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2017–2020 Acura MDX Hitch Installation
Receiver: 2-inch Class 3
Fitment: 2017–2020 Acura MDX
Published receiver rating: Up to 6,000 lb trailer / 900 lb tongue in weight-carrying use
Installation: No drilling; six existing frame weldnuts
Installation includes: Spare-tire lowering, weldnut cleaning, receiver alignment, calibrated torque procedure, tire restoration, and clearance inspection
The 2017–2020 MDX receiver attaches directly to factory weldnuts in both rear frame rails. The cross tube is tucked behind the bumper while the 2-inch receiver remains accessible below the fascia.
1. Lowering the Spare Tire
The rear storage compartment is opened and the factory tire tool is used to lower the spare. This clears the frame mounting area and prevents the tire from being trapped against the receiver during installation.
2. Cleaning and Inspecting the Six Weldnuts
Road debris and corrosion can collect in unused frame threads. Each weldnut is cleaned with lubricant, compressed air, and a thread-safe brush as needed, then checked before any structural bolt is started.
3. Raising the Hitch into Position
The receiver is supported against both frame rails while the six metric bolts and conical-toothed washers are installed by hand. Tightening is balanced from side to side so the hitch plates seat evenly against the frame.
4. Torquing the Structural Hardware
All six frame bolts are tightened to 139 lb-ft with a calibrated torque wrench. The hitch is checked for centered receiver placement and full contact at every mounting point.
5. Restoring the Spare Tire
The spare is raised back into its original position and checked for clearance against the receiver and exhaust. We finish with a visual inspection of the hitch, tire, fascia, and safety-chain access.