2008 Acura MDX Owner's Manual - Page 369

Main Menu Table Of Contents Towing a Trailer Estimating Loads The best way to confirm that all loads are within limits is to check them at a public scale. For public scales in your area, check your local phone book, or contact your trailer dealer or rental agency for assistance. To help ensure a safe drive to a scale, or if you cannot get to a public scale, we recommend that you estimate your total trailer weight and tongue load as described next. Add the weight of your trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer) with everything in or on the trailer. Then check the tables on page 366 to make sure you do not exceed the limit for your conditions. To Estimate the Total Trailer Weight 1. Park the vehicle on level ground. 2. Measure and record the distance from the ground to the bottom of the trailer hitch. 3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch. 4. Measure again from the ground to the same spot on the bottom of the hitch. 5. Subtract the second measurement from the first measurement, then refer to the following table. To Estimate the Tongue Load MDX and Technology Packages models If the difference is: 13/32'' 11/16'' 31/32'' 1 1/4'' Estimated tongue load is: 150 lbs (68 kg) 250 lbs (114 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg) 450 lbs (205 kg) Driving U.S. Sport Packages and Canadian Elite models If the difference is: 1/2'' 27/32'' 1 5/32'' 1 1/2'' Estimated tongue load is: 150 lbs (68 kg) 250 lbs (114 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg) 450 lbs (205 kg) If the difference is more than 1 ½ inch, you have too much load on the tongue. Redistribute the load or remove cargo as needed. 365 2008 MDX