weight Acura MDX 2013 Owner's Guide

Your vehicle has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and
their cargo. You can also use it to tow
a trailer if you carefully observe the
load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the guidelines
in this section.
If your vehicle is equipped with the
blind spot information system (BSI),
do not use it when towing a trailer.
For more information see page 482.Break-In PeriodAvoid towing a trailer during your
vehicle's first 600 miles (1,000 km)
(see page 422).
Be sure to read theOff-Highway
Driving Guidelinessection on page
500 if you plan to tow off paved
surfaces.Your vehicle is equipped with a
trailer stability assist to help stabilize
the vehicle/trailer combination by
reducing the vehicle speed. For more
information, see page 498.
Exceeding any load limit or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
before starting to drive.Load Limit
Total Trailer WeightThe maximum allowable weight of
the trailer and everything in or on it
depends on the number of occupants
in your vehicle and the type of trailer
being towed (see page 490).
Towing a trailer that is too heavy can
seriously affect your vehicle's
handling and performance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain.
CONTINUED
Towing a Trailer
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Tongue LoadThe weight that the tongue of a fully
loaded trailer puts on the hitch
should be 5 to 15 percent of the total
trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8
to 15 percent of total trailer weight
for all other trailers. (See page 490
for limits for your towing situation).
Too much tongue load reduces front-
tire traction and steering control. Too
little tongue load can make the trailer
unstable and cause it to sway.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)－The maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
all accessories, all cargo and the
tongue load is 5,952 lbs (2,700 kg).
Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(GAWR)－The maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
all accessories, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed 2,888
lbs (1,310 kg) on the front axle, and
3,175 lbs (1,440 kg) on the rear axle.
Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR)－The maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle and
trailer is 10,053 lbs (4,560 kg) with
the proper hitch. The GCWR must be
reduced 2 percent for every 1,000
feet (305 meters) of elevation.Estimating Loads
The best way to confirm that all loads
are within limits is to check them at a
public scale. For public scales in your
area, check your local phone book,
or contact your trailer dealer or
rental agency for assistance.
To help ensure a safe drive to a scale,
or if you cannot get to a public scale,
we recommend that you estimate
your total trailer weight and tongue
load as described.
To Estimate the Total Trailer WeightAdd the weight of your trailer (as
quoted by the manufacturer) with
everything in or on the trailer. Then
check the tables on page 490 to make
sure you do not exceed the limit for
your conditions.
Towing a Trailer48812/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu

Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load Limits:
Number of
Occupants
ᤳ
Maximum Total Trailer Weight Maximum Tongue Load
ᤳᤳ
25,000 lbs (2,268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
34,751 lbs (2,155 kg) 470 lbs (213 kg)
44,500 lbs (2,041 kg) 370 lbs (168 kg)
54,250 lbs (1,928 kg) 276 lbs (125 kg)
63,999 lbs (1,814 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)
7 Towing is Not Recommended
ᤳ
The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs
(68 kg), and each has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area. Any additional weight, including cargo or accessories, reduces the
maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load. Never exceed the gross axle weight ratings (see page 487).
ᤳᤳ
Recommended tongue load should be 5－15% of the total trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8－15% of the total trailer weight for
all other trailers.
Towing a Trailer49012/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu

Checking Loads
To accurately check your loads at the
public scale, the vehicle and trailer
should be fully loaded, and all
occupants should stay in the vehicle
while the attendant watches the
scale.1. Check the front gross axle weight.
Limit: 2,888 lbs (1,310 kg)
2. Check the gross vehicle weight.
Limit: 5,952 lbs (2,700 kg)
3. Check the rear gross axle weight.
Limit: 3,175 lbs (1,440 kg)
4. If you cannot weigh the rear axle
directly, you can calculate the rear
gross axle weight by subtracting
the weight in step 1 from the
weight in step 2.
Limit: 3,064 lbs (1,390 kg)
5. Check the gross combined weight.
Limit: 10,053 lbs (4,560 kg)
Remember, maximum gross
combined weight should be
decreased 2% for every 1,000 feet
(305 meters) of elevation.
CONTINUED
Towing a Trailer
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Driving
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6. Check the weight of the hitched
trailer. Write this number down.
7. Check the weight of the unhitched
trailer. Limit: See page 490.
8. Calculate the tongue load. Subtract
the weight in step 6 from the
weight in step 7.
Limit: See page 490.
Recommended: see page 487.
Range: 5-15% for boat trailers
8-15% for other trailersTowing Equipment and
Accessories
Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment. To
ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase Acura
equipment whenever possible.
Your dealer offers a trailer package
that includes a hitch, a ball mount,
and a wiring harness.
Discuss any additional needs with
your trailer sales or rental agency,
and make sure all equipment is
properly installed, maintained, and
also meets state, federal, province,
and local regulations.
Towing a Trailer49212/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu

