| N5RACING |
| Hi all. I have a 2005 MDX with the factory installed tow hitch and coolers. I am having a problem with the tongue weight squatting the rear and raising the rear too much (seems to be somewhat of a trend as I searched this forum). I am contemplating purchasing a weight distributing hitch to help alleviate the problem, but in my searching on this forum I didn't come across much information on using one. The owner's manual states something about them not being recommended as an "improperly setup weight distributing hitch can adversely affect the performance, handling, and safety".....well duh - of course these have to properly setup. So has anyone used one? Did it work for you? Is there some other factor that prevents these being used on the MDX? I'd really like to not have to get rid of this vehicle, and would like to try this solution for a couple hundred bucks first. But if I'd be wasting my time, of course I'd like to know that ahead of time. Thanks in advance. |
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| G. COLTON |
What is the tongue weight and gross weight of the item you are towing?
In general the MDX is not rated to tow a trailer/boat/whatever that is sufficiently heavy to need a weight distributing hitch.
I put far more weight in the cargo area of my MDX than you would get with a properly balanced load. (This load is right at the back.) Never have any problem with rear end sag.
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| N5RACING |
| The gross weight is about 2500 to 2900 lbs (6x10 Haulmark single axle trailer (~1000 lbs) , 2 race motorcycles (~1000 lbs), and gear (fuel, generator, tools, spare rims/tires, stands, and other miscellaneous gear). The tongue load is about 450 - 500 lbs depending on what I have in the cargo area of the MDX (coolers with food or what-have-you). Coming back from the track this past weekend in the pouring rain, the steering felt like it wanted to push a bit, and accelerating from a stop had the front wheel spin and kick back to the rear wheels. And as for balancing the load in the trailer - it is what it is. The axle is fixed and the motorcycles are as for back as possible (rear tires against the ramp door). |
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