How to Level 2017 Acura MDX When Towing a Trailer
Updated 04/28/2020 | Published 04/24/2020
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Question:
I own a 17 Acura MDX and I tow a Basstracker Aluminum boat that is less than 2,000 lbs. I have been looking for rear air suspension for the vehicle and am unable to find anything. The weight of the boat raises the headlight beam and I need something to raise up the back of the vehicle. Acura has nothing! Can you help? Cheers,
asked by: Charles N
Helpful Expert Reply:
I do have a way for you to level your 2017 Acura MDX when towing your boat trailer, but suspension enhancement does not exist for your vehicle, so you'll have to go another route, which is a weight distribution system.
What this does is transfer the weight at the rear of your Acura to all of the axles on your vehicle and trailer, so the load is evenly distributed throughout your setup.
In order to choose the best weight distribution system you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2017 Acura MDX.
The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it by using a scale such as the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle (if any) and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW falls somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.
Based on your boat's weight and Acura's towing capacity, I am confident the best option for you for a weight distribution system is the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution with 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0450 which is for TTW's between 0 and 450 lbs, which yours should be. You will also need the Thin Walled Socket # EQ70-00-4800 to install the hitch ball, and the correct one is the 2" Hitch Ball # 40038.
The only other thing to note is that if you have a pole-tongue boat trailer you will need the Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems # EQ95-01-5950.
Just keep in mind that if you have a folding or swing-away trailer tongue, you cannot use a weight distribution system because pole-tongue adapters are not compatible with those trailer tongues.
I have added a link to a help article on weight distribution systems for you to take a look at as well as a link to a video review of the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution with 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0450.
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on Tongue Weight Scale
