tow with hybrid
 

I bought the MDX Hybrid knowing that you should not tow with it. I have a ski boat that is in dry stack so they launch it for me. However, I'm moving to a house that is 5 minutes from a lake (not the place where I currently have boat in dry stack). They do not have dry stack, but have storage next to marina. Wondering:
1. does hybrid have space for hitch to be installed
2. risks of just towing the boat from storage to launch ramp - very short distance

I have a bike rack that fits in hitch. So if you put hitch on and only use for bike rack, they won't honor warranty?

well I don't need a tow harness to back it down the launch ramp :)

I've heard the issue is with the 7DCT being the weak point in towing. I've read DCT clutch packs can generate a lot of heat in low speed maneuvers under loads like slowly driving up a steep driveway or backing up/down a boat ramp. The sh-sh-awd would probably have 3500lbs of towing if it still had the 9AT. Very limited number of trucks and SUVs with DCT and towing capabilities compared to DCTs in "sporty" vehicles.

well you sure put a damper on my plan
but backing down a ramp - most of the stress is on the Brakes
and pulling up the ramp - it would primarily be in the same gear

well dang

I think it is the characteristics of a DCT being a mix between an automatic and manual transmission (a 7MT with auto clutch). The DCT clutch plates are still engaged forward or reverse at low speeds. You might have to back down the ramp in neutral to fully disengage the clutch packs in a DCT? In my old manual days, I would sometimes slowly engage the clutch and gas to adjust my speed or full clutch and brake to stop when backing up at low speeds. I don't think I've ever backed up without my left foot on or just hanging over on the 3rd pedal. I think the 7DCT does the same thing at low speeds until you get into regular driving mode.

I really think if you don't exceed the max cabin weight of the sh-sh-awd, the 7DCT wouldn't know the difference between 400 lbs in the cabin/roof/hatch or 400lbs on a small trailer (depends on how heavy the ski boat).

ski boat is fairly heavy
21 feet and V8 probably 3000 lbs

It isn't an issue about being in-gear... It's the wet clutches. At low speeds, the clutches are partially engaged, but not fully engaged. That is necessary so that some slippage can occur so the engine doesn't stall. The clutches are in an oil bath, for cooling, but towing may be too much for the system to handle.

In a conventional transmission the torque converter would facilitate slippage during low-speed maneuvers. Torque converters also have a torque-multiplication effect at low speeds, which helps get you off the line when towing.

It's your vehicle, so ultimately your decision. But if I had a MDX Sport Hybrid, that would be way too heavy for me to risk it.

I'm thinking the same
Need an alternate plan - like a friend with a pickup