Parts Needed to Tow a 3,200 Pound Travel Trailer with a 2004 Acura MDX
Question:
I have a 2004 Acura MDX base model, and I plan to get all components required to enable it to tow a 3200 lb travel trailer. I understand I need this Curt hitch receiver, which also compatible with full size spare tire. I also needs the harness. Actually, there are several wire harness to choose from. Are they all functionally identical? What else do I need? I heard about the brake controller but not quite sure. Would you please clarify? Thank you in advance.
asked by: Alex Q
Helpful Expert Reply:
I looked at an online copy of the owners manual for a 2004 Acura MDX and when properly equipped and with the right amount of passengers in the vehicle it can tow a 3,200 pound travel trailer.
Staring with the trailer hitch, you can use # 13328 that you have selected. I also recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts, 2 balls, a hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.
Trailer wiring we will get to but first, the owners manual states that you also need a transmission cooler, power steering cooler, and trailers over 1,000 pounds need to have brakes which means you will need a brake controller.
Starting with the wiring needed you will start with installing a 4-Way, # 118336. Once the 4-Way is installed you will need to install the 4 and 7-Way installation kit # ETBC7 which includes a 7-Way and the wiring/accessories needed to hardwire in a brake controller. I have included some links that explain the # ETBC7 installation.
For a brake controller I recommend the P2, # 90885, because it is easy to set up, easy to use, and its reliable.
For a transmission cooler the most popular option is # D13502. I have linked a video showing an installation for you to use as a guide only. Please note that we remove the front clip of the vehicle to make it easier to film and it is not a requirement for installation.
And for a power steering cooler the most popular option is # D13212. It is going to install in a similar fashion as the transmission cooler.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Derale 4-Pass Tube-Fin Power Steering Cooler - 8-1/8" Wide
- Power Steering Coolers
- Cooler and Install Kit
- 8-1/8W x 5T x 3/4D Inch
- Quad-Pass
- With 11/32 Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 7-1/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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