Acura MDX

Dave in TN wrote:
I used to tow a 2005 MDX. It towed beautifully. I had a Blue Ox Aventa tow bar and baseplate system that worked well. And I used a Brake Buddy for the MDX braking.

Do you have your original owners manual? There are specific steps to run the transmission through prior to towing that are very important so as not to damage the transmission.

Do you recall how you had the brake buddy set up for the MDX? What sensitivity and air pressure?

I checked on our 2012 MDX and the manual states that it can not be towed 4 down. I called Acura and was told the AWD system is not set up for such.

I used to tow a 2005 MDX. It towed beautifully. I had a Blue Ox Aventa tow bar and baseplate system that worked well. And I used a Brake Buddy for the MDX braking.

Do you have your original owners manual? There are specific steps to run the transmission through prior to towing that are very important so as not to damage the transmission.

My 2013 RDX specifically says not to tow it with 4 wheels down. Front wheels up is OK. You probably should just give Acura a call to find out for sure. Call a local Honda dealer if you can't find Acura.

I believe the MDX is related to the Honda Pilot, which could be towed up to about 2005, when Honda dropped the recommendation. The discussions on this forum suggested it was due to frame seperation rather than transaxle/transmission or suspension problems.

If you still want to do it, you'll need a baseplate (the thing that stays on your MDX and allows the tow bar to connect to the car), a wiring harness and connection to operate the rear brake lights, as well as a tow bar. You should also have a braking system on the MDX to help stop the combination. There are several, and some like the "box" you can put in between the seat the the brake pedal. Several of my friends have had problems with the box set up and have gone to systems that are premanent and under the hood. I use the Roadmaster 9000 just because my toad has a braking system that can't use the under hood type.