How to Route Trailer Wiring Permanently to the Outside of a 2013 Acura MDX

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Question:

I am looking to install a hitch and wiring to my 2013 Acura MDX. I like the DrawTite 75614 or Hidden Hitch 87474, as they both seem to have the welded mounting spot for a electrical connector didnt see this on the Curt 13354. However, the wiring harnesses listed for my vehicle and the videos on your site only indicate a loose-wire installation, to be stored in the well compartment of the SUV, and routed out thru the rear door whenever the trailer is towed. I am interested in a more-permanent mounting and routing the wire out the bottom of the vehicle. I am attaching a photo from your website which shows an installation like the type that I am interested in. Can you advise on whether this can be done on my vehicle and if so, which parts would be required to order?

asked by: Wayne R

0

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75614 for your 2013 Acura MDX is now the only option that comes with the mounting location for a 4-Way mounting bracket. Hidden Hitch has been discontinued. In addition to the hitch and the wiring you will also need bracket # 18144.

For wiring harness # 118424 or any of the wiring harnesses for the vehicle you can route the 4-Way through the vehicle and outside to attach it to the bracket rather than storing the harness in the vehicle when not in use. To do this you will need to get down to the metal floor of the cargo area by removing any plastic or carpeted panels that are in the way.

Once down to the metal look for a grommet or other exit point through which you can route the wiring. If there isn't one then a hole will have to be drilled. If you have to drill be careful of what is on the other side of where you are drilling! Once the 4-Way end has been routed through the grommet or hole be sure to seal up the hole using silicone such as # 0160297 to keep out fumes and moisture.

I also recommend I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It 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.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

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Answer 1

In order to control the brakes on your trailer, you will need a brake controller. Since you're going to be installing the Tekonsha #118289 on your 2015 Acura MDX, you don't already have the towing package in place, which would mean that…

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Answer 2

If your 2014 Acura MDX did not come with the factory tow package then you would likely need to get the relay from an Acura dealer to install trailer wiring harness #C56192. It is possible though that an auto parts store would have an aftermarket…

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Answer 3

There are two hitch options for your vehicle. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Part #13354, and the Draw-Tite Max Part #75614. I have contacted technical departments from both manufacturers to see which option will work with your 2012 Acura MDX with a…

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Answer 4

The 4-Way #C56038 is going to need to be combined with the 7-Way Kit #ETBC7 you found to be able to tow your Coleman pop-up behind your 2011 Acura MDX. While we do not have a single kit for a 7-way the 4-way ties into the wiring for the brake lights,…

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Answer 5

For a Curt hitch confirmed to fit your 2011 Acura MDX that allows you to keep the full size spare tire you would want the part #13354. The spare would need to get removed during the install process but can be reinstalled once the hitch is fully…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

My contact in the tech services department at Curt Manufacturing tells me that the 19 inch full-sized spare will not interfere with the hitch once its installed. It is not absolutely necessary to remove the spare for the installation, but temporarily…

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Answer 9

To install a trailer hitch on your 2011 Acura MDX you are going to want the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver item #e26AR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Acura with included hardware. It has a matte black powder coat finish that not only…

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Answer 10

We have everything you would need to tow a small trailer with your 2013 Acura MDX. First let's start with a hitch. For that the Curt part #13354 is the most popular option and would work well so we would recommend it for you. I attached an…

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Answer 11

I spoke with my contact at Draw-Tite. He stated that if the rear bumper fascia or garnish is not lower than the bottom of the tail pipes on your 2007 Acura MDX, then the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, #75614, will fit. If the rear bumper fascia or garnish…

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How to Route Trailer Wiring Permanently to the Outside of a 2013 Acura MDX

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