Installing the Curt T-Connector and Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2015 Acura MDX

Question

Question:

I am interested in purchasing the Curt T-Connector Wiring Harness #C56192 and Curt Class III Trailer Hitch #C13146 for my vehicle. However, I noticed that there is a tech tip that says I may need a relay. What relay? Where does it go, exactly? Is anything further required? Without paying for installation, the dealer isnt inclined to do much more than sell me the relay. Having the dealer install the relay at their rates would make purchasing the hitch and wiring harness through eTrailer cost prohibitive as I can get everything done through a local dealer not Acura for not much more than it would cost me in parts to do the job myself. So, I need specifics on what exactly I need to get the job done correctly, and without there being any interference with my vehicles current electrical system. As an aside, I noticed that someone else asked a similar question regarding their 2016 MDX which is similar to the 2015 model year. Unfortunately, that customers vehicle is a different model than mine not AWD and, therefore, not likely to have the Technology nor Entertainment packages. In any event, the answer to that customers question concerning the relay was lacking particulars and, therefore, is inadequate. There was also some mumbo-jumbo of possibly requiring flashing of the vehicles computer to activate towing?! If thats the case, then it certainly is cost prohibitive to do this on my own. Please help.

asked by: Joe

0

Expert Reply:

The reason that we have the tech tip about possibly needing a relay from your local Acura dealer to properly install the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56192 is because over the years we have found that an insignificantly small amount of MDXs do not have this relay installed. It is a pretty rare thing and there is no rhyme or reason as to which ones do not have it. I even contacted some of our wiring harness manufacturers who hadn't heard of this particular problem themselves.

I am attaching an installation video of the Curt # C56192 being installed on a similar MDX that you can use as a reference. Although you shouldn't need to have your MDX flashed or have the relay installed, if you install the Curt T-Connector and the 4-Pole doesn't happen to work you will need to talk to your dealer about the relay and if your MDX needs to be flashed. I looked in the online version of the manual for your MDX and couldn't find anything about a relay location so that is information the dealer would have to provide you with.

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13146 that you referenced is a very easy install that can be done in about 30 minutes if you have experience working on vehicles. I have attached a sample installation of this for you as well.

Since it looks like you will be towing you might also be interested in our etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit # 989900 which comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag. You will want to check out the attached article on choosing a correct ball mount to ensure that one of these options will work for your application.