| cougars96 |
I have a very unique case...I installed a hitch for the sole purpose of pulling a tailgating bbq pit on the back of the X....I picked up the bbq pit this past weekend, and when it was loaded, the rear 'sagged' at least 2 1/4 inches. The bbq is NOT on wheels, as it inserts into the hitch only (so all of the weight is on the tongue)...the approx weight is 275 lbs..
when I took it to my local dealership, they said I need the coolers ($800)....
is this necessary...I'm not pulling a boat, just a heavy load on the tongue..
suggestions???
the game is this weekend
THANKS!!! |
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| cougars96 |
I forgot to include it is a 2006 X
thanks again. |
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| G. COLTON |
You are using the words "pulling" and "tongue weight."
However you say this BBQ has no wheels.
Pulling and tongue weight refer to trailers. The tongue is that long bar that attaches to your hitch.
What I am picturing is something like a bicycle rack that has a "tongue" that fits into the MDX hitch receiver. 275 lbs. is a lot of weight to cantilever out over the back like that. That is why the rear end "sags" the way you describe.
As far as the engine/transmission are concerned that 275 pounds could be anywhere in the vehicle. Personally I do not see a requirement for a transmission cooler. $800 would be too much even if you did need a cooler.
G |
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| cougars96 |
thank you very much for your reply...I know, it's a little confusing...hopefully this link works
you are right, it is not on wheels, it sets on a cargo carrier unit that attaches to the hitch, so all the weight is on the back...
should I be concerned??? how about some sort of load leveling system, is that necessary??
Thanks again.
Michael McCormack
http://www.gatorpit.net/TGGS_Combo.JPG |
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| gmc74 |
that is prett bad a$$!
I agree with Colton, there is no reason for those coolers. Assuming the 275 lbs is accurate, it is no different than having a fat person stand on the back bumper of your car.
It will sag a bit, mainly because you aren't distributing the weight to anywhere but the back of the car. When someone sits in your car, it more evenly (though not completely even) distributes the weight to all four tires. Here, it is just adding it to the back end.
Assuming the 275 lbs is correct, the weight is well with in the limits for what the X can handle. |
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| cougars96 |
thanks for the replies...
Acura has/had me really concerned...the weight is what the people who made the pit gave me (approx. 85lbs for the carrier, and the rest is the pit)...
it feels heavy, and does drop the back end pretty low (especially when I load a couple of tables, chairs, coolers etc.)...I was surprised at their reaction, but I drove it back to my house, and the temp gauge did not move ( I did hit the bottom of the pit one time over a bumpy road however)
I'm beginning to feel better...the dealership said I may want to consider trading it in for an 07'....not the best reason in the world to buy a new car:rolleyes: |
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| shootist |
The dealership wants to sell you stuff like $300 coolers for $800. Or a 2007 MDX. Did they try to tell you that the 07 has self-leveling suspension, too? It doesn't. The sport model has self-leveling headlights, though.
The 2 1/2 inch drop is pretty severe, but it doesn't load the engine or transmission one little bit. THe total load limit of the MDX is 1,150 pounds (including tongue weight), and coolers do not increase that load limit. Keep it under that limit.
If your vehicle is handling weird, then you've got too much tongue weight or it's too far back. Sagging 2 1/2 inches is more than the owner's manual allows as a limit, if I recall correctly. Weight hanging out in the rear is really bad for handling, especially emergency dodging.
The other issue is that dealer logging their recommendation that you should have coolers. If you ever have a tranny problem, they may get nasty. I wouldn't take that rig to the dealer again. |
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