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- 2008 Mazda5 GT
I'm looking at Hitches and don't like that only class I 1.25" hitches are available for the Mz5. Have read about what the OM says vs. overseas model and think this is just legal issues. I can understand hitch manufacturers are reluctant to make a class II/III hitch as it would violate Mazda's claims and put them in a litigious situation. The Mz5 hitches that are available have weak mounting holes but I guess if they are shooting for Class I, that is enough.
I started to wonder if something else in the Mazda family might fit. Started looking into CX7 which has Class II/III 1.25" and 2" hitches and obviously mounting points are different. Scaling the pics and overall constructions of the hitches via internet images with my super accurate eyes, I get the feeling they might work but possibly require a little extra DIY drilling effort (unsure about bumper differences). I know the CX7 is not based on the same platform (modified version of the Mz6) but it should be somewhat similar. CX7 is rated to tow 2,000 lbs. Isn't this the same rating that is given to overseas Mz5s? Anyone looked into this? Anyone here own a CX7 and willing to take some pics and measurements to help confirm?
Then I realize there's an even closer kissing cousin, the new CX5. This is a Mz3/Mz5 wearing a different suite + sky stuff. Long and behold, IT IS rated to tow 2,000 lbs. Unless it has something super special build in the chasis, there's no reason to believe the Mz3/Mz5 can't tow that (assuming trans, engine, suspension are similar enough, which I believe are same). I can't wait for hitch manufacturers to start making a Class II/III 2" hitch! Here's to hoping bumpers are not so drastically different and we can squeez one in
I started to wonder if something else in the Mazda family might fit. Started looking into CX7 which has Class II/III 1.25" and 2" hitches and obviously mounting points are different. Scaling the pics and overall constructions of the hitches via internet images with my super accurate eyes, I get the feeling they might work but possibly require a little extra DIY drilling effort (unsure about bumper differences). I know the CX7 is not based on the same platform (modified version of the Mz6) but it should be somewhat similar. CX7 is rated to tow 2,000 lbs. Isn't this the same rating that is given to overseas Mz5s? Anyone looked into this? Anyone here own a CX7 and willing to take some pics and measurements to help confirm?
Then I realize there's an even closer kissing cousin, the new CX5. This is a Mz3/Mz5 wearing a different suite + sky stuff. Long and behold, IT IS rated to tow 2,000 lbs. Unless it has something super special build in the chasis, there's no reason to believe the Mz3/Mz5 can't tow that (assuming trans, engine, suspension are similar enough, which I believe are same). I can't wait for hitch manufacturers to start making a Class II/III 2" hitch! Here's to hoping bumpers are not so drastically different and we can squeez one in
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