Comparison Of OEM Acura Hitch for a 2005 Acura MDX Touring To Curt Class III 2 Inch Hitch # 13328

Updated 06/09/2011 | Published 06/08/2011

Question:

I just wanted to ask a couple questions. I have a 2005 Acura MDX Touring. The trailer hitch that it shows on your site for my vehicle is the Curt that is Part Number: 13328. Ive noticed on some sites that they will say a hitch will fit on a 2005 Acura MDX except for the Touring. I want to verify that the Curt hitch your site says to use on my car will fit it since I have the Touring version of the car. Also, is this trailer hitch rated the same or better than the Acura OEM hitch? Right now we just plan to attach a bike rack to the trailer hitch, but may later tow a sailboat. The sailboat we plan to purchase can be handled by an OEM acura hitch, so if this Curt hitch is rated the same or higher, then we should be fine. Any other items you recommend we purchase NOW besides the hitch for our bike rack? Since we wont be getting the boat anytime within the next year, we dont quite yet need the transmission cooling system. Thanks for any help and additional info!

asked by: Jody G

Expert Reply:

The Curt class III 2 Inch Hitch, part # 13328, will fit your 2005 Acura MDX Touring model. This hitch has a gross towing weight capacity of 3500lbs and a tongue weight capacity 350lbs. If used with a weight distribution system, it would increase to 5000lbs gross towing weight capacity and 500lbs tongue weight capacity. I am including a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution.

I looked up the ratings on the OEM Acura MDX hitch and it stated 3500 lbs trailer towing capacity and 4500 lbs boat towing capacity. You might need to talk to the Acura dealer and have them explain why they have two weight capacities on their OEM hitch. It might mean that if you add the transmission cooler and the power steering cooler as Acura recommends, then they increase the towing capacity.

The hitches standard towing capacity would be the same, up to 3500 lbs, but you would have to add a weight distribution system to the Curt hitch to be able to go above the 3500lbs and get up to a 5000lb capacity.

I am including a link to the installation instructions on the Curt hitch.

You might look into a lock for your hitch and a lock for the bikes on your hitch. If you let me know the bike rack you have, I can help you choose the correct locks.

When it comes time to tow your sailboat, please contact us for help in any of your towing accessory needs.

expert reply by: Jeff D