Towing A Trailer - Acura MDX 2016 Owner's Manual

DRIVING

Towing a Trailer

Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. An accessory front towing grille is
required whenever a trailer is towed. You can get the accessory grille at a dealer.
See the owner's Manual on the owner Information CD or visit owners.acura.com
for more information.
Towing Load Limits
Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable weight of
the trailer, cargo, and everything in or on it shown
in the table below.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously affect
vehicle handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
Number of 4WD models with
occupants ATF cooler without ATF cooler
2 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
3 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
4 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
5 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
6 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
7 Towing not recommended
each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
• occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back.
• each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg).
• each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area.
Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight
and maximum tongue load.
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Total load
4WD models
2WD models
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer
on the hitch should be approximately:
Boat trailers: 5-15% of the total trailer weight.
other trailers: 10-15% of total trailer weight.
Number of 4WD models with or ATF
occupants cooler
2 500 lbs (227 kg)
3 475 lbs (215 kg)
4 380 lbs (172 kg)
5 290 lbs (132 kg)
6 165 lbs (75 kg)
7 Towing not recommended
Estimate tongue load
excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
You can estimate the tongue load by measuring the trailer hitch height from the
ground in the following steps:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch.
3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch.
4. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch
again.
5. Subtract the second measurement from the first measurement, then refer to
the following table.
If the di erence is 4WD models
1 inches (2.5 cm)
1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)
2 inches (5.1 cm)
2 3/8 inches (6.0 cm) 450 lbs (205 kg)
2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm) 500 lbs (227 kg)
If the difference becomes more than indicated in the table, distribute the load or
remove cargo as needed.
DRIVING
Ton gue Loa d
Tongue load
2WD models
350 lbs (159 kg)
325 lbs (147 kg)
300 lbs (136 kg)
275 lbs (125 kg)
150 lbs (68 kg)
2WD models
150 lbs (68 kg)
250 lbs (114 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
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