Trailer Hitch And Weight Distribution Recommendation For 2008 Acura MDX

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Question:

I am looking to purchase a trailer hitch for my 2008 Acura mdx. If I chose to use the oem hitch I was told that I have the capacity to tow up to 5,000 lbs. looking at the options with your website I see that these hitches are only rated for 4,000lbs. Do you know if the dealer was mistaken comparing the hitches you carry vs oem? I am looking to tow a light camping trailer between 2000-3800lbs dry weight plus cargo in vehicle and passengers. If I chose the lighter trailer I dont have issues but one day I may get the larger and dont want to redo this process.

asked by: Michael D

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Expert Reply:

I did some research and you are correct that the maximum towing capacity for your 2008 Acura MDX is 5000 lbs. The hitches we offer for your vehicle are all Class lll hitches and rated for towing weight capacity of 4000 lbs with a tongue weight capacity of 400 lbs unless you are using a weight distribution system.

I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch, part # 75614 for your MDX. If a weight distribution system is used the gross towing weight is 5000 lbs and the tongue weight is 500 lbs. I recommend a ball mount like part # D-4.

For a 1-7/8 inch hitch ball I recommend part # 19260, and for a 2 inch ball part # 63845. The pin and clip I recommend is part # PC3.

Weight distribution is recommended if the trailer you are towing weights more than 50 percent of the towing vehicle. Weight distribution will help level the trailer and the vehicle. A sway-control device is recommended for most standard weight-distribution systems. Trailer sway can be caused by crosswinds, large trucks passing, poor trailer loading, or inadequate spring bar tension in the weight-distribution system. I have attached an article that explains weight distribution you may find helpful.

A weight distribution system is used depending on the gross trailer weight and tongue weight. Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer fully loaded and ready to tow. Tongue weight is the tongue weight of your trailer added to the weight of any cargo that is placed behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. Tongue weight should normally be about 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. I have attached a helpful article that explains how to determine tongue weight.

Based on what I found your MDX has a curb weight of about 4500 lbs. If you decide you want to use a weight distribution system I recommend the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control, part # BXW0550. This system has a gross towing weight capacity of 6000 lbs and tongue weight between 350 and 550 lbs. The mounting bracket are placed about 29 inches from the hitch ball coupler on the trailer frame.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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Answer 1

Both the Tow Ready wiring #118424 and Curt wiring #C56038 are correct fits for the Acura MDX, but the #118424 is a confirmed fit for more model years. The #118424 will fit 2007 through 2010 MDX models, while the #C56038 is only confirmed to fit 2007…

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Answer 2

When choosing a weight distribution system you will need to know 2 important items. You will need to know the gross trailer weight which is the trailer weight you are towing when it is in its fully loaded ready-to-tow condition. You also need to know…

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Answer 3

Since you want the version of the Blue Ox SwayPro for up to 550 lb tongue weight with the shortest shank the part number you want is the #BXW0550 as it has a shank with 7 holes and would give you the best ground clearance.

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Answer 4

I would be happy to help you get set up with all of the components you will need to tow an ultra lite RV trailer with your 2014 Honda Odyssey. Starting with the trailer hitch receiver the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13068 is a great option which…

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Answer 5

We can get you set up with a weight distribution hitch with sway control, and in regards to ratings, your trailer's tongue weight will need to stay at or below the capacity of your Xterra's hitch (500 lbs). The weight distribution hitch is a…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 9

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 10

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 11

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 12

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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Trailer Hitch And Weight Distribution Recommendation For 2008 Acura MDX

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