2014 Acura MDX tow

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305
uuBefore DrivinguDriving Preparation
Driving
•Store or secure all items on board properly.
uCarrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
2Maximum Load Limit P. 307
•Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
uThey can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden
braking.
•Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor
mat.
uAn object or unsecured floor mat can interfere with your brake and accelerator
pedal operation while driving.
•If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.
uThey may interfere with driving and a crash could occur.
•Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
2Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 124
•Adjust your seating position properly.
uAdjust the head restraint, too.
2Adjusting the Seats P. 161
2Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 164
•Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
uAdjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
2Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 157
2Adjusting the Mirrors P. 158
■Interior Checks
1Interior Checks
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.

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uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 1,173 lbs (532 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1)Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.
2Specifications P. 480
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.
2Specifications P. 480
3
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example

308
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load
1,173 lbs
(532 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)Cargo Weight
873 lbs
(396 kg)
Example2
Max Load
1,173 lbs
(532 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)Cargo Weight
423 lbs
(192 kg)

309
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerTowing PreparationYour vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in
or on it shown in the table.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously
affect vehicle handling and performance and
can damage the engine and drivetrain.
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.
■Towing Load Limits
1Towing Load Limits
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 then
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estimate it based on cargo
distribution.
Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional
information.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information
2Vehicle Specifications P. 480
3
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.
Total Load
Number of
occupants
4WD models with
ATF cooler
4WD models
without ATF cooler
2WD models
2
5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
3
4,750 lbs (2,155 kg)
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
4
4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
5
4,250 lbs (1,928 kg)
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
6
4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
7
Towing not recommended

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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
■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
Tongue LoadTongue Load
Number of
occupants
4WD models
2WD models
2
500 lbs (227 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
3
475 lbs (215 kg)
325 lbs (147 kg)
4
380 lbs (172 kg)
300 lbs (136 kg)
5
290 lbs (132 kg)
275 lbs (125 kg)
6
165 lbs (75 kg)
150 lbs (68 kg)
7
Towing not recommended

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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Continued
Driving
■To estimate the 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 difference becomes more than indicated in the table, distribute the load or
remove cargo as needed.If the difference is
4WD models
2WD models
1 inches (2.5 cm)
150 lbs (68 kg)
1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)
250 lbs (114 kg)
2 inches (5.1 cm)
350 lbs (159 kg)
2 3/8 inches (6.0 cm)
450 lbs (205 kg)
—
2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm)
500 lbs (227 kg)
—

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
312Driving
■How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale
Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table on the right for each weight’s limit except for the tongue load.2Tongue load P. 310•If you cannot weigh the rear axle, subtract 1 from 2.
•The maximum gross combined weight (4) decreases by 2% for every 1,000 feet
(305 meters) of elevation.
•To calculate the tongue load, subtract 5 from 6.
•Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional information.
1How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale
Fully load the vehicle and trailer. An attendant who
watches the scale is needed as all occupants should
stay in the vehicle.
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 then
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estimate it based on cargo
distribution.Weight limit for 2WD models 4WD modelsFront gross axle
2,811 lbs
(1,275 kg)
2,910 lbs
(1,320 kg)
Gross vehicle5,368 lbs
(2,435 kg)5,677 lbs
(2,575 kg)
Rear gross axle
2,734 lbs
(1,240 kg)
2,965 lbs
(1,345 kg)
Gross combined8,036 lbs
(3,645 kg)9,833 lbs
(4,460 kg)
1. Front gross axle weight.
2. Gross vehicle weight.4. Gross combined weight.
3. Rear gross axle weight.5. Hitched trailer weight.
6. Unhitched trailer weight.

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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
Towing generally requires a variety of supplemental equipment.
To ensure the best quality, we recommend that you purchase Acura equipment
whenever possible.■Towing Equipment and Accessories
1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer maker for proper installation and
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the
handling, stability, and braking performance of your
vehicle.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.
Trailer packages and products:•Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.•Wiring harness kit•Trailer hitch kit (jumper harness included)
2Trailer brakes P. 314•Automatic transmission cooler kit
2Automatic transmission cooler P. 316
Are available at a dealer.