HitchWe strongly recommend that you
have your dealer install a class 3
hitch. Using non-Acura equipment
may result in serious damage to your
vehicle.
Read the trailer manufacturer's
instructions, and select the
appropriate draw bar for the height of
the trailer you will be towing.Weight Distributing HitchA weight distributing hitch is not
recommended for use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may reduce
handling, stability, and braking
performance.
Trailer BrakesAcura recommends that any trailer
with a total trailer weight of 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) or more has its own brakes.
There are two common types of
trailer brakes: surge and electric.
Surge brakes are common for boat
trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure
they are electronically actuated. Do
not attempt to tap into your vehicle's
hydraulic system. No matter how
successful it may seem, any attempt
to attach trailer brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic system will lower
braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
See your trailer dealer or rental
agency for more information on
installing electric brakes.A 4-pin gray connector is available as
an option at your dealer. This
connector has all of the circuits
required to install most electric
trailer brake controllers. A jumper
harness to adapt your electric trailer
brake controller to the vehicle is
included with the optional Acura
Genuine trailer hitch kit. To obtain a
connector and a trailer hitch kit, see
your dealer.
Have a qualified mechanic install
your trailer brake controller
following the trailer brake controller
manufacturer's instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake
controller may increase the distance
it takes for you to stop your vehicle
when towing a trailer.
CONTINUED
Towing a Trailer
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Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following:●The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the suspension and
the cooling system are in good
operating condition.●The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.●All weights and loads are within
limits.●The hitch, safety chains, and any
other attachments are secure.●All items on and in the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
●The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.●Your vehicle tires and spare are in
good condition and properly
inflated.●The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.Driving Safely With a Trailer
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
in this section.
Towing a Trailer49612/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu

If the water is deeper than the wheel
hubs, some additional service may be
required. This service is not covered
by your warranties.
If You Get Stuck
If you get stuck, carefully try to go in
the direction (forward or reverse)
that you think will get you unstuck.
Do not spin the tires at high speeds.
It will not help you get out and may
cause damage to the transmission or
SH-AWD system.
If you are still unable to free yourself,
your vehicle is equipped with front
and rear tow hooks designed for this
purpose.
Use a nylon strap to attach the MDX
to the recovery vehicle and carefully
take out the slack in the strap. Once
the strap is tight, the recovery
vehicle should apply force.
Remember that the recovery vehicle
needs good traction to avoid
becoming stuck, too.You should never use a jack to try to
get unstuck. Your vehicle could
easily slip off the jack and hurt you or
someone else.
Towing a Trailer Off-Road
You may be able to safely tow a
lightweight trailer (such as a
motorcycle or small tent trailer) off-
road if you follow these guidelines:
●Do not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
or a tongue weight of 100 lbs (45
kg).●Stay on smooth, level dirt roads,
and avoid driving in hilly terrain.●Allow extra room for starting,
stopping, and turning.●Slow down if you encounter bumps
or other obstacles.
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
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Driving
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Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour
in the oil slowly and carefully so you
do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not fill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.Recommended Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute's latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Acura motor oil in your vehicle.
Make sure the API Certification Seal
says‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container's label.
5W-20 oil is formulated for year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
fuel economy.
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
CONTINUED
Adding Engine Oil
517
Maintenance
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Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certification Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals shown on the multi-
information display.
Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
affect the engine or transmission
performance and durability.Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
Always change the oil and filter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the multi-
information display. The oil and filter
collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2. Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
WASHER DRAIN BOLT
Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter51812/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu