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SUVs Acura MDX Acura MDX Towing
56 messages, Last post on Jun 29, 2009 at 11:01 AM
You are in the Acura MDX Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Thanks for the info about the additional engine and transmission coolers. The latest word from the dealer is that there is no info on the hitch/harness etc for the 2007 model yet. The $800.00 quote was for the 2006 model. Dealer hopes to have updated information soon. I'm going to call acura service departments tomorrow to see if I can find any more information. Thanks again.
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Replying to: natenj1971 (Nov 02, 2006 5:04 pm) |
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Replying to: syswei (Nov 02, 2006 5:59 pm) Is that official fact from Acura, or speculation? According to the Acura regional representative I spoke with last year, they determined that so few customers use the MDX for serious towing, that they elected to not make the engine and transmission oriented towards that purpose, hence the need for extra coolers. The 2007, although more horsepower, is still well below the torque of many of it's V8 competitors (GX470, LR3, X5 V8, Cayenne) and it's still a FWD based AWD system (more stressed under towing conditions). I have no actual knowledge on what the hitch/cooler issue is for 2007, and neither does my dealer who I called yesterday. He was going to look into it and get back to me. What is the source of information for your statement? |
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Replying to: habitat1 (Nov 03, 2006 4:59 am) It's hard to believe they would go through all that trouble just not to have a trailer hitch available! |
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Replying to: habitat1 (Nov 03, 2006 4:59 am)
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Replying to: syswei (Nov 03, 2006 7:04 am) I called around to a few dealers. They all said the hitch is scheduled to hit dealers on Nov 10th. The hitch info is listed on the acura mdx site under "Features and Options," and then "Utility" It does say that the tranny "was designed with towing in mind.." So looks like this deal may live after all. Dealer even called offering a loaner car while we wait for the hitch. Thanks again for all the responses. |
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Replying to: habitat1 (Nov 03, 2006 4:59 am) It's official from Acura. Here's snippet from their press/news site. With a towing capacity of 5000 pounds the 2007 MDX can tow boat and/or camper trailers with equal confidence. Standard towing equipment includes a high-capacity radiator with twin 160-watt fans, an automatic transmission fluid cooler, a heavy-duty power-steering cooler and pre-wiring for an electric brake controller. A Towing Package is available as dealer-installed accessory, and includes a hitch, receiver, ball and wiring harness. "According to the Acura regional representative I spoke with last year, they determined that so few customers use the MDX for serious towing, that they elected to not make the engine and transmission oriented towards that purpose, hence the need for extra coolers." - Habitat1 It looks like your rep has got his/her wires crossed. They did add the coolers, they upped the capacity (slightly), and they reprogrammed the VSA to react specifically to towing situations. Scroll down to the bottom of this press release for details. http://hondanews.com/CatID3028?mid=2006090866280&mime=asc On a related note, Acura is starting to play the same games as other manufactuers. From 2001-2006, the MDX was rated to tow a max weight of 4,500 lbs. That weight also allowed for up to four passengers (600 lbs) and enough luggage for a weekend (200 lbs). Most all other manufactuers publish the towing caacity with only the driver (150 lbs) and absolutely no cargo. With the Ridgeline and MDX, towing is now based on a vehicle with only two passengers and the 200 lbs of gear. So, if you compare the old MDX with the new one (both loaded with four passengers and gear) the difference in max towing is only 200 lbs. 4,500 vs 4,700 lbs.
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Replying to: varmint (Nov 03, 2006 7:57 am) Maybe I wasn't clear, I spoke with the Acura rep last year regarding our 2005 MDX. That's very good news for the 2007 that you don't have to go to hell and back with installing engine and power steering coolers just to add a trailer hitch. All we wanted to do wass add a bike rack and possibly tow a light boat (under 3,000 lbs) short distances. As for the 2001-2006 MDX towing capacity of 4,500 lbs, my hometown dealer recommended against the MDX for anything over 3,000 lbs, especially the pre-2005 model and especially for long distances on highways with some topography. The previous MDX (and TL) automatic transmissions were already a weak link in the car and that additional stress could cause problems down the road. My dealer also sold Mercedes and towing is the one area that the ML500 had a significant practical performance advantage over the MDX. Thansks for the official info and link on the 2007. I still don't think I'd push it to its capacity limit as a boat hauler, but at least for lighter duty towing it will be a lot more practical that the previous model.
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Replying to: habitat1 (Nov 03, 2006 9:47 am) My bad! I thought the rep was giving you his assessment of the (at the time) upcoming 2007 MDX. |
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