Trailer Hitch and Hitch Ball Recommendation for a 2011 Acura MDX

Question:

Hello which hitch mount do I need to purchase for my Acura Mdx 2011 to hook up a rental u haul 4 foot by 8 foot cargo trailer? It says a 1 7/8 I ch or 2 inch hitch ball. I have to admit I have no idea which to order. What ever is the easiest to I stall and looks descreate would be a bonus. Thanks for the help

asked by: Heather C

Expert Reply:

For your 2011 Acura MDX, I would recommend installing a Class III 2 inch trailer hitch like the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch, # 13354. The class III trailer hitch will give you the highest towing capacity possible for your vehicle of 4,000 lbs and it is also compatible with a wider variety of hitch mounted accessories (bike racks, cargo carriers, etc.). I have attached the installation instructions as well as an installation video of this hitch on a 2011 Acura MDX.

The size of the hitch ball that you will need really depends on the trailer that you will be pulling. If the trailer dealer states you can use a 2 inch or a 1-7/8 inch hitch ball, then I would recommend going with a 2 inch ball like part # 19247. Most 1-7/8 inch hitch balls will only have a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, so a 2 inch ball will give you the full flexibility of your towing capacity.

Along with the hitch ball you will need a ball mount. Our most popular ball mount is the Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount, # AMSC2.

Choosing the correct ball mount for multiple trailers can be difficult because it is best to tow a trailer level. Once installed, the top of the trailer hitch receiver will be 16-1/4 inches off of the ground. To determine the correct rise or drop that you will need, we will need to know the coupler height of the trailer, or the height from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler when the trailer is level. I have attached a help article on choosing the correct ball mount if you are able to get the coupler height of the trailer from the dealer.

We also offer a ball mount kit for 2 inch hitches, # 989900. This kit comes with two ball mounts with different rises and drops, a 2 inch ball, a 1-7/8 inch ball, a pin and clip and a storage bag. This kit is a good idea if you plan on towing multiple trailers with your vehicle.

The final item that you will need is a trailer wiring harness. For your vehicle, I would recommend the T-One Wiring Harness, # 118424. This harness is a simple, plug-in style wiring harness and it will give you a 4-way connector to power trailer lights. You will have once connector that will plug into the grey junction box that will be behind the rear, driver side trim panel. I have posted the instructions as well as a video on this installation as well. This is a much easier option than a hard wire harness.

Please note, you may need to visit an Acura dealer to have a relay installed that will activate the tow package wiring circuit.