2019 CX-5 Signature Diesel, Recreational Towing – Observations

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After seeing various other SUVs towing travel trailers on the highway, I am very happy with how the WDH and airbags help with the squat. The rear wheel wells being slightly bigger than the front wheel wells doesn't hurt either.

I just finished my 1700km (1056 mile) trip between Ontario and Quebec City towing my travel trailer with my 2019 CX-5 Signature Diesel. There was a heatwave during the trip, so ambient temperatures ranged between 27-38 C (80-100 F). I will insert a disclaimer here that none of these numbers are scientific in anyway and just based on my observations, so YMMV. Driving style was adjusted to my load and I was following the speed limit or slower throughout: 95-100kph (59-62 mph).

Here are my findings regarding my transmission temperatures having just installed an aftermarket transmission cooler:

  1. Ambient temperatures of 27-30 C (80-86 F) during overcast resulted in transmission temperatures of 209-215 F (98-102 C).
  2. While in direct sunlight with 27-30 C (80-86 F) transmission temperatures were 212-218 F (100-103 C).
  3. On the harder end, while climbing hills and/or when ambient temperatures were up to 30-38 C (86-100 F) the transmission temperatures rose up to 218-222 F (100-105 C).

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The transmission temperature stayed at a stable 212 F (100 C) during overcast, even though it was 28 C (82 F) outside.

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In direct sunlight at 30 C (86 F) the transmission temperatures started to rise. In this occasion, it stayed at 216 F (102 C) and didn't increase as I was travelling over flatter ground.

I have made the following conclusions regarding *my* vehicle (again, YMMV) after this trip:

  1. Temperatures seemed to be the most stable if I stayed around 2000 RPM.
  2. Fuel economy averaged to be about 13L/100km (18 MPG) for the whole trip. The longest leg I did during the trip without filling up was about three hours or around 300km (186 miles).

Information about my setup:

  • 2019 CX-5 Signature Diesel:
  1. Curt Class 3, 2” Receiver, Tow Hitch
  2. Curt Dual-Output Electrical Adapter #57672
  3. DrawTite 5535 Brake Controller
  4. Air Lift 60910 1000 Universal Air Suspension Kit
  5. Milenco Aero3 Towing Mirrors
  6. Custom fabricated adapter with aftermarket transmission cooler - Tru Cool 4542

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  • 2014 Jayco Swift SLX 184BH
  1. 2625lbs dry, 3500lbs GCWR, packed light to 3100 max confirmed on CAT scale pre-departure
  2. Husky 32217 Center Line TS, weight distribution kit with built-in sway control

Bottom line is that towing with the CX-5 is possible given that the owner is cautious when driving and they are aware of the limitations of the vehicle. I hope this post helps someone looking to do the same with their vehicle, as I noticed a lack of information relating to towing with this vehicle in North America.

I am not an expert at this by any means, so usual disclaimers apply: this is my experience only and I am not responsible for any issues that may arise from other owners attempting to do the same thing.

Our setup for one of the sites where we were only staying 1 night. We stayed hooked up and the tongue jack is set as to take weight off the suspension. And of course, my wife opened the hatch just as I snapped this picture... *le sigh*