2005 Acura MDX for Towing Boat
Hello all. This fall my family has purchased a 2008 Maxum 1800 SR3 boat with the 4.3L Mercruiser sterndrive. I haven`t weighed it yet but going by the manufacturer`s info I think it will weigh about 4,000 lbs loaded up.
Of course my truck handles the boat no problem but there will be times when we will be taking both the fiver and boat. Because double towing is illegal here in BC we will be forced to take 2 vehicles. My wife`s current vehicle is a 2005 Acura MDX with the 3.5L V6 and it has about 120k miles on it. It does not have the towing package so that would need to be added. This will consist of a transmission cooler, power steering cooler, hitch, and wiring harness. With this package added Acura states that the vehicle is rated to tow a 4,500 lb boat or 3,500 lb other trailer. I`m assuming this is due to the aerodynamic characteristics of a boat.
My wife has never towed before and some of our trips will consist of going over some high mountain passes. The MDX has plenty of power so I think it will be fine with that respect, but I`m concerned about handling and braking even though the boat trailer has surge brakes. I`m also a bit concerned about the transmission given the age and mileage of it.
I would appreciate others thoughts on this issue, and if anyone has any real world experience towing with an MDX it would be great to hear it. Maybe I`m overthinking this issue but I`m somewhat leaning towards buying an older 1500 pickup or Tahoe to tow it.
Of course my truck handles the boat no problem but there will be times when we will be taking both the fiver and boat. Because double towing is illegal here in BC we will be forced to take 2 vehicles. My wife`s current vehicle is a 2005 Acura MDX with the 3.5L V6 and it has about 120k miles on it. It does not have the towing package so that would need to be added. This will consist of a transmission cooler, power steering cooler, hitch, and wiring harness. With this package added Acura states that the vehicle is rated to tow a 4,500 lb boat or 3,500 lb other trailer. I`m assuming this is due to the aerodynamic characteristics of a boat.
My wife has never towed before and some of our trips will consist of going over some high mountain passes. The MDX has plenty of power so I think it will be fine with that respect, but I`m concerned about handling and braking even though the boat trailer has surge brakes. I`m also a bit concerned about the transmission given the age and mileage of it.
I would appreciate others thoughts on this issue, and if anyone has any real world experience towing with an MDX it would be great to hear it. Maybe I`m overthinking this issue but I`m somewhat leaning towards buying an older 1500 pickup or Tahoe to tow it.
