What hitch for my 2013 CX-5?

[KrispyCX5]

Good morning all,

My wife and I just purchased our first Mazda, we picked up a good deal on a used 2013 Touring CX-5. I will be doing some light duty towing from time to time and would like to know if I should be shopping for a class 2 or class 3 hitch.

First, I understand that the car should not tow above its listed max towing rating (2000 lbs GTW) and I have no intention of doing so. Currently the largest thing I tow is a Seadoo XP and trailer, with fuel weighing in about 600 lbs, although in the future I would like to have 2 of these on a double trailer assume 1500 lbs.



I also plan on hauling my mountian bike around a bit with my current bike rack, currently installed in a 1-1/4 receiver but also fits in a 2" class 3 receiver.

So my towing needs and car capacity say class 2, however if a class 3 is better built, or will be better in some other way I would like to know.

Why is a class 3 even offered for our cars if it far exceeds the recommended towing capacity of the car?

I am looking for quick responses as I plan to order the parts today. Thanks for the help!

 

[Bopper]

I just put a Curt class 2 1.25" on, no wiring. I use it for a platform and bike rack. I put on the Class 2 because it is a little lighter with better ground clearance then the Class 3. The install was easy with an extra set of hands and have experienced no rattling or vibration since the install about 2 weeks ago.

 

[RedBaron]

The reason to go for class III is if you already have 2" accessories, or the accessories you want to buy only come in 2". There seems to be more available in 2" than 1.25" in general.

However, if everything you want or have is (available) in 1.25", then go class II.

 

[paris1]

The reason to go for class III is if you already have 2" accessories, or the accessories you want to buy only come in 2". There seems to be more available in 2" than 1.25" in general.

However, if everything you want or have is (available) in 1.25", then go class II.

I agree, however I would add a couple of possible considerations. One is the "wimpiness factor". I have a Curt class II on my CX-5 and, as much as I like it, it does tend to scream undersized, in spite of the fact that it meets all needs functionally. The other thing is that it looks to me like the class III Curt hitch receiver may be a bit shorter so it doesn't protrude as much from under the bumper valance. The longer I live with my class II, the more I wish they had made it 2 or 3" shorter so that it wasn't so obvious sticking out from under the bumper.

 

[philzzz]

Im using Curt class II hitch 1 1/4 #12080, love it
I installed the hitch myself with another pair of hand, pretty easy

I also bought Curt 56011 wiring harness T-connector
Also pretty easy to install, just need to remove 3 trim peice, plug and play that it

Personnaly if you dont need Class III i would just go with Class II.

 

[LOEzell]

Im using Curt class II hitch 1 1/4 #12080, love it
I installed the hitch myself with another pair of hand, pretty easy

I also bought Curt 56011 wiring harness T-connector
Also pretty easy to install, just need to remove 3 trim peice, plug and play that it

Personnaly if you dont need Class III i would just go with Class II.

I installed the Curt Class III by myself using good advice I got from this forum. Installing it alone was a struggle, but I got it done. I choose the Class III over the II based on recommendations from etrailer.com that the III is common to more accessories. The III is a bit heavier and, of course, does not increase the towing capabilities of the vehicle over the II.

I also installed the genuine Mazda wiring harness and it was not plug and play at all. I had some difficulties but eventually goi it installed. I am surprised the Curt 56011 was plug and play on a 2014 CX-5, but I am glad it was for your sake.

I have used the hitch to tow a basket on a couple of trips. With three large Golden Retrievers in the back (with rear seats folded flat), I need the extra storage provided by the basket. I also used a large waterproof duffle bag to keep my goods dry. I also confirmed that the potential heat transfer from the exhaust to the duffle bag was not an issue.

I also installed an LED tail light kit in the basket just for additional visibility/safety. That is why I needed the trailer wiring harness. I wish I had bought the Curt harness.

 

[dergibog]

Go with the III. Not heard of anyone having regrets about the III and I have read people bummin' about the I & II. Easy install.

 

[KrispyCX5]

Sorry to update the thread a bit late, but I ordered the class 2 as it matched the hitch and bike rack I already have on my accord.

I will follow up with my impressions later.

Thanks!

 

[Latitude Adj.]

Whatever you end up with be sure to check the 4 pin plug, yesterday I took my trailer to Home Depot, good thing it was a daylight run because the old 4 pin plug didn't fit in the male side that came with the hitch on my CX-5.

It was the excuse I needed to upgrade the trailer to LED lamps, they came with the new wiring harness dear