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Towing a trailer – Acura 2013 MDX User Manual

Page 498

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Hitch

We strongly recommend that you
have your dealer install a class 3
hitch. Using non-Acura equipment
may result in serious damage to your
vehicle.

Read the trailer manufacturer's
instructions, and select the
appropriate draw bar for the height of
the trailer you will be towing.

Weight Distributing Hitch

A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended for use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may reduce
handling, stability, and braking
performance.

Trailer Brakes

Acura recommends that any trailer
with a total trailer weight of 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) or more has its own brakes.

There are two common types of
trailer brakes: surge and electric.
Surge brakes are common for boat
trailers, since the brakes will get wet.

If you choose electric brakes, be sure
they are electronically actuated. Do
not attempt to tap into your vehicle's
hydraulic system. No matter how
successful it may seem, any attempt
to attach trailer brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic system will lower
braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.

See your trailer dealer or rental
agency for more information on
installing electric brakes.

A 4-pin gray connector is available as
an option at your dealer. This
connector has all of the circuits
required to install most electric
trailer brake controllers. A jumper
harness to adapt your electric trailer
brake controller to the vehicle is
included with the optional Acura
Genuine trailer hitch kit. To obtain a
connector and a trailer hitch kit, see
your dealer.

Have a qualified mechanic install
your trailer brake controller
following the trailer brake controller
manufacturer's instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake
controller may increase the distance
it takes for you to stop your vehicle
when towing a trailer.

CONTINUED

Towing a Trailer

493

12/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu

2013 MDX

Driving

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