Despite their towing capacities, an Acura trailer hitch doesn’t come standard on an RDX or an MDX—and especially not on a sedan. You can add one as an accessory, part of a tow package, or purchase an aftermarket hitch, though.
More than just an upscale Honda, an Acura is one of the top choices for consumers looking to purchase a luxury vehicle. While its popular SUV models might not spring to mind when you’re thinking of doing some towing, the RDX and MDX are capable of towing smaller loads of less than 5,000 pounds—more than enough for the average Joe.
You might think these models come standard with trailer hitches, but think again. While towing accessories aren’t standard, you can purchase a tow package or accessories a la carte—or purchase aftermarket accessories yourself. Here with all the details on how to tow with your Acura is Jerry
, the car owner’s super app
that can help you save on car insurance
. Which Acuras come with a trailer hitch?
You won’t find an Acura model that comes standard with a trailer hitch, but Acura does offer a tow package if you’re looking to tow small loads.
Acura’s tow package comes with:
A ball mount of either 7/8-inch size or 2-inch size
A wiring harness with a 7-pin round style connector
Your tow package’s price will vary based on the max amount you want to tow, which varies based on model and drivetrain tow capacity. For example, the MDX can tow 5,000 pounds with AWD (3,500 with FWD) and the RDX can tow 1,500 pounds.
Take a look at the table below to see the towing capacity and hitch options available for your model.
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Can you put a hitch on an Acura Sedan?
You’ve probably noticed that the table above doesn’t have the Integra or the TLX included. That’s because with either one of these models, you won’t be able to add a trailer hitch as an accessory.
While the Integra isn’t rated for towing, the towing capacity of the TLX is 2,000 pounds—but towing is not recommended with either model. It’s best not to risk it.
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Start earning nowHow to pick an Acura trailer hitch
If you already own an Acura and didn’t purchase a hitch when you bought the vehicle, you can still add a hitch—just be sure to pick the right one for your model. There are a few styles available on the market, so be sure to choose carefully.
A receiver hitch is the most common type of hitch. They have rigorous safety standards and attach to your vehicle’s frame. This is the type of hitch offered at the Acura dealership.
A front-mounted hitch allows you to carry loads in front of your vehicle.
A bumper hitch can’t carry as much weight because it’s not as secure as a hitch that is mounted directly to an Acura’s frame. However, it is highly adjustable.
Genuine Acura trailer hitches vs. aftermarket hitches for Acura
Your next decision is if you want a genuine Acura trailer hitch or an aftermarket hitch.
The pro of purchasing an aftermarket hitch is that you’ll find great savings. You can save around $300 by purchasing from Amazon
or U-Haul
. But, you run the risk that your hitch won’t fit your vehicle correctly. That’s the benefit of purchasing an OEM hitch—you can be sure the hitch will fit your Acura. Intro to trailer classes
Before you commit to a hitch, make sure you know which trailer class you need. Trailers are organized by weight into five classes:
Class II: 2,000 to 3,500 lbs
Class III: 3,500 to 8,000 lbs
Class IV: 5,000 to 12,000 lbs
Class V: 10,000 to 25,000 lbs
The best Acura RDX trailer hitch
As the smaller of Acura’s tow-capable models, the RDX needs the smallest type of trailer hitch available. If you own an RDX, look for a Class I or II trailer hitch. These sizes will enable you to tow up to the vehicle’s tow capacity of 1,500 pounds.
The best Acura MDX trailer hitch
As the larger Acura tow-capable model, the MDX can tow a bigger load than the RDX. The class of trailer hitch you buy depends on the drivetrain option you chose when purchasing the vehicle. For a FWD vehicle with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, you want a Class II or Class III trailer hitch. If you have AWD on your RDX and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, you’ll want a Class III or Class IV trailer hitch.
How to install a trailer hitch on an Acura
There are two ways to install a trailer hitch on an Acura. If you’re handy with tools, love to DIY automotive projects, and have a little time, you can install it yourself. If you’d rather ensure the installation is done properly, you can also go to a professional.
To get the installation taken care of by a pro, go to the local Acura dealership, the garage that does your usual Acura maintenance, or to a U-Haul location. Labor usually costs between $100 and $250. When you add the cost of the trailer hitch equipment, the average installation price is between $300 and $600, though this can vary based on the model, location, and parts.
If you’re gung-ho on installing your Acura trailer hitch on your own, first check over your tools. You need:
A ratchet and ratchet extension
Work gloves, safety glasses, and a work light
Whether you bought an OEM hitch or an aftermarket hitch, it should come with detailed installation instructions. Follow the directions carefully and keep these tips in mind:
If possible, put the vehicle on jack stands for easier access to the rear of the vehicle where the hitch will be attached.
Keep in mind that towing hardware can be very heavy, with some parts weighing 50 pounds—recruit an assistant if you can!
Be sure to torque all bolts to the specifications given in your instructions.
How to upgrade your Acura insurance
Boom! You’re ready to haul any load that falls below the towing capacity. Before you head out, make sure your Acura car insurance
is up-to-date with a little help from Jerry. It’s a real pain to shop for car insurance—you have to fill out a zillion forms, wait impatiently for the quote to load, or even get put on hold over the phone forever, only to find out the quote you’ve received isn’t in line with your budget. You can say goodbye to all that heartache with the Jerry app—it takes just 45 seconds to get multiple, competitive quotes that all suit your needs and budget.
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