. On either side of the cargo area, use a [plastic pry tool] to remove the two panels, as shown.
13. Retrieve the control module from the wiring kit box. Place the control module inside the open panel behind the driver side cargo area wall.
14. Open the vehicle hood. Locate and remove the auxiliary battery cover.
15. Open the positive battery terminal cover. Locate the power wire and fuse holder supplied in the wiring kit box. Remove the fuse from the fuse holder. Crimp fuse lead to power wire. Use a [10mm socket] to remove (1) nut. Connect fuse ring terminal to the positive battery terminal (+) and replace the nut.
16. Route the power wire from the auxiliary battery down through the driver side of the area under the hood. Under the vehicle, route the power wire toward the rear of the vehicle on the driver side. Pass the wire above and through existing vehicle components to secure and protect the wire as much as possible.
17. Locate the rubber grommet underneath the rear of the vehicle on the driver side and remove it. Use a [3/8" drill bit] and drill a hole through the center of the grommet. Feed the power wire through the grommet from outside to the inside of the vehicle. Retrieve the 4-way plug with wire. Pass the grommet over the wires so the plug will be on the outside of the vehicle. Pass the control module ground wire through the grommet to the outside of the vehicle. Thread the end of the wires into the hole and replace the grommet.
18. Inside the vehicle, trim the control module power wire to remove excess length. Use the included blue butt connector to crimp the power wire to the control module power wire.
    NOTICE (OPTIONAL): The butt connector is a heat shrink connector. Apply heat to waterproof the connector after crimping.
19. Under the rear driver side of the vehicle, locate the ground screw shown in the image. Use a [socket] to loosen the ground screw. Trim white ground wire so it will reach stud without excess wire. Crimp supplied fork terminal to the ground wire with a [crimping tool]. Secure the fork terminal to ground screw.
    NOTICE: Loosen ground stud just enough to install fork terminal, so vehicle wiring does not lose ground.
20. Locate the tail of the 4-way connector wire and the output side wires of the control module. Attach each similar color wire to each other using a red butt connector and crimping tool.
    NOTICE (OPTIONAL): The butt connectors are heat shrink connectors. Apply heat to waterproof the connectors after crimping.
21. Secure harness to Stealth hitch frame with cable ties. Maintain an 18" loop from the cable tie to the 4-way plug. Add the magnetic cable holder and secure to the harness close to the 4-way plug, with a cable tie.
22. The wires on the input side of the module need to be attached to the vehicle wiring. In the driver side of cargo area, locate the indicated part of the vehicle wiring harness. Use clamp-on connectors to connect the brown and yellow input wires to wires behind taillight. (As shown in reference table on the next page.)
    NOTE: Vehicles may have different wire colors than those shown. Verify circuits (wire colors) with [multimeter].
23. Route the green input wire to the passenger side of the vehicle through the cargo compartment. Locate the indicated part of the vehicle wiring harness. Remove the tape to gain access to taillight wires. Use a clamp-on connector to connect the green wire to the right turn signal wire behind the taillight. (As shown in reference table on the next page.)

CLAMP-ON CONNECTOR COLOR REFERENCE TABLE

NOTICE: Do not connect the red brake wire. This vehicle does not utilize a separate brake circuit. The brake signal is sent down the left and right turn circuits simultaneously.

NOTE: If two colors are listed, the first color is the dominant color.

24. Reinstall the 20 Amp fuse in the harness fuse holder.
25. Test the 4-way plug using a [multimeter] or connect the plug to a trailer and verify that the lights and brakes work correctly.
26. Secure all wires and wiring components. Use the remaining cable ties to secure wiring so that it is not loose and will not interfere with replacement of the gravel guard. Wiring should not be visible once the vehicle is reassembled. Use the provided adhesive foam strips to secure the control module to the inside body panel. Use [silicone] to waterproof the grommet.

? Skip to Step 43 to complete installation.

INSTALL ACTIVE WIRING KIT CONTINUED

27. 2025+ ONLY: Inside the rear cargo area, lift up the floor panel and remove.
    NOTE: Remove the side panel if present on the driver side. Other vehicle model years skip to Step 34.
28. 2025+ ONLY: On the floor of the cargo area, use a [plastic pry tool] to release (2) clips. Lift up and remove the plastic floor panel.
    NOTE: The clips may be on either side of the floor panel.
29. 2025+ ONLY: Use a [pry tool] or [flat head screwdriver] to turn the (2) plastic rivets 90 degrees. Remove the plastic rivets securing the rear threshold, as shown. Lift up on the threshold and remove.
30. 2025+ ONLY: Open the rear driver side door. Carefully lift up the weatherstripping around the lower section of the door, pulling it up and away from the door frame. Gently pull up on the plastic trim panels to release the clips securing the panels to the floor.
    NOTE: Only dislodge about 2' of the weatherstripping along the bottom of the door opening.
31. 2025+ ONLY: Remove (3) screws securing the cargo area driver side panel to the cargo area floor and (1) screw located behind the seat release lever.
32. 2025+ ONLY: Pull driver side panel inward to release clips securing it to the vehicle body. Unplug two plugs and set side panel aside.
33. 2025+ ONLY: Route the input wiring harness along the side of the trunk wall and secure the ground ring terminal to vehicle ground stud using the supplied M6 nut.
34. 2022-2024 ONLY: On the driver side of the cargo area, use a [plastic pry tool] to remove the panel, as shown.
35. While using a flashlight, locate the 6-pin connector taped to a harness bundle. Carefully release the 6-pin connector from the tape and pull away from the rest of the harness.
36. Under the vehicle trunk on the driver side, locate and remove the indicated grommet. Discard the grommet.
37. Inside the wiring harness kit, locate the output harness. From under the vehicle, feed the small 6-pin connector up through the hole where the grommet was removed. Seat the rubber grommet into the hole.
38. Secure harness to Stealth hitch frame with cable ties. Maintain an 18" loop from the cable tie to the 4-way plug. Add the magnetic cable holder and secure to the harness close to the 4-way plug, with a cable tie.
39. Inside the wiring harness kit, locate the input harness with fuse. Temporarily remove the fuse from the fuse holder. Plug the input harness 6-pin male plug into the female plug which was taped behind the panel. The two plugs should lock together.
40. Inside the wiring harness kit, locate the control module. Plug the 7 pin input harness connector and 6 pin output harness connector into the control module as shown. Press each plug into place until it locks in. Replace the fuse in the fuse holder.
41. Use the double sided tape to attach the control module to a flat area of metal inside the panel. Secure all loose wires with cable ties.
42. Test the 4-way plug using a [multimeter] or connect the plug to a trailer and verify that the lights and brakes work correctly. Secure all wires and wiring components. Use the remaining cable ties to secure wiring. Replace the driver side panel and other cargo area components by working backward through the wiring section of the instructions. Wiring should not be visible once the vehicle is reassembled.

CUT ACCESS TO LATCH BLOCK

Step 43: Use a [Dremel tool] to cut out the gravel guard, as shown. Use a [file] to smooth out the cut.

REINSTALL VEHICLE COMPONENTS

Step 44: Reattach and secure the gravel guard, and other vehicle components in reverse order. Refer to Steps 1-2.

FINAL VEHICLE EXAMINATION

45. Examine the body panels to ensure that they are in a pre-installation condition. Test the electronic functions of the vehicle. Correct any inconsistencies.
46. Ensure that hitch components work properly.
    • Verify that the lock works correctly. Push in the safety lock on the latch block then unlock with key. The lock should slide back out with the key when unlocked.
    • Verify that each accessory can be installed correctly. Use the following steps to install and remove each accessory that will be used with the hitch. (Rack Receiver and Ball Mount if purchased.)
      1. Prepare latching mechanism. Turn handle clockwise if needed.
      2. Firmly insert "post" of accessory into latch block until handle releases indicating that the accessory is latched.
      3. Push in the safety locking pin until it fully engages. The locking pin prevents the handle from turning when pushed in, and confirms that the block is securely latched onto the accessory. The safety locking pin will not depress if the accessory is not fully latched.
      4. Use key to release safety locking pin.
      5. While holding on to the accessory, rotate handle clockwise to release and remove the accessory.
    • Verify that no part of the accessories come into contact with the body of the vehicle.

PRODUCT USE AND MAINTENANCE

NOTICE: If the hitch is being installed by a professional, the installer is responsible for training the end user in the use and maintenance of the product.

• Accessory installation procedure:
  1. Prepare latching mechanism. Turn handle clockwise if needed.
  2. Firmly insert "post" of accessory into latch block until handle spins counter-clockwise indicating that the accessory is latched.
  3. Always depress the safety locking pin and check that it has fully engaged.
• Never use any accessory with the safety lock disengaged. Until the safety locking pin is engaged, the handle is able to turn. A fully engaged safety locking pin is confirmation that the accessory is properly latched into the latch block.
• Never use the rack receiver for towing. The rack receiver accessory is only to be used with payload carrying products, such as bike racks or luggage racks.
• Before each use, give the post of the accessory a light coating of lithium based grease.
• Before each use, inspect the hitch to ensure that all bolted connections are secure and that no cracks or damage are present. Do not tow with the hitch if cracks or damage outside of normal wear is found.
• Remove the Stealth accessories from the latch block after each use. Do not leave accessories plugged in for extended periods of time.