Is a Relay Required for a Wiring Harness on a 2020 Acura MDX

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Question:

Do I need to have some kind of relay installed on my 2020 Acura MDX when I put a wiring harness on it? I'm a little confused on what wiring fits my vehicle and it seems like half of them need relays. Any help on this would be much appreciated!

asked by: Cathy

0

Expert Reply:

While you are correct that a wide variety of trailer wiring harnesses do require the installation of a relay, this is not the case for your 2020 Acura MDX. I recommend going with one of our Tekonsha wiring kits because we have found that their converter boxes tend to be the most reliable. For a 4-Way plug you need the T-One # 118628 but for a 7-Way plug you need the T-One # 118289 for a 7-Way plug.

It is worth noting that even though you don't install any relays, you do need to install some fuses for either wiring kit. I have attached the written instructions for both wiring kits as well as a sample installation of the 4-Way plug so you can see what exactly needs to be done prior to purchasing your wiring.

If you don't already have a trailer hitch I highly recommend using the etrailer.com # e98840 because it has a hidden crosstube, a 2" receiver, and a matte black powder coat finish which is tougher than the gloss black finish on the other trailer hitch options. To mount your wiring plug next to the trailer hitch you can use the mounting bracket # 18136 along with part # 18144 for the 4-Way or part # HM48625 for the 7-Way.

To complete a towing setup you also need a ball mount kit. I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900 because it includes two ball mounts, one with a 3/4” rise/2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise/4” drop, a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You will want to refer to the attached ball mount article to ensure that this kit is correct for your towing application.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

The #e98840 etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver has a maximum gross towing weight of 6,000 lbs and tongue weight of 900 lbs. As long as the boat you are towing does not exceed these weights the hitch will not have any issues. If you are towing a larger…

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Answer 2

The Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector #118289 is confirmed to fit your 2017 Acura MDX. This fits all models so it is not a matter of your vehicle not being supported. You are correct, you won't get anything on…

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Answer 3

Yes, the Tekonsha Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector #118289 will include the backup/reverse lights. You will not need to splice any wires on your 2020 Acura MDX for this connection. You will also want a Mounting Bracket #PK12711U…

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Answer 4

To install the Tekonsha #118628 trailer wiring harness on your 2017 Acura MDX, you wouldn't need to run a separate circuit to the battery, as that's been done at the factory. All you'll need to do is plug the connector in at the junction…

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Answer 5

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 6

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 7

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 8

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 9

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

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Answer 10

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 11

For your 2024 Hyunda Santa Cruz we have the Curt 7-way kit part #C68JR that is a confirmed fit. This installs by plugging into a factory wiring connector on your vehicle which means a really easy install that doesn't require any splicing.

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Answer 12

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Is a Relay Required for a Wiring Harness on a 2020 Acura MDX

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