Towing A Trailer; Starting To Drive - Acura 2015 RDX 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. See the Owner's Manual on
the Owner Information CD or visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or www.myacura.com
(Canada) for more information.
Towing Load Limits
Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo,
and everything in or on it must not exceed 1,500
lbs (680 kg). Towing loads in excess of this can
seriously affect vehicle handling and performance
and can damage the engine and drivetrain.
Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer
on the hitch should be approximately 10% of the
total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction
and steering control. Too little tongue load can
make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by loading
60% of the load toward the front of the trailer
and 40% toward the rear. Readjust the load as
needed.
Pre-tow checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the following:
• Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's fi rst 600 miles (1,000 km).
• The vehicle has been properly serviced, and the suspension and the cooling
system are in good operating condition.
• The trailer has been properly serviced and is in good condition.
• All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
• Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale. If a public scale is not
available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer) and the tongue load.
• The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
• All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift while you
drive.
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Starting to Drive

The keyless access system allows simple push-button start.
Before Starting the Engine
Check that the shift lever is in Park (P), then
depress the brake pedal. Keep your foot fi rmly on
the brake pedal when starting the engine.
Total load
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and
in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000
feet (2,400 m). When starting the engine in cold
weather, turn off all electrical accessories such
as the lights, climate control system, and rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
Changing the Power Mode
Accessory or On mode: Press ENGINE START/
STOP once without pressing the brake pedal for
Accessory mode. Press it again for On mode.
Tongue load
Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake
pedal, then press ENGINE START/STOP. Keep your
foot fi rmly on the brake pedal when starting the
engine.
If you press the button and the shift lever is not in
Park (P), the vehicle goes into Accessory mode.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P), then press
ENGINE START/STOP.
WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer can
cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to
drive.
DRIVING
Brake pedal
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