Items Needed to Equip 2005 Acura MDX with Brake Controller for Towing Travel Trailer
Question:
My 2005 Acura MDX currently does not have the tow package. I would like to be able to tow a small travel trailer weighing less than 3500 pounds with my MDX. my MDX does have the four-point female connector for a trailer wiring in the rear of the vehicle. The trailer I want to tow has a seven point connector. What equipment would you recommend for safe towing a 3500 pound travel trailer across the country? Thanks
asked by: Jim W
Helpful Expert Reply:
We can help you get your 2005 Acura MDX ready for towing your travel trailer. The maximum rated towing capacity for the vehicle is 4500-lbs but you can check your owner's manual to make certain your particular MDX has the needed capacity for your 3500-lb trailer.
Since your travel trailer has what's called a 7-way RV-style plug that includes a circuit for trailer brakes (please see the linked photo) you will need to install a mating 7-way socket on the MDX. This will carry all of the trailer lighting signals as well as the power for the trailer's electric drum brakes. You will also need a trailer brake controller like the easy-to-use Prodigy P2 # 90885.
You'll install the P2 using our installation kit # ETBC7. This kit contains the 7-way socket, wiring, connectors and all parts needed to install the brake controller. You'll also use the 4-pole plug-in harness # 118336 that connects at the 4-prong connector on the car. These three items are all you need for wiring and trailer brakes.
Towing also requires a hitch, ball mount and hitch ball. You can use Curt hitch # 13328 and ball mount # C45030. Then choose a ball to match the trailer's coupler size; for a 2-inch ball use part # 63845; for a 2-5/16-inch ball use # 63847.
I have linked several helpful articles concerning hitch installation, brake controllers and trailer towing.
You may also want to invest in two towing mirrors like # KS3891 to give you a wider field of view behind the MDX. I linked our main page for towing mirrors and you can use the drop-down menu tool at the top of the page to select your factory mirror style to then see suitable mirror options.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
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Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
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2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
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2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
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Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1" Rise, 2-1/4" Drop - 7-5/8" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
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Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
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K-Source Universal Towing Mirror - Clip On - Convex Mirror - Qty 1
- Towing Mirrors
- Clip-On Mirror
- Manual
- Single Mirror
- Universal Fit
- Non-Heated
- Fits Driver Side
- Fits Passenger Side
- K Source
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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