2011 Acura MDX Trailer hitch

Tongue LoadThe weight that the tongue of a fully
loaded trailer puts on the hitch
should be 5 to 15 percent of the total
trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8
to 15 percent of total trailer weight
for all other trailers. (See page 484
for limits for your towing situation).
Too much tongue load reduces front-
tire traction and steering control. Too
little tongue load can make the trailer
unstable and cause it to sway.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
－The maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
all accessories, all cargo and the
tongue load is 5,952 lbs (2,700 kg).
Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(GAWR) －The maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
all accessories, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed 2,888
lbs (1,310 kg) on the front axle, and
3,175 lbs (1,440 kg) on the rear axle.
Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) －The maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle and
trailer is 10,053 lbs (4,560 kg) with
the proper hitch. The GCWR must be
reduced 2 percent for every 1,000
feet (305 meters) of elevation. Estimating Loads
The best way to confirm that all loads
are within limits is to check them at a
public scale. For public scales in your
area, check your local phone book,
or contact your trailer dealer or
rental agency for assistance.
To help ensure a safe drive to a scale,
or if you cannot get to a public scale,
we recommend that you estimate
your total trailer weight and tongue
load as described.
To Estimate the Total Trailer WeightAdd the weight of your trailer (as
quoted by the manufacturer) with
everything in or on the trailer. Then
check the tables on page 484 to make
sure you do not exceed the limit for
your conditions.
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To Estimate the Tongue Load1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Measure and record the distancefrom the ground to the bottom of
the trailer hitch.
3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch.
4. Measure again from the ground to the same spot on the bottom of the
hitch.
5. Subtract the second measurement from the first measurement, then
refer to the following table.
On models without Active Damper
System
If the
difference is: Estimated
tongue load is:
13/32 ’’
11/16 ’’
31/32 ’’
1 1/4 ’’ 150 lbs (68 kg)
250 lbs (114 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
On models with Active Damper System
If the
difference is: Estimated
tongue load is:
1/2 ’’
27/32 ’’
1 5/32 ’’
1 1/2 ’’ 150 lbs (68 kg)
250 lbs (114 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
If the difference is more than 1 ꀨ
inch, you have too much load on the
tongue. Redistribute the load or
remove cargo as needed.
CONTINUED
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6. Check the weight of the hitchedtrailer. Write this number down.
7. Check the weight of the unhitchedtrailer. Limit: See page 484.
8. Calculate the tongue load. Subtract the weight in step 6 from the
weight in step 7.
Limit: See page 484.
Recommended: see page 481.
Range: 5-15% for boat trailers 8-15% for other trailers 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,
and a wiring harness.
Discuss any additional needs with
your trailer sales or rental agency,
and make sure all equipment is
properly installed, maintained, and
also meets state, federal, province,
and local regulations.
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HitchWe strongly recommend that you
have your dealer install a class 3
hitch. Using non-Acura equipment
may result in serious damage to your
vehicle.
Read the trailer manufacturer's
instructions, and select the
appropriate draw bar for the height of
the trailer you will be towing.Weight Distributing HitchA weight distributing hitch is not
recommended for use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may reduce
handling, stability, and braking
performance.
Trailer BrakesAcura recommends that any trailer
with a total trailer weight of 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) or more has its own brakes.
There are two common types of
trailer brakes: surge and electric.
Surge brakes are common for boat
trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure
they are electronically actuated. Do
not attempt to tap into your vehicle's
hydraulic system. No matter how
successful it may seem, any attempt
to attach trailer brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic system will lower
braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
See your trailer dealer or rental
agency for more information on
installing electric brakes.A 4-pin gray connector is available as
an option at your dealer. This
connector has all of the circuits
required to install most electric
trailer brake controllers. A jumper
harness to adapt your electric trailer
brake controller to the vehicle is
included with the optional Acura
Genuine trailer hitch kit. To obtain a
connector and a trailer hitch kit, see
your dealer.
Have a qualified mechanic install
your trailer brake controller
following the trailer brake controller
manufacturer's instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake
controller may increase the distance
it takes for you to stop your vehicle
when towing a trailer.
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Use this illustration to identify each
terminal in the trailer brake
controller connector.
Safety ChainsAlways 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
and 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 ControlThis device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.Trailer MirrorsMany states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don't, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot.
Spare TiresWhen towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a full-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page 539 for proper
tire size, page 545 for how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page 545
for information on changing a flat
tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
before changing a flat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer's spare
tire.
BRAKE
(20A)
(BLUE)
ELECTRIC BRAKE
(YELLOW)
GROUND
(BLACK)
STOP
(LIGHT GREEN)
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Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following:●
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.
●
The hitch, safety chains, and any
other attachments are secure.
●
All items on and in the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
●
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
●
Your vehicle tires and spare are in
good condition and properly
inflated.
●
The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.Driving Safely With a Trailer
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
in this section.
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