2016 Acura MDX Owner's Manual

328
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing 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
To n gue LoadTongue Load
Number of
occupants4WD models with or ATF cooler2WD models
2500 lbs (227 kg)350 lbs (159 kg)
3475 lbs (215 kg)325 lbs (147 kg)
4380 lbs (172 kg)300 lbs (136 kg)
5290 lbs (132 kg)275 lbs (125 kg)
6165 lbs (75 kg)150 lbs (68 kg)
7Towing not recommended
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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
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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 m easuring the trailer hitch height from the
ground in the following steps:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Measure the distance between the grou nd and the bottom of the trailer hitch.
3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch.
4. Measure the distance between the grou nd 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 indica ted in the table, distribute the load or
remove cargo as needed.
If the difference is4WD models2WD 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)—
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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
330
Driving
■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 we ight’s limit except for the tongue load.
2Tongue load P. 328
•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 manu al 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 estima te it based on cargo
distribution. Weight limit for 2WD models 4WD models
Front gross axle2,811 lbs
(1,275 kg)2,910 lbs
(1,320 kg)
Gross vehicle 5,368 lbs
(2,435 kg) 5,677 lbs
(2,575 kg)
Rear gross axle2,734 lbs
(1,240 kg)2,965 lbs
(1,345 kg)
Gross combined 8,036 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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Continued331
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
Towing generally requires a vari ety of supplemental equipment.
To ensure the best quality, we reco mmend that you purchase Acura equipment
whenever possible.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your trai ler maker for prope r installation and
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the
handling, stability, and br aking performance of your
vehicle.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qua lified technician.
Trailer packages and products:
•Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.•Wiring harness kit
•Trailer hitch kit (jum per harness included)
2 Trailer brakes P. 332
Are available at a dealer.
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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
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Driving
■Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brake s: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure th ey are electronically actuated. Do not
attempt to attach trailer brakes to your ve hicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower
braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.
The 4-pin gray connector installed in your vehicle has all of the circuits required to
install most electric trailer brake controllers.
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.1 Trailer brakes
The 4-pin gray connector is located under the
instrument panel near the top of the parking brake
pedal.
Electric Brake
(Light Green) (20A)
Ground
(Brown) Brake
(Green)
Stop
(Violet)
Trailer brake controller
connector’s terminals:
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Continued333
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
We recommend that you have a dealer inst all a Acura wiring harness and converter.
They are designed for your vehicle.
■Hitches
Read the trailer manufacturer ’s instructions, and select the appropriate draw bar for
the height of the trailer you will be towing.
■Weight distribution hitches
Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you
wish to use one, please cons ult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of
your vehicle.
1 Trailer light
The trailer lighting connect or is located behind the
left side panel in the cargo area.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Acura trailer
lighting harness and converte r, ask a dealer for the
correct connector and pins.
+B Trailer Charge
+B Trailer Hazard Light +B Trailer Hazard Light +B Trailer Back Light
Back Light +B ELEC Brake
Right Turn Signal
Stop Light
Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:
+B Trailer Small IG2 HAC
Left Turn Signal
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334
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Sway control
This device can be used if your trailer te nds to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could
degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.
■Trailer mirrors
Many states, provinces and te rritories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.
■Front Towing Grille
An Accessory Front Towing Grille is requir ed whenever a trailer is towed. You can
get the accessory grille at a dealer.
■Automatic transmission cooler
An additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler is required to keep the
transmission from overheating when towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). You
can get the additional ATF cooler at a dealer.
4WD models
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335
uuTowing a Trailer uTrailer Stability Assist*
Driving
Trailer Stability Assist*
Helps to stabilize the vehicle and tra iler when the trailer severely sways.
■How trailer stability assist works
When the vehicle and trailer become unstable while driving, trailer stability assist
determines the cause. If the trailer oscilla tion is detected as the cause, and the
swaying increases, the system applies the brakes or controls engine output to reduce
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights co me on automatically if you brake to
reduce vehicle speed.
1 Trailer Stability Assist*
Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents
the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high
speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and
sudden braking to keep the trailer from swaying.
When swayed too severely, the system becomes
ineffective, and you may loose control of your
vehicle, causing the trailer to roll over or get
damaged.
2 Driving Safely with a Trailer P. 336
Trailer towing sway is caused by:
•Crosswinds
•Improper towbar down load•Excessive Speed
The VSA ® system indicator blinks during the trailer
stability assist operation.
2 VSA ® Operation P. 402
* Not available on all models
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