We are shopping for a MDX and before I pull the trigger, sure would like imput from current owners / tower's.
What I've seen so far is 2006 seems to be the newest model that can be towed 4 down. But at this point I don't know what I don't know so help.
Robert, as far as I know, the 2004 MDX is the last model that Honda recommends is towable 4 down.To make sure, call the Honda Corp customer service hotline to find out. We tow Our '06 and works well except after towing all day we get a transmission oil smell that lasts for awhile. Hasn't seemed to affect the shifting any but we do change the trans oil more often than normal. Our owners manual doesn't recommend four down towing but we do it anyway because it has the same eng/trans as an '04 does. Hope this helps you. Let me know what you find out.
BTW, we are now towing a 2016 Chevy Colorado 4x4 diesel.
I have been flat towing my 2005 MDX for about 3 years with no problems. A charge circuit from the coach will be needed to keep battery up. The off road capabilities of the MDX surprised me and I find it a very comfortable and capable toad with good interior space. Feel free to pm me if you have more questions. Owners manual gives instruction on how to flat tow.
Consider a Jeep Grand Cherokee for flat towing, if you want a newer model year.
Bill, you are right about a charge circuit.we have towed ours for 5 years and no issues except the oil smell. We have over 200,000 mi with at least 50k being towed and has been great!
Remco : The Towing Experts (http://www.remcoindustries.com/Towing/)
Click "tow my vehicle" and/or "REMCO Recommended vehicles".
Went shopping today and looked at MDXs and 460 GXs, 470GXs (used that is). DW has been mentioning to others that we talk to about to towing the MDX but later getting the Lexus RX that she REALY wants ( been talking about a Lexus RX for years) so I decided to stop by the Lexus dealer. They actually had (in stock) a 17 RX 450h f sport in the right color. Pearl white outside ( matches MH) and Cranberry red interior. Looks like I may be using a trailer (can't tow em 4 down) if we pull the trigger tomorrow. How's it go " if DW isn't happy, nobody's happy" .
Trailers have their own issues, and depending how many months a year you are in your RV, finding a comprise tow-car that can be pulled 4 wheels down may be a better choice.
Also be aware that heavier tow-cars may be noticed with C8.3.
With car and trailer, you are looking at over 4 tons. Quite a load for a 8.3.
I wonder if an aluminum c trailer is better ? The RX will come in at 5700 and the A trailer at 1500 I think. Heck, I don't know we are keeping the H civic for a while and I may just tow that one. It's got close to 300,000 on it so if it breaks I'll just leave it. Also when I bought the U280 someone suggested I just rent a trailer and carry the Corvette back home on it. But it is 3,000 versus 5700.
In the end when I whine about towing, I just need to look back at how my dad did it. THANKS so much for all the imput.
I found towing the geo tracker at 2K lbs barely noticeable, a Honda Element slightly over 3K is significantly more noticeable. I'd think long and hard about going over 4K behind an 8.3.
3,600 is noticeable behind our m11
I have a 2014 MB GLK diesel AWD @ 4,000 Lbs and a 16Ft Steel/wood car trailer @ 1,600 Lbs. With my M11 I can tell it's back there on hills but it still goes just fine.
I got far to good a deal on that new Mercedes ($34,000) to even think of trading it and I don't want to give up 40+ MPG like we get and we quite like the GLK. So trailer it is.
I must say though that the Lexus @ 5,700 Lbs must be made of lead as that's rather portly in the extreme. Wouldn't you be getting very near to the max GCVWR towing that setup?
Ops. I was one digit off. RX450 H is 4700 not 5700 lbs. still heavy I guess for the 8.3. My power to (current) weight ratio is 86.
Bob & Sue, Check out Express Custom for a trailer. They built a custom made trailer for me to haul my Caterham (a 1200 Lb car) The trailer weighed 450Lbs and was twin axle. They build nice stuff and at a good price (esp with the exchange rate) Wa. Will give you credit for the Canadian tax and no duties either. $4,800 USD for a 18' marine grade alu trailer that weighs 1,200Lbs is a pretty good deal. They are very near Nanaimo.
Express Trailer - 7' x 18' - 7000 GVW (http://www.expresscustom.ca/expresstrailer.com/viewitem.php?productid=207)
A picture of the trailer they built for me. Express custom car trailer | Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/130801546@N06/albums/72157657338250809)
I tow a 2013 chevy sonic which weighs 2700 lbs. No problem what so ever. I hook up in less than 10 minutes and unhooking is even faster.
FWIW I tow a 2006 Honda Pilot which I believe to be very similar to the Acura. The owners manual does NOT say it is flat tow able, however previous models were IF you followed the proper procedure for putting the transmission in neutral . After much research and many conversations with other owners I decided to give it a try, 30K miles later NO issues.