Acura 2001 MDX User Manual page 236

Towing a Trailer
Towing Equipment and
Accessories
Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment. To
ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase Acura
equipment whenever possible. Your
dealer offers a trailer package that
includes a hitch, a ball mount, a
wiring harness, a transmission fluid
cooler and a heavy-duty power
steering fluid cooler.
Discuss any additional needs with
your trailer sales or rental agency,
and make sure all equipment is
properly installed and maintained.
Since local requirements may vary,
check with appropriate state
authorities to be sure that your
equipment will meet all regulations
in the areas where you plan to tow.
232
Driving
Hitch
We strongly recommend that you
have your Acura dealer install a
genuine Acura hitch and the
required fluid coolers. Using
Acura equipment may result in
serious damage to your vehicle.
Weight Distributing Hitch
A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended for use with your
MDX as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch
may reduce handling stability
and braking performance.
Safety Chains
Always use safety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
so they can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
Sway Control
This device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
non-
control you need and how to install it.
Transmission Fluid Cooler and
Power Steering Fluid Cooler
To help prevent overheating, a
heavy-duty transmission fluid cooler
and a heavy-duty power steering
fluid cooler are required for trailer
towing. These coolers are
available only from your Acura
dealer.