I am interested in buying a small fishing boat. I know the tow capacity is only rated at 1500 lbs, but that seems really low. Has anyone towed a boat with their RDX? How was it? Any input will be greatly appreciated.

 

As far as I know the RDX body frame is not suited for hauling heavy loads. I'm sure someone has already done it without any issues.

 

Do you know the specs of the boat+trailer? The tongue weight, how loaded down the RDX will be, conditions for towing (flat to mountains, speed, distance) and the aerodynamics of the boat may also be a factor in getting your towing answer.

 

Or ----- get a truck.

 

I have towed my jetski with my wife's 2010 RDX since 2010 primarily because my Altima is not considered to be a tow vehicle at all. Just putting a hitch on an Altima is a nightmare. The RDX actually has threaded holes in the frame where you attach the hitch frame. Anyway, you can't even tell the trailer and jetski are back there. I am currently buying a Glastron SSV 175 (2039 lbs.) and plan on towing it (only to the marina in the spring and back home in the fall. The only problem I anticipate at all is maybe pulling the boat up the ramp in the fall and with AWD I don't even think that will be much of a worry.

I have read elsewhere that the towing capacity of the RDX is underrated and I believe it to be true. We'll see.

Of course, I'm the kind of guy you see at Lowes or Home Depot loading enough materials to build an 8 X 16 foot shed into a hatchback Cavalier and putting a red flag on the 16' ridge board. I believe in getting the most out of a vehicle and have been lucky so far. Makes no sense to me to buy a truck if I only need it 2 or 3 days a year.

 

Rated from the factory is 1,500 GVWR.. I don't think it's a good idea if it's over but maybe Robert can vouch for us

 

Hi guys, I just bought tonight a 2014 RDX Tech AWD. I researched it well and got it for a steal. They're detailing it for me tomorrow to pick up. Driving home I began to get a sick feeling because I bought it thinking of course it can tow a boat. It's a V6. Then I looked up a getting a class 3 Hitch for my old 85 15' glastron bassboat so I can fish with my son maybe once a week to the nearest lake 80 miles away. Almost all flat except one long grade. I came upon these threads and my heart kinda sank. I've read conflicting reports about the tow capacity. Most cite the recommended capacity of 1500 lbs. But I've seen some more recent comments with 2G's being no problem especially with the V6 vs the 4-turbo. So I'm wondering if anyone has any more experience with 2G towing, particularly AWD. Now that I've bought this car, I'm gonna be poring over this site and look forward to it.

 

I have towed a motorcycle to Florida twice with My 2013 RDX AWD. Bike and trailer about 1200 lbs.If You have the a/c on, it acts like it is overloaded.Constantly downshifting and upshifting.With the air off it is much better. The other problem is the electric steering. Much too sensitive for trailering. Almost tipped My trailer reacting when someone got too close.I would think that anything over 1500 lbs will cause the trans to "labor" and overheat from shifting up and down constantly.