ESteid

Has anyone installed a 5,000lb hitch using aftermarket parts?

I put in a hitch from ETrailer.com on my RDX and really enjoyed it.
Seem's if I'm going to do it again I should go for the full size one.

I have emailed them for details, but figured the road may have been traveled.

RSGGSR

I am quite sure that the hitch hardware does not change from 3500 - 5000 lbs. The hitch will only allow 3500#. the transmission oil cooler will be required to upgrade to the 5000# capacity.

I went through the dealer (as part of the purchase) as the wiring, hitch, etc. was all done and all that was required for the electric brake controller was to plug it in.

beach109

You can always install a different hitch, however it will never integrate and replace a section of the rear bumper cover as the Acura factory hitch does. This alone is a huge reason for the factory install.

Further, unless the Acura-only cooling upgrade is installed in conjunction, your MDX is not rated for 5000 lbs. This has nothing to do with the hitch and instead the power train cooling.

The factory parts are worth it, and perfectly integrated if you are considering a hitch.

tman

Agreed, stick with factory. Looks much better and really not that much more in the long run.

ESteid

Thank you all.

I looked at the Acura accessories and could not find the brake controller as a part number. Does anyone have it?

tman

Acura does not have the controller. When you buy the trailer wiring kit, it comes with a harness that connects to under dash wiring for controller of your choice. Harness also comes with all wiring for tail light hook up etc, but only for the Acura trailer hitch.

RSGGSR

Yup. Here was my experience

The connector plug is located just inside the outboard drivers side kick panel - near the E-brake pedal.
The connector plug comes with an excellent diagram to make connecting to the brake controller very easy.
I did need to add additional wire to lengthen the distance between the plug and the controller.

The rear panel is easily accessed by lifting out the trunk tray (similar to accessing the spare tire, jack etc.) - pull the cover, install the 20a fuse (I think it can only go in one spot)
Done!

the only thing would add, is if you only need a flat 4 connector ( i.e. not using the brakes), you will need to buy an adapter as the factory connector is a 7 (I think) pin adapter.
I need the trailer brakes for the car trailer - but a flat 4 for the boat (no brakes) so I need the adapter