can a P5 tow?

[Don]

Me too!

I just returned from a ~1200 mile trip towing this bike, which weighs 600 pounds, and the trailer is close to 400 more

The car drove like there was nothing back there - Gas mileage WAS off by about 3 MPG though.

If the load is well balanced (I keep about 10% on the hitch ball) then 1000 pounds is no problem, I can assure you - You'll need to make some adjustments in the WAY you drive, as stopping distances ARE lengthened somewhat, but POWER is no problem at all.

Don

 

[chuyler1]

I personally wouldn't tow anything with a car that has a known weak transmission, however, after reading previous threads, it seems that the P5 is up for the challenge.

Keep the weight under 800-1000lbs, and make sure the load is balanced as Don said. Drive very conservativly, and keep your speed down on the highway.

Your biggest problem is the back-and-forth motion of the trailer (which is not an issue with 3 200lb guys in the back). The motion puts extra stress on your drive train and transmission in particular. You may not feel it at high speeds, but its there. The extra friction causes your transmission to heat up. They sell transmission fluid coolers if you're worried about this.

 

[fastdrvr23]

If the load is well balanced (I keep about 10% on the hitch ball) then 1000 pounds is no problem, I can assure you - You'll need to make some adjustments in the WAY you drive, as stopping distances ARE lengthened somewhat, but POWER is no problem at all.

Don

Hey Don,

That looks like a great set up!!! One question, since I am full of them lately, how did you setup the wiring? A T-Connector or did you splice the 4 pin into the brake light wiring somehow?

Thanks,
Will

 

[Don]

I bought an electronic converter box (4 wires in - Tail, brake, left and right turn) which converts to 3 wires out (tail, left and right turn) and it applies the brake voltage to the 2 turn signal wires.

I took apart the rear panel under the hatch and mounted the box near the left tail light. My "pigtail" comes out in the jack compartment on the right side, so it's stowed there when not in use.

Don

 

[ping]

Heck, JC Whitney has hitches that'll fit, and if you don't like them, try www.hitch-web.com Good luck! Remember, towing 600lb doesn't put the strain on the suspension that carrying (3) 200lb friends does, but it certainly strains the brakes just as much. Just go it easy and you'll be fine. Oh - and tell the dealer that the hitch you installed is only for the bike rack - mine will be!

 

[Don]

I personally wouldn't tow anything with a car that has a known weak transmission, however, after reading previous threads, it seems that the P5 is up for the challenge.

I've driven Mazdas since the early '70's and the P5 transmission sure doesn't seem any "weaker" to me.

What's different is the P5 is very popular with the younger males, and anything a significant number of them drive is going to appear to have "weak" manual transmissions - Mazda is just suffering some for their popularity with the younger generation.

When I was a kid, T-10 four speeds were considered "weak" but heck, there were a few of us who even managed to destroy Muncie M-22 "rock crusher" boxes

Just because a young male can destroy something, doesn't necessarily make it "weak" - It's all in your perspective. I'd almost bet you a month's pay Mazda has yet to have an owner over 40 return a P5 with a "bad" transmission. I would bet you a months pay, my gearbox will last me 200K, no problem.

A properly designed and loaded trailer doesn't have any "back and forth" motion which will heat up anything, let alone the transmission - If you have such a critter, fix it or shoot it

Don

 

[Don]

Heck, JC Whitney has hitches that'll fit . . . .

I bought my "Hidden Hitch" from JC Whitney - Details are around here somewhere in another recent post . . .

Don

 

[Reitrof]

I am trying to find a small utility trailer (40 x 50) in Massachusetts. I can only find them in CA. Anybody know of a local place?

 

[Rotus]

small trailer

Have you tried Harbour Freight? I think they even have a website.

Looks like the Hidden Hitch is the way to go as I paid way more to have my hitch made locally. The only benefit I have is that my hitch is rated class II. I don't think I'll ever tow more than 750lbs, tho.

 

[murdock_]

if my dads turbo bettle diesel can tow your p5 can tow lol