tow with hybrid
04-21-2018, 01:30 PM
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
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
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
04-21-2018, 09:10 PM
#2
Yes the hybrid has the space and threaded holes for mounting the hitch.
According to Acura, the hybrid is NOT rated to tow. Neither the transmission nor electric drivetrain have tow ratings. Considering that you can put 7 people plus gear in an MDX, I’d think (hypothetically) it could pull a light boat for a short distance, as well... but if you choose to do that, it is entirely at your own risk. Acura doesn’t endorse it, and they won’t warranty anything that fails as a result of towing.
According to Acura, the hybrid is NOT rated to tow. Neither the transmission nor electric drivetrain have tow ratings. Considering that you can put 7 people plus gear in an MDX, I’d think (hypothetically) it could pull a light boat for a short distance, as well... but if you choose to do that, it is entirely at your own risk. Acura doesn’t endorse it, and they won’t warranty anything that fails as a result of towing.
04-21-2018, 09:16 PM
#3
Safety Car
Thread Starter
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?
04-21-2018, 09:21 PM
#4
(I am neither a lawyer nor a representative of Honda/Acura)
The mere presence of a hitch does not necessarily mean you tow. Nor does a hitch cause a warranty to be void. However, Acura would be under no obligation to cover damage that was caused by towing.
So if your radio stops working, then no problem... warranty should take care of you. But if you’ve got the towing harness installed and your DCT is acting funny... you might have an uphill battle.
The mere presence of a hitch does not necessarily mean you tow. Nor does a hitch cause a warranty to be void. However, Acura would be under no obligation to cover damage that was caused by towing.
So if your radio stops working, then no problem... warranty should take care of you. But if you’ve got the towing harness installed and your DCT is acting funny... you might have an uphill battle.
04-21-2018, 09:23 PM
#5
Notice: a bike rack shouldn’t require tow harness — only hitch.
towing a boat (legally) requires working trailer lights, so you’d need the harness. I think that would be a red-flag to Acura. Again, they don’t “void” your entire warranty... they just won’t cover damage caused by the misuse/abuse.
towing a boat (legally) requires working trailer lights, so you’d need the harness. I think that would be a red-flag to Acura. Again, they don’t “void” your entire warranty... they just won’t cover damage caused by the misuse/abuse.
04-21-2018, 09:24 PM
#6
Safety Car
Thread Starter
well I don't need a tow harness to back it down the launch ramp 
04-23-2018, 08:54 PM
#7
mrgold35
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.
Trending Topics
04-23-2018, 09:05 PM
#8
Safety Car
Thread Starter
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
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
Last edited by getakey; 04-23-2018 at 09:17 PM.
04-23-2018, 09:30 PM
#9
Safety Car
Thread Starter
well dang
04-23-2018, 09:48 PM
#10
mrgold35
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).
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).
Last edited by mrgold35; 04-23-2018 at 09:54 PM.
04-23-2018, 11:14 PM
#11
Safety Car
Thread Starter
ski boat is fairly heavy
21 feet and V8 probably 3000 lbs
21 feet and V8 probably 3000 lbs
04-24-2018, 08:30 AM
#12
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.
04-24-2018, 08:31 AM
#13
04-24-2018, 09:31 PM
#14
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I'm thinking the same
Need an alternate plan - like a friend with a pickup
Need an alternate plan - like a friend with a pickup
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gavriil
Automotive News
11
07-11-2005 06:05 AM
STL
1G TSX (2004-2008)
1
01-06-2004 06:04 PM