Okay - this is serious: Mazda will NOT honor transmission warranty in case of ...

[Lbear]

Good point. That makes sense. Tow ratings are always a bit opaque. I recall that Jeep Wrangler 4 doors were rated higher than the 2 doors, despite having same engine/transmission/suspension and the vehicle weighing more. Speculation was because of the longer wheelbase of the 4 door, it could safely handle more of a load - but that wasn't factory verified.

So in reality the CX5 was built for and the engineers deemed it capable of towing 3,500 #s max. Hence the reason they can tow 3,500 #'s in Europe with the same exact CX5 platform engine and transmission. The only difference is that in Europe the towing laws are different than in the USA.

 

[craigo]

So in reality the CX5 was built for and the engineers deemed it capable of towing 3,500 #s max. Hence the reason they can tow 3,500 #'s in Europe with the same exact CX5 platform engine and transmission. The only difference is that in Europe the towing laws are different than in the USA.

Seems that way. A cursory googling shows that most US states have a 65mph towing speed limit and in Europe most countries its 50 mph. That's quite a difference. Looks like European rules on trailer brakes are more strict as