Mazda5 Big Haul

[bostn33]

I'm sure this isn't a surprise to anyone, but it was for me. This is 540 sqft of hardwood flooring and five bags of felt backing. I wish I took a photo of when the fork loader delivered the boxes next to the family truckster. I thought there was NO WAY it was going to fit. It's about 1100lbs of wood..I don't want to know whether I exceeded the load capacity. The rear shocks were already shot, so it was pretty low.

I know you're wondering -- how did it ride? Let's say this, any complaint that the Mazda5 is underpowered needs to haul a load of 540sq/ft of flooring. It was effortless to drive. The weight was only felt during braking and of course, going over bumps. Aside from that, the engine handled it like a dream.

2006 Mazda5 Sport manual and 540 sq/ft of hardwood (seats were not removed)

 

[Sounbwoy]

Nice job.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123681816-Mazda5-interior-cargo-flexibility-photos

 

[DKaz]

I wrecked my shocks doing this. Just saying. 60 cu ft or 600lb.

 

[bostn33]

Well, mine are already gone so no worries.

 

[Heat]

When I bought my hardwood flooring I paid Home Depot about $50 to have it delivered to my driveway, though the Home Depot was about 40 miles away and this was before I bought my Mazda5. It was about 700 square feet worth of wood.

For the underlayment, you can also use roofing paper. You're just trying to prevent wood on wood contact which would make a clacking sound when you walk on the floor, plus provide a moisture barrier.

What you were able to fit into the Mazda5 was certainly impressive but I'd also be worried about the shocks (though I understand that your shocks were already in bad shape).

 

[ljmattox]

Nice one! I've been torturing my Miata lately with our house move, having it pull 5x9 U-hauls and such...not 1100 lbs of cargo at a time, however!

Actually...considering the overload potential...we've had 4 guys about my size (225) in our 5 a few times, that's a load. Just checking the 2010 Owner's Manual for my 5MT, it's calling out a maximum 4,608 lb GVWR, so on a 34xx curb weight (from a few sources) that's some part of about 1200 lbs; likely you weren't too far off.

 

[thaxman]

likely you weren't too far off.

Excepting 90% of that load was on the rear suspension!

So, replace those shocks yet? what did you choose?

 

[speed5]

bostn33,
i bought almost the same amount of hardwood flooring about 580sq ft, but didn't want to take a chance on the 5 suspension. I had already just put in new rear shocks and H&R sport springs. rented a UHaul cargo van instead.

 

[mpvue]

I mentioned somewhere else that I hauled 6 50lb bags of gravel easily. I needed more but wanted to see how it was. I'll be going back for 10 more bags soon.

 

[bostn33]

I went with KYB. Regular fare. It rides a lot better now. I looked up the load capacity a while back. From memory, it's something like 1200lbs? Stick a few 200lb people in there, and you're at capacity. The weight may be more toward the back with the flooring, but it would be the same case if you were hauling a bunch of heavy people. I don't see how this would destroy the suspension, unless it was already gone -- like mine.