Trailer Hitch And Weight Distribution Recommendation For 2008 Acura MDX

Updated 04/17/2014 | Published 04/15/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(131)

$253.94

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2620)

$12.45

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.85

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 5.5K GTW, 550 lbs TW

(473)

$809.31

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3838)

$32.99

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

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.