If you own or are considering an Acura MDX and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can an Acura MDX tow a trailer?
Yes, an Acura MDX can tow a trailer or camper up to 3,500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with an Acura MDX which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With An Acura MDX
So, can an Acura MDX tow a trailer? Yes: the Acura MDX towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, so as long as your trailer, camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 3,500 lbs your Acura MDX 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 MDX.
Acura MDX Tow Package
Does The Acura MDX Come With A Tow Package?
The Acura MDX does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Acura MDX Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Acura MDX.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With An Acura MDX?
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.
Acura MDX Towing Package Cost
Acura MDX Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Acura MDX trailer hitches run between $150-$300.
Take a look at this recommended Acura MDX towing hitch kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 400 lbs. tongue weight, 5,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 500 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Acura MDX
An Acura MDX trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $30-$60.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a wide variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Acura MDX (factory tow package required)
- EASY GRIP. Plugging in your trailer wiring and trailer lights is easy with the ergonomic design of this vehicle socket. It features tabs on the top and bottom for a better grip when plugging into your trailer or unplugging
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Acura MDX Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Acura MDX (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Acura MDX Brake Controller Cost
Acura MDX 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 An Acura MDX? Acura MDX 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 MDX?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Acura MDX, 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 Acura MDX Tow?
Your Acura MDX can pull a trailer, camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 3,500 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Acura MDX can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 3,500 lbs:
- Forest River R-Pod RP-180
- Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ
- Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD
- Scamp Trailers (13′, 16′ and 19′ models)
- Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX
- Airstream Nest
- Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ
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 MDX.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Acura MDX, 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 3,500 lbs so your Acura MDX 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 3,500 pounds.
Acura MDX Towing Capacity
So, how much can an Acura MDX tow?
The Acura MDX towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.
- Acura MDX Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
- Acura MDX GVWR: 5,600 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Acura MDX 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 MDX GVWR or Acura MDX towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can An Acura MDX Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with an Acura MDX as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 3,500 pounds).
Most Acura MDX 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 MDX, 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.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful RV repair guides:
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