If you own or are considering an Acura TSX and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can an Acura TSX tow a trailer?
Yes, an Acura TSX can tow a trailer or camper up to 1,000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with an Acura TSX which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With An Acura TSX
So, can an Acura TSX tow a trailer? Yes: the Acura TSX towing capacity is 1,000 pounds, so as long as your trailer, camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,000 lbs your Acura TSX 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 TSX.
Acura TSX Tow Package
Does The Acura TSX Come With A Tow Package?
The Acura TSX does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Acura TSX Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Acura TSX.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With An Acura TSX?
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 TSX can only tow up to 1,000 pounds.
Acura TSX Towing Package Cost
Acura TSX Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Acura TSX trailer hitches run between $125-$200.
Take a look at this recommended Acura TSX Hitch Kit:
- CUSTOM DESIGNS: Draw-Tite Class 1 trailer hitch tow packages are custom built according to manufacturer specifications to ensure a perfect fit.
- MAXIMUM STRENGTH: Made of solid, all-welded steel for maximum strength and safety, each hitch is put through rigorous fatigue and stress testing to withstand road abuse. Protected by a two-part black powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion.
- TESTED: Draw-Tite tow hitch receivers are tested to meet and exceed V-5 and SAE J684 standards.
- CAPACITY: Tow hitch package rated for up to 2,000 lbs. GTW and up to 200 lbs. TW. NOT suitable for use with Weight Distribution systems.
- VEHICLE FIT: 2009-2014 Acura TL, 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2008-2017 Honda Accord.
An Acura TSX trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $35-$70.
- 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 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 Honda Accord and Acura TSX
- RELIABLE POWER. This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- 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 TSX Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Acura TSX (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Acura TSX Brake Controller Cost
Acura TSX 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 TSX? Acura TSX 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 TSX trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Acura TSX?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Acura TSX, 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 TSX Tow?
Your Acura TSX 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 TSX can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 850 lbs:
- Taylor Coach 8’ Lil El
- SoCal Buzz
- Avan Weekender
- Riverside Retro
- ProLite Suite
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 TSX.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Acura TSX, 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 TSX 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 TSX Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Acura TSX tow?
The Acura TSX towing capacity is 1,000 pounds.
- Acura TSX Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs
- Acura TSX GVWR: 4,560 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Acura TSX 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 TSX GVWR or Acura TSX towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can An Acura TSX Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with an Acura TSX as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 850 pounds).
Most Acura TSX 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 TSX, 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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