07+ MDX Tow Question
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Quarterlife Crisis....
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Texas
07+ MDX Tow Question
I am looking at possibly trading in my TL-S for something with towing power. 
I was surprised to learn the MDX can tow up to 5000 pounds and has a transmission cooler from the factory. My question is, has anyone towed anything significantly and if so, have they been comfortable doing so?
I was looking at towing my S2000 (2700 lbs) + a trailer somtimes and wanted to know if an MDX would be sufficient.
I was surprised to learn the MDX can tow up to 5000 pounds and has a transmission cooler from the factory. My question is, has anyone towed anything significantly and if so, have they been comfortable doing so? I was looking at towing my S2000 (2700 lbs) + a trailer somtimes and wanted to know if an MDX would be sufficient.
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I just picked up an '07 MDX and will use it to occassionally tow my old Sport Nautique and Jet Skiis. I can either pay approx $1k to have the dealer install the Towing Package, buy the OEM parts for about $600 and do it myself or go with a third party (on-line, U-Haul) to either have them install everything for approx $400 or do it myself with aftermarket hitch/wiring harness for approx $250. Has anyone done any of these? Helpful hints/things to avoid? Thanks.
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 88,888
Likes: 11,846
From: Waffles, BU
the GVWR which is the total combined weight of all passengers, tow weight & tongue weight is 5,962 lbs. For every 1000ft in elevation you decrease the load rating by 2%. The tongue capacity is 5-10% of total boat trailer weight. You can estimate tongue weight by taking the difference between the height of the tongue with the load on it and the height of the low part of the trailer. For every 1/2" that he tongue dips lower then the height of the trailer is equivalent to 175 lbs of tongue weight. So if you tongue is 1" lower it has approximately 350 lbs on it. All of this should be in your owner's manual. If your 20' weighs 5000lbs alone then the X won't be able to tow it safely. You'll burn out your trans. In all honesty.. I wouldn't tow anything more than 2000 lbs with the X.
So next time you do the tow math:
So next time you do the tow math:
Weight of all Pax
Weight of total tow
+ Weight on tongue
Gross Vehicle Weight
As long as your Gross Vehicle Weight is less than 5,962 lbs you are within the safe limits.Weight of total tow
+ Weight on tongue
Gross Vehicle Weight
L-003: what can the MDX really tow
A-CL Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I just ordered the tow hitch and the wiring kit from www.etrailer.com for $171 shipped.
I will be installing it myself.
etrailer has the installation video and it seems pretty simple.
I'll update you once it's installed.
I will be installing it myself.
etrailer has the installation video and it seems pretty simple.
I'll update you once it's installed.
A-CL Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I installed it yesterday. It's pretty stratight forward but hard work.
I was alone and with just the basic tools but it would help if you have somebody to help and have some advanced tools like an impact wrench and such.
All in all, I am very happy with it and how it looks.
I was alone and with just the basic tools but it would help if you have somebody to help and have some advanced tools like an impact wrench and such.
All in all, I am very happy with it and how it looks.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,966
Likes: 182
I just installed the etrailer hitch myself with the etrailer wiring loom on a 2010. Pretty easy but 2 people just to hold up the hitch and get the bolts started is an advantage. Total = $215. Used the Acura instalation guide to locate the knockouts for the wiring through the floor. Bolted the socket to the etrailer bracket for the socket. 2 hours should do it. Last weekend towed my jet skis and it was easy. I've towed them with Explorer 5.0 V8, Honda Pilot 3.5 and my 3.7 MDX. Good = Explorer, Better = Pilot, Best = MDX.
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10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11
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I just picked up an '07 MDX and will use it to occassionally tow my old Sport Nautique and Jet Skiis. I can either pay approx $1k to have the dealer install the Towing Package, buy the OEM parts for about $600 and do it myself or go with a third party (on-line, U-Haul) to either have them install everything for approx $400 or do it myself with aftermarket hitch/wiring harness for approx $250. Has anyone done any of these? Helpful hints/things to avoid? Thanks.
I'd suggest the middle road, with having the independent shop do it for $400. You save yourself the effort, time, and dirty work, but still get a pro job from specialists. You still have some warranty, and someone to complain to if it goes wrong.
Dealer prices are a joke. Way too high. OEM parts are un-necessarily expensive. Hitches from www.etrailer.com, valley, or uhaul are no-brainers. Whether you do it yourself or not to save $150 is up to you, and depends on how you value your time and your skill with a wrench.
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I just picked up an '07 MDX and will use it to occassionally tow my old Sport Nautique and Jet Skiis. I can either pay approx $1k to have the dealer install the Towing Package, buy the OEM parts for about $600 and do it myself or go with a third party (on-line, U-Haul) to either have them install everything for approx $400 or do it myself with aftermarket hitch/wiring harness for approx $250. Has anyone done any of these? Helpful hints/things to avoid? Thanks.
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I am looking at possibly trading in my TL-S for something with towing power. I was surprised to learn the MDX can tow up to 5000 pounds and has a transmission cooler from the factory. My question is, has anyone towed anything significantly and if so, have they been comfortable doing so?
I was looking at towing my S2000 (2700 lbs) + a trailer somtimes and wanted to know if an MDX would be sufficient.
I was surprised to learn the MDX can tow up to 5000 pounds and has a transmission cooler from the factory. My question is, has anyone towed anything significantly and if so, have they been comfortable doing so? I was looking at towing my S2000 (2700 lbs) + a trailer somtimes and wanted to know if an MDX would be sufficient.
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