Torque For Bolts On Curt Trailer Hitch When Installing On 2014 Acura MDX

Updated 12/16/2014 | Published 12/15/2014

Question:

I purchased the Curt Trailer Hitch and installed by myself. The instruction states to torque the bolts to 139 lb, but it seems like it is impossible to get 139lbs... Acura OEM trailer hitch only recommends 70 lbs for torque. Can you double check? Also, after installing the trailer hitch, I felt a change in handling of my MDX. Per the website, the hitch only weighs 45 pounds but it felt heavier when driving my MDX. Thanks!

asked by: Louie

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Curt about your 2014 Acura MDX.

They told me that the torque is 139 ft-lbs for the M14 bolts for the part # C13146 hitch installation. I am unable to tell you why the specs for the Acura OEM hitch is so much lower.

As far as handling and feeling heavier, my contact said it may feel a bit different because installing the hitch will tighten up the frame on the rear of your MDX, but you really should not feel the 45 lb weight with the hitch installed.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L