Acura RDX

[DaveN.SoCal]

Just purchased a used rockwood 1640 pop up ( 1350lbs. Dry )
It came with a fridge, stove, sink, heater
My Acura is rated for 1500lbs.
I figure with the extras and my camping gear, I'm gonna be over the 1500

Any thoughts?

[Taranwanderer]

You'll get lots of responses on this, and most of them will sound like this:

Your tow vehicle is going to be way out of its league trying to pull a camper like that, especially when you load it up with clothes, gear, propane, water, food, etc, then load up the car with adults, kids, pets, etc. There's only so much a 4 cylinder (even a turbo) engine and an all wheel drive transmission can deal with. It will not be a fun outing for you towing that camper with your car. Can it be done? Probably. Should it be done? Probably not.

[bradw661]

You might try using a weight distribution hitch and put some air springs on the back axle to try stabilizing things. Pack light.

[chrisbailey13]

What year is your RDX? I know that after 2012 the RDX's have a v6 instead of the 4 cylinder turbo which has a little more torque. But, you are going to exceed the towing capacity once you load EVERYTHING Tarawanderer mentioned.

[acadianbob]

I rather doubt that a WDH is feasible on your vehicle. You probably have the 1" receiver? And uni-body construction. Your biggest issue will not necessarily be the total weight of the trailer but, rather, it is likely to be the load capacity. Weight of family and supplies in the cargo area plus tongue weight. The rear of your vehicle will likely sag significantly.

Does the RDX have independent rear suspension? If so, that will work against you. When viewed from the rear, the wheels on a heavily loaded IRS vehicle will look like this . . /------\ Tops of the tires tipped in.

If your family is small and you travel lightly, you might be able to do this. Otherwise, I'm not so sure . . . .

[DaveN.SoCal]

Thanks for all the advice. I've already started looking for another tow vehicle. I'm trying to figure out if I want a small suv or a small pick-up?

[HONDAMAN174]

Originally Posted by DaveN.SoCal

Thanks for all the advice. I've already started looking for another tow vehicle. I'm trying to figure out if I want a small suv or a small pick-up?

Dave- look at a 2009 or newer Pilot with 4wd. I absoulty loved the truck and pulling that sized trailer would be a breeze. Only reason we traded out was that we camp at high altitudes and our trailer was close to 4k weight- too much of a challenge for where we camped.

Just try to think a head if this trailer will be the one you want to keep for a few years or get a bigger one. If you are already thinking bigger, pickup may be in your cards.


2014 Stealth Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra Rock Crawler TRD 5.7 "Clifford"