I'm considering a 2008 MDX, but I currently tow a utility trailer at times and this MDX does not have a hitch on it. Can you cleanly install hitches on the MDX do I really need to look for one with the tow pkg from the factory.

This is just one of many ?'s as I consider this MDX. We have had our 2004 TL since new and love it so might be adding another to the family.

 

I just bought the '08 without the running boards and tow hitch. I purchased both items and installed these myself. Simple install if you are handy enough. It took me 2 hours to do the hitch by myself and 1 hour for the running boards. I purchased the Thule 4-bike rack also for 230 from amazon with the Thule hitch lock. Will be trying the hitch and rack this weekend we we go riding. I bought OEM hitch btw.

 

I had a class 3 hitch installed by Rack N Road and purchased the Thule 914XT Roadway 4 bike rack.

The hitch fits snugly under the bumper and is a nice addition.

 

the trailer hitch is pretty well hidden.

 

THanks for all the feedback...

 

I just installed a Curt hitch from eTrailer yesterday. VERY easy to instal. It just takes some muscle (plus a mallet) to get the holes lined up. It also does NOT require any lower bumper trimming! $155 delivered.

 

Does the exhaust need modifications ??
Some 3rd party say it must be lowered temp for install.
Is the OEM really a 5K system ??

 

My installer said that he had to lower/remove the heat shield temporarily in order to do the install and that it was fairly routine.

Don't know about the OEM...

 

I removed the heatshield and lowered the exhaust to get the brackets and the hitch installed. I have the OEM one from Acura. Installing the hitch is not hard, is removing the bumper first and installing the trim that is time consuming, the rest is a breeze!

 

hi all,

I recently called my acura dealer about the installation cost (parts and labor) for a hitch installation. There were 2 options, the hitch installation and the tow package. I asked what the difference was and he said the tow package includes parts for cooling the transmission and something else (sorry I don't remember but it was important). Theres no mention of it on the acura website. They said without the cooling parts the MDX can only tow <2k pounds. I can't verify that its true, only telling you guys what my local dealer told me.

 

I think you also need the trans cooler for max loads without burning it up. The other part of the tow package might be electrical. Wonder if the trans cooler extends life in normal non tow driving <???>

 

You may also want to check out hitchmart.com. Hitch, all hardware and installation directions included. Easy installation especially if you also buy the optional electrical connector they suggest which simply plugs into the factory wiring. My 15 year old son (the muscle) and I (the brains) completed everything in about an hour. We simply removed the rubber hangers (per the instructions) to allow the exhaust pipes to hang down and bolted it right in. Tighten with at torque wrench (they note the lbs/ft in the instructions), re hang the exhaust pipes and you're done!

 

Does the Curt Trailer Hitch installed on the '07-'13 MDX interfere with lowering the full size spare .

 

I went to the dealer to get my hitch installed on my 2009 Acura. I didn't trust myself to install it myself :-\