Towing a trailer – Acura 2008 MDX - Owner's Manual User Manual

Page 373

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A 4-pin gray connector is available as

an option at your dealer. This

connector has all of the circuits

required to install most electric

trailer brake controllers. A jumper

harness to adapt your electric trailer

brake controller to the vehicle is

included with the optional Acura

Genuine trailer hitch kit. To obtain a

connector and a trailer hitch kit, see

your dealer.

Have a qualified mechanic install

your trailer brake controller

following the trailer brake controller

manufacturer’s instructions. Failure

to properly install the trailer brake

controller may increase the distance

it takes for you to stop your vehicle

when towing a trailer.

Acura requires that any trailer with a

total trailer weight of 1,000 lbs (455

kg) or more have its own brakes.

There are two common types of

trailer brakes: surge and electric.

Surge brakes are common for boat

trailers, since the brakes will get wet.

If you choose electric brakes, be

sure they are electronically actuated.

Do not attempt to tap into your

vehicle’s hydraulic system. No

matter how successful it may seem,

any attempt to attach trailer brakes

to your vehicle’s hydraulic system

will lower braking effectiveness and

create a potential hazard.

See your trailer manufacturer for

more information on installing

electric brakes.

We strongly recommend that you

have your dealer install a class 3

hitch. Using non-Acura equipment

may result in serious damage to your

vehicle.

Read the trailer manufacturer’s

instructions, and select the

appropriate draw bar for the height

of the trailer you will be towing.

A weight distributing hitch is not

recommended for use with your

vehicle, as an improperly adjusted

weight distributing hitch may reduce

handling, stability, and braking

performance.

Towing a Trailer

Trailer Brakes

Hitch

Weight Distributing Hitch

D

riv

ing

369

2008 MDX

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