Can A 2017 Acura MDX Safely Haul A Motorcycle Using A Hitch Mounted Rack Instead Of A Trailer

Updated 01/25/2025 | Published 12/12/2024

Question:

Hello. I have your trailer hitch for a 2017 MDX and it’s great. But I’m thinking about hauling a motorcycle that sits on the trailer hitch like a bicycle rack. The bike and the rack weigh approximately 500 pounds combined and I see the tongue weight on the hitch is 900 pounds. I don’t fully understand the weight tolerance so could I put 500 pounds directly on that trailer hitch/tongue for my MDX and it will still be safe? Thank you.

asked by: Scott M

Expert Reply:

Hey Scott,

Just because the hitch can accommodate the weight doesn't always mean that the suspension is able to as well. You'd most likely have a lot of sag, which can cause handling issues, diminish your braking power, and cause your headlights to aim up instead of down on the road. Since you have coil-over struts there isn't a confirmed fit for any suspension enhancement components but you might still be able to use some Coil SumoSprings.

To determine if you can you'll need to get down under the vehicle and measure the gap between in the middle of the coil (pictured below). Once we have that measurement I can see which Coil SumoSpring will fit. These simply slide into the space between the coils and helps stiffen them up to prevent sag and cushion your suspension. They're maintenance free so once in place you won't have to do anything else.

Let me know what you find.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Measuring for coil sumosprings
(click to enlarge)

Scott M.

12/12/2024

Thanks Kevin. I must have missed the picture of the coil so do measure the rear spring coil in the center? The measurement between the coils on the spring? Thanks. Scott.

Kevin C.

12/13/2024

@ScottM It didn't attach properly but should be there now.

Scottm

1/24/2025

@KevinC Hey Kevin. Sorry for the delay. I measured the coil gap on my 2017 Acura MDX and it was approximately 1 inch in the middle and about 1 1/8 inch on the lower coil. You know this better than I do so what do you think about a 500 lb bike and rack on the hitch using your coil accessory? The MDX doesn’t really pull very well so I’d rather use the rack vs a trailer as it’s struggled with a trailer before. Thanks for your help! Scott.

Kevin C.

1/25/2025

@Scottm For a 1" gap you would need the Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs # CSS-1125. These springs aren't going to be a magic fix to make hauling this much weight perfect but should make a huge difference in sag and handling. An MDX's suspension isn't really designed for hauling weight and is more so for comfort so it's likely going to be less stiff and more springy; meaning that with that weight you'd probably see a lot of rocking up and down as you drive. That rocking and weight shifting side to side as you make turns can make the handling and ride quality pretty terrible and have you gripping the steering wheel. These Sumo's stiffening up the rear coil springs help reduce that so that your ride quality is more enjoyable. I would doublecheck the total weight of the bike and carrier to ensure the tongue weight capacity of the hitch is high enough for them. Try it out and see how it feels and if it doesn't feel right or completely safe to you then I would look into hauling a small trailer. The Sumo's would still help with your handling and a friction sway bar could be installed to help if you're experiencing sway with the trailer. Let me know what you think and we can keep discussing options.

Helpful Links

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