If you own or are considering a Acura TLX and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Acura TLX tow a trailer?
Yes, a Acura TLX can tow a trailer or camper up to 850 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with an Acura TLX which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With An Acura TLX
So, can an Acura TLX tow a trailer? Yes: the Acura TLX towing capacity is 850 pounds, so as long as your trailer, camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 850 lbs your Acura TLX can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a trailer with your Acura TLX.
Acura TLX Tow Package
Does The Acura TLX Come With A Tow Package?
The Acura TLX does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Acura TLX Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Acura TLX.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With An Acura TLX?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
You should not need a brake controller because the Acura TLX can only tow up to 850 pounds.
Acura TLX Towing Package Cost
Acura TLX Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Acura TLX trailer hitches run between $175-$300.
Take a look at this recommended Acura TLX Hitch Kit:
- 1-1⁄4 in. Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Rated Up To 2,000 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) And Up To 200 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW)
- All Hitches Are Designed For Customers With Passenger Cars And Sport Utility Vehicles
- Removable Drawbar, Pin, And Clip Sold Separately
- Clean Appearance That Attaches To The Vehicle's Frame And/Or Bumper
A Acura TLX trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $35-$70.
Acura TLX Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Acura TLX (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Acura TLX Brake Controller Cost
Acura TLX brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A Acura TLX? Acura TLX Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on an Acura TLX trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Acura TLX?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Acura TLX, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Can An Acura TLX Tow?
Your Acura TLX can pull a trailer, camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 850 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Acura TLX can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 850 lbs:
- Taylor Coach 8’ Lil El
- Riverside Retro
- ProLite Suite
- Avan Weekender
- SoCal Buzz
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of trailers and campers that can be towed by an Acura TLX.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Acura TLX, you’ll want to know the following specs:
UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 850 lbs so your Acura TLX can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 850 pounds.
Acura TLX Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Acura TLX tow?
The Acura TLX towing capacity is 850 pounds.
- Acura TLX Towing Capacity: 850 lbs
- Acura TLX GVWR: 4,550 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Acura TLX can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Acura TLX GVWR or Acura TLX towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can An Acura TLX Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with an Acura TLX as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 850 pounds).
Most Acura TLX models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Acura TLX, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
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