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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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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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Replying to: varmint (Nov 03, 2006 7:57 am) While the standard to rate towing capacity seems to have changed (two occupants as opposed to four), the older 4500-lb towing was recommended only for boats, 3500 lb for trailers/campers. The new 5000 lb towing capacity is claimed to be good for trailers/campers. |
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Replying to: natenj1971 (Nov 02, 2006 5:04 pm) Question is has anyone had trouble aquiring a hitch? Dealer says they haven't received any yet. My dad wont take delivery without the hitch (he's always towing something around; atv,lawn mower, stuff my mom doesn't want around the house anymore). The dealer response is "we'll just call you when the hitch arrives and install at that time" (no eta on that). Price for the hitch is $800.00
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Replying to: natenj1971 (Nov 02, 2006 8:13 am) However, losing a good deal on an expensive vehicle just to prevent being without a hitch for a while seems like a Pyrrhic victory. I can't imagine it would take more than a few weeks to get the proper hitch. Is it possible for him to be without a tow vehicle that long, but he just doesn't want the bother? Or does he need to tow and cannot do without? If he can wait, I'd try to weasel some free stuff from the dealer based on how long it takes to get the hitch. One free oil change coupon for every week he has to wait, or something like that.
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Replying to: varmint (Nov 02, 2006 10:43 am) My concern would be the wait time - seems like someone had to wait months for an OEM hitch (or harness?) around here for their SUV. Been searching for the post but can't find it though; this isn't quite what I thought I remembered: darrylj, "RAV4 Towing Options" #10, 26 Jul 2006 5:55 am
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Replying to: steve_ (Nov 02, 2006 11:04 am) I think the biggest factor has been the dealer response. They didn't notify him about the hitch till he went to the dealer to check out the car. He had to remind them to "install the hitch" and that's how he found out it was going to be delayed. They're not interested in any concessions, in their words - these cars are in high demand. So no free oil changes, no free car washes. nada. My dad doesn't go for that stuff anyway. He told them, If you want my car so bad give me a car to use while were waiting for the hitch. By the time it arrives you'll have another MDX like I requested. When the dealer heard that suddenly they think the hitch will be available Nov 13 - but not guarenteed. Of course the dealer declined the loaner car suggestion. I'm really curious if others have had similar trouble getting a hitch (I couldn't find it listed as an accessory or option on the website). Apparently the harness etc is specific to this model so it's not like and aftermarket product will do (something about voiding warrenty etc).
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Replying to: natenj1971 (Nov 02, 2006 1:07 pm) But I agree with you and your Dad's concern. We looked into getting a trailer hitch for our 2005 MDX, primarily to use with the rear bike carrier. As it turns out, we had a heck of a time finding a dealer that stocked them and they would only install it with the additional engine and transmission coolers that Acura requires. Failure to do so would have invalidated the warranty. Very few MDX's have trailer hitches. I have only seen 1-2 in our area. If the redesigned 2007 required a new hitch design, I wouldn't be surprised if you had to wait a long time to get one. And be sure to check if you don't also still need the engine and transmission coolers for the 2007. |
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