Recommendation for Trailer Hitch and Wiring on a 2020 Acura MDX

Published 05/03/2020

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(1679)

$179.97

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(144)

$70.07

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6105)

$9.66

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$93.56

Loctite RTV 5699 High-Performance Silicone Gasket Maker - Grey - 2.7-Fl Oz Tube

(186)

$9.68

Question:

What is the best way of attaching the 4 pole end of wiring harness to either the trailer hitch or bottom of 2020 Acura MDX? It looks as if the Drawtite hitch has a bracket for just that purpose? Does the Hopkins fold over mounting bracket work with the Drawtite bracket. And finally what wiring harness do you recommend with a 2020 Acura MDX and will it require an additional powered converter module. I would like to purchase today and I want to get it right.

asked by: John

Helpful Expert Reply:

It can be a little challenging to find a good way to attach a wiring connector to a trailer hitch that has the hidden crosstube so since it sounds like you're wanting to tow with your 2020 Acura MDX I do recommend going with the Draw-Tite # 75225 because they do have that attached bracket to make it a whole lot easier plus it looks really clean too.

For wiring it's hard to beat the T-One # 118628 simply because it has the highest amp ratings and we have found the Tekonsha wiring harnesses to be the most reliable. This harness plugs right in to the factory connector on your MDX and it comes with a module so you don't have to worry about that.

To mount this using the Draw-Tite bracket you'll also need the bracket # 18144 and you'll need to find a way to route the wiring to the hitch. We haven't yet had the chance to install this on a 2020 MDX so I don't know the details, but typically you can find a grommet in the floor of the rear hatch area that you can splice open to feed the wiring through. Once the wiring is in place you can use a gasket maker like the Loctite # LT37464 to seal that grommet back up.

To complete a towing setup you also need a ball mount kit. I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900 because it includes two ball mounts, one with a 3/4” rise/2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise/4” drop, a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You will want to refer to the attached ball mount article to ensure that this kit is correct for your towing application.

I've also attached some installation videos on other models of the MDX that you can reference.