Can Anyone Recommend A Good Hitch?

[mrkapawutzis]

I know we have a roof rack thread but I was wondering if anyone knew of a hitch for the car? I have the sedan and most of the major sites (1 Up, Draw Tite, Thule) don't have the car listed or don't even list hitches for non-trucks. Yakima has the hitch racks listed for the 2014 Mazda3 but not the trailer hitch for connecting it. Does anyone know where to get one or if the Mazda3 can even have it installed? I'll be using it for bikes.

 

[Velvety]

I'm in the same boat. I've been checking sites daily. This is the one downside to being an early adopter - takes a while for the non-OEM accessories to become available.

Waiting for Hidden Hitch to come out with something. I haven't been under the car yet, but I assume it already has the mounting holes. Should be a no-drill install.

 

[mrkapawutzis]

According to the manual, the vehicle is not designed for towing. But then they add that you shouldn't tow a trailer and since I wasn't planning on towing a trailer I'm still assuming that adding a hitch is possible.

 

[MplsMike]

I wonder if the bolt holes are still in the same place for the following one to work?

http://www.hitchsource.com/mazda-tr...p-29354.html?gclid=CK_H5MmuuroCFewRMwodeSAA2g

Also, if the following bike rack is added, I wonder if the hatch can be opened without tilting the mast?

http://www.discountramps.com/yakima...&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CPWO97KxuroCFcYRMwod1B4A7w

 

[mrkapawutzis]

Good find Mike. I'm wondering if I should bite the bullet with the hitchsource hitch? They have a good return policy and it looks inexpensive.

 

[MplsMike]

Please post if you get it. Thanks.

 

[nl3]

Prior to this I had an 08 sport and the hitch was barely visible. Looking under the new one the muffler runs across the rear just ahead of the bumper. If a hitch is possible I'm thinking it will hang low and look nasty!

 

[nl3]

Curt is producing one model 11377 or C11377 at etrailer dot com. A user review has a pic of hitch installed on a sport.

 

[nl3]

I am in Canada and am trying to find a source for this that won't kill me with shipping fees.

Looking at the instructions on the manufacturers web site, the 4 rubber hangers for the exhaust on the hatchback have to be let go to drop the exhaust. Getting them off should be straight forward not sure about how to force them back on (never done it before).

For the sedan there is minor trimming of the bumper under neath which would be easier.

As I suspected the trailer hitch bar is below the exhaust and completely visible (unlike my '08). Thinking painting it flat black may help to blend in with the lower part of the bumper.

Picture from etrailer reviewer.

 

[Poco Askew]

I haven't looked at the exhaust hangers on the M3s, but usually it is more difficult getting them off than back on. The metal barbs allow them to slide on, but are designed to keep them from sliding off. Best bet is WD40 since it penetrates well. Liquid soap works well too as a lubricant once the hangers are off, but not easy to get it where you need it for removal. I use a short pry bar and can usually find something to pry against for R&R of these hangers. Sometimes vice grips come in handy too.

 

[Velvety]

I've got the Curt hitch on my Mazda 3 sGT hatch. I was forced to get something to haul my bikes for a 350 mile journey to relocate to a new state. Already had a Kuat hitch rack from my previous vehicle, and the Curt hitch was my only option. Hidden Hitch has one out, but for the sedan only.

I had the dealer install the hitch since I was under a serious time crunch to get moved ASAP, and didn't have the time to do it myself. Charged $100 for an hour install, but I wasn't really in a position to negotiate (got it on the last day before the move). Holes lined up perfectly and everything fits. Dealer said there would be no warranty issues (I did not have lighting wired as I will never tow).

Positives:

- It works.
- My two fancy bikes survived the 350 mile trip in -3 degree F weather, driving 70mph into a 20mph headwind. Yes, I was terrified the entire drive.

Negatives:

- It KILLS the flow of the rear of the car. It sits flush with your back bumper and the bar is not hidden whatsoever. As soon as there is a better looking option, it'll be getting replaced.. or I'll get a roof rack once the aero kits are out.
- Curt says you need to use "stabilizing" straps with hitch racks to keep the up/down forces from applying >200lbs of the spec'd tongue weight. No warranty if you don't use them. My Kuat has a stabilizing mechanism, so I feel okay without them.

 

[bigwalleye]

If anyone lives near Kent, Washington it looks like Torklift Central is looking for new vehicles to design hitches for. Esp considering the profile of the 3, Torklift makes a hidden hitch where the cross bar is completely hidden behind the bumper. I bought and installed one of these on my wife's Outback. Looks great - and it's better than the OEM hitch which is also hidden BUT sticks out from the bumper about 3 inches at shin height. OUCH.

Have a look. Heck, they make these for Teslas, why not Mazdas?

http://torkliftcentral.com/ecohitch/