MazdaSpeed3 Towing Hitch
- Thread starter sierra248
- Start date
ive had the hidden hitch on my MS3 since sept of last year, you cant even see it and none of the 3 dealers here have said anything. it looks just like pilmekllrzothsjksdhr's (sorry but too lazy to check on spelling of that).
All you need is a found file and some wrenches and silicone to install.
All you need is a found file and some wrenches and silicone to install.
Hitch
I got mine from www.hitchsource.com - the same hitch is used for all of the Mazda 3's (4 door, 5 door and speed). What's the silicone used for? I used Locktite red.
I've never seen my name butchered like that before - Cheers!
Peter
I got mine from www.hitchsource.com - the same hitch is used for all of the Mazda 3's (4 door, 5 door and speed). What's the silicone used for? I used Locktite red.
I've never seen my name butchered like that before - Cheers!
Peter
Mazda_Tech said:
I installed a "hidden hitch" on my speed 3 with no problems. Why put a hitch on? I run xcross and track days up to 700 miles from my home. Northern Tool, Harbor Freight, etc. sell 48"x42" trailers for around $250 which are perfect for hauling those race tires and a good sized tool box. It is very common for club guys with Miatas and other 2 seaters (a friend has one for his Z06 'vette). Keeps the crap out of your car, only puts about 100-150 pounds on the hitch, sure beats arriving at the track looking like a bag lady!(enguard)
Are the other brands made by that same company of similar design? If does anyone know the other part numbers.
I order the Curt 11384 and got 2 day deliver only to find out the place I ordered can't ship it for 7-9 bus. days. I need it by July 4... I can't find anyone locally who carries Curt.
I order the Curt 11384 and got 2 day deliver only to find out the place I ordered can't ship it for 7-9 bus. days. I need it by July 4... I can't find anyone locally who carries Curt.
chaos4 said:
You happen to know the correct wires for the trailer lights? Or the source for the diagram?
I installed a DrawTite 24744 last night. Looks the same as the Curt except the saftey chain loops are on the bottom which makes it <i>slightly</i> more conspicuous... but not much. I'll post a picture if anyone is interested.
Nice thing about it is you don't need to cut any facia to have access to the holes.
I plan to tow my Hobie 16 Catemaran about 3 hours tomorrow. Wish my luck.
Curt #11384
Ordered from hitchsource.com on Sun with std shipping and it arrived on Wed. Price was the best I could find too. I'm impressed. Will install this weekend...looks pretty simple.
Those who say not to trailer with this car are uninformed. Obviously one needs to use judgement and common sense in determining the type of trailer one will be hauling. I had a Ford Fiesta a couple decades+ ago, 12" wheels and all that I towed a trailer with. I drove it from the upper peninsula of MI to the Detroit area at 80 mph for 11 hrs. and she never missed a beat.
Was a light trailer, probably less than 800-1,000 lbs loaded. Breaking was the only tough part as the weight of the trailer definitely extended the stopping distance (not a surprise).
Not hauling a trailer with the Speed 3......just my bike rack. It will handle it. Also like the receiver hitch design in the event somebody rear-ends me. Saves a lot of the ass end from damage.
Ordered from hitchsource.com on Sun with std shipping and it arrived on Wed. Price was the best I could find too. I'm impressed. Will install this weekend...looks pretty simple.
Those who say not to trailer with this car are uninformed. Obviously one needs to use judgement and common sense in determining the type of trailer one will be hauling. I had a Ford Fiesta a couple decades+ ago, 12" wheels and all that I towed a trailer with. I drove it from the upper peninsula of MI to the Detroit area at 80 mph for 11 hrs. and she never missed a beat.
Was a light trailer, probably less than 800-1,000 lbs loaded. Breaking was the only tough part as the weight of the trailer definitely extended the stopping distance (not a surprise).
Not hauling a trailer with the Speed 3......just my bike rack. It will handle it. Also like the receiver hitch design in the event somebody rear-ends me. Saves a lot of the ass end from damage.
Installed the Curt 11384 hitch. Was the easiest install of a hitch yet and I've done a half dozen or more. Couple tips I found that will help my fellow Speed 3'ers:
Tools:
18mm Socket
1/2" drill bit
Screwdriver
Ratchet (preferably 1/2 drive so you can pull tight)
Extension
The way to fish with supplied wire is to route the spiral end through the hole then out the end you fish from ,then screw the bolt on and pull it thru. On the horizontal bolts, fish thru end of bumper beam.
On the horizontal bolts, hold it in position with a screwdriver through the existing hole in the frame to keep it from falling thru when screwing the nut on.
I needed no cutting and followed the directions with ease. The hitch is barely visible.
Tools:
18mm Socket
1/2" drill bit
Screwdriver
Ratchet (preferably 1/2 drive so you can pull tight)
Extension
The way to fish with supplied wire is to route the spiral end through the hole then out the end you fish from ,then screw the bolt on and pull it thru. On the horizontal bolts, fish thru end of bumper beam.
On the horizontal bolts, hold it in position with a screwdriver through the existing hole in the frame to keep it from falling thru when screwing the nut on.
I needed no cutting and followed the directions with ease. The hitch is barely visible.
See post number 33 in this thread for some good pic's. This poster did such a nice job I didn't bother with pic's.
I would suggest going on-line for an adapter or contact a local trailer hitch shop. I've seen universal adapters at Walmart believe it or not. Just need to know which wires to tap. I think these cars have electronic blinkers and can be sensitive about additional trailer wires/lights.
Pete,
Thanks for posting these drawings. I got my Curt hitch today and one of the vertical flanges is bent pretty good. The 33.813" dimension is actually 33.5". The tolerance on that one is +/- .03", so it's definitely out of spec by ~5/16".
I don't think it's going to fit on the car.
This came from Hitchsource.com at $130 shipped, it was a great deal, on paper. I'll let you know how good their customer service is.
