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Acura MDX Towing

75 messages,  Last post on Nov 26, 2011 at 12:27 AM

You are in the Acura MDX Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura MDX, Towing, SUV

Messages Page 5 of 8

#36 of 75 How Much Can It Actually Tow? by wendyrakus

Oct 30, 2007 (6:13 am)

I know that both the older MDXes and the Pilots are towing rated at 4500 lb for boats and 3500 lb for "other" trailers. What I want to know is how much they can really tow. We have an "other" trailer that weighs about 4000 lb. We don't tow often...maybe 10 days a year tops, and rarely more than a couple of hours per trip.
 
Would either a Pilot or an older MDX be able to handle that amount of towing? Has anyone had experience with towing slightly outside the ratings?

#37 of 75 Re: MDX, Afermarket hitch or to the dealer? [kbergholz] by blufz1

Nov 01, 2007 (11:26 am)

Replying to: kbergholz (Oct 23, 2007 4:00 pm)
Go to the local trailer place. They know more re towing than your dealer. The savings is just a plus. Be sure the trailer tongue is roughly parallel with the vehicle when attached. They make variable height hitch balls and/or adjustable height hitches to get it right. Hope this helps.

#38 of 75 Re: MDX, Afermarket hitch or to the dealer? [kbergholz] by anthonyo

Nov 18, 2007 (7:12 am)

Replying to: kbergholz (Oct 23, 2007 4:00 pm)
Hi:
 
Looking for additional ideas for the best Aftermarket Hitch w/ wiring harness to add to an 08 MDX that I will be leasing soon.
 
Dealer wants $995 (anyone getting a better price from a dealer?)
 
I've seen some of the hitches available (Hidden Hitch) but they don't look as integrated as the Acura Hitch kit. (pretty crummy actually).
 
Looks like I may be able to get the Acura hitch kit for $500 direct but it looks difficult to install myself.
 
BTW I am towing a moderate sized boat but only twice per year.
 
Thanks in advance!
 
Anthony O
 

#39 of 75 Re: MDX, Afermarket hitch or to the dealer? [anthonyo] by JBaumgart

Nov 18, 2007 (10:03 pm)

Replying to: anthonyo (Nov 18, 2007 7:12 am)
Anthony, sorry can't offer any suggestions but please report back after you decide what to do.

#40 of 75 Re: MDX, Afermarket hitch or to the dealer? [JBaumgart] by anthonyo

Nov 19, 2007 (10:44 am)

Replying to: JBaumgart (Nov 18, 2007 10:03 pm)
I found a great post on AcuraMDX.org
 
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?s=5bb71ee6a6ee2fc025707dd2b2159f87- - &threadid=28975&highlight=hitch
 
Once I get the car I think I will be going with the Valley Hitch from etrailer.com
 
http://www.etrailer.com/productdetail.asp?partno=V82111&vehicleid=9866&yearfrom=- - 2007&h=
 
Looks like the Hitch and Wiring Harness can be had for about $150
 
This looks just as nice as the $1000 Acura Dealer installed Hitch!
  
I'll post my experience once I get this all installed..
 
Thanks
 
Anthony O

#41 of 75 Re: MDX, Afermarket hitch or to the dealer? [anthonyo] by JBaumgart

Nov 19, 2007 (8:09 pm)

Replying to: anthonyo (Nov 19, 2007 10:44 am)
Very cool, and very reasonable too. Looks like the way to go - good luck!

#42 of 75 Acura MDX Trailer Towing by arnold10

Mar 02, 2008 (7:32 pm)

I have a 2003 MDX. I am looking to buy a 3200lb (dry weight) camper. The manual says 3500lb towing capacity and 4500lb capacity on a boat trailer. I called the dealer who advised me that 4500lb. is the capacity with the towing package (coolers etc.). Looking for anyone who has an experience towing with this kind of weight and any comments on whether the vehicle would be capable of handling this load.

#43 of 75 Re: Acura MDX Trailer Towing [arnold10] by newfie86

Mar 07, 2008 (7:29 pm)

Replying to: arnold10 (Mar 02, 2008 7:32 pm)
I have a 2001 MDX and I tow a 4400LB boat and trailer that I bought late last year. (20ft bow rider with inboard). Other than excessive fuel consumption I have not noticed any negative effects on the MDX. I did not install the transmission cooler yet, however I will do that this year to be on the safe side. On a straight run I can do 120km/h without too much strain, however I notice a steep drop in speed on an incline but the transmission will kick down a gear but I do feel the MDX work hard to get to the top of the incline. I expect this to be normal considering I am close to the max towing weight.
I wouldn't worry too much if you are going short distances, however for long distances I would get the cooler. My trailer has tandem wheels with surge brakes. I don't notice the weight when I stop due to the trailer brakes.
 
Hope this helps. Good luck.

#44 of 75 Re: Acura MDX Trailer Towing [newfie86] by arnold10

Mar 09, 2008 (6:40 pm)

Replying to: newfie86 (Mar 07, 2008 7:29 pm)
This helps a lot Thanks. The fact that you are at the top end of the boat towing capacity without much difficulty gives me confidence I can pull this camper. I went and bought the camper this weekend. I am planning on getting the trans cooler installed along with a sway control as Acura does not receomend a weight distributing hitch. The camper is a single axle with surge brakes so I'll go with that. Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I plan on pulling it about 150 miles in April, I'll post how it went.

#45 of 75 Towing pop-up with 2003 MDX by eegeekydude

Apr 03, 2008 (4:30 pm)

We're planning to tow a 2007 Rockwood HW258G pop-up (2436 dry axle weight) with our 2003 MDX. Does anyone know why a power steering cooler is required for the 2003 MDX towing package? I understand the transmission cooler, but not the power steering cooler. Also, if anyone has any experience towing with a 2003 MDX please reply your experiences. Thanks!

Messages Page 5 of 8

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