Vehicle/Hitch Towing Capacity of 2010 Acura MDX

Question:

We have a 2010 Acura MDX with a class 3 Curt trailer hitch with a 4000 lb rating. We are buying an Rpod 192 travel trailer and will have weight distribution/anti sway hitch. Specs are: Hitch Weight 460 lbs Dry Weight 3449 lbs Cargo Weight 1411 lbs Our Acura MDX says it has a 5000 towing capacity. Do you see any problems with this combination? We have been told that there is no class 4 hitch that will fit the 2010 Acura MDX. Do you have any other suggestions ... Just want to make sure it is safe. Thank you!

asked by: Richard P

Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual, your 2010 Acura MDX has a 5000 lb towing capacity with two occupants. The towing capacity decreases approximately 250 lbs for each additional occupant after two.

As long as the as-towed weight of the trailer doesn't exceed the capacity of the vehicle or the hitch (whichever is less), you'll be fine.

I'd also recommend looking at the capacity sticker on your current hitch, it's fairly common for a hitch to list two different capacities, one for towing, one for towing with weight distribution. For instance, the Curt Class III hitch we offer for the 2010 Acura MDX, part # 13354 has a 4000 lb towing/5000 lb capacity if used with weight distribution.

Also, since the fully loaded capacity of the camper will be getting fairly close to the capacity of the vehicle, I'd recommend installing a transmission cooler like the Derale # D13613. A transmission cooler would install directly behind the grille in front of the vehicle's radiator. The cooler taps into the cooling system via the return line from the radiator back to the transmission. A transmission cooler is an inexpensive and pretty simple to install way of keeping the transmission fluid in the ideal operating range, which is below 200º.

I'll link to a video showing the # D13613 transmission cooler being installed on a 2010 Acura MDX like yours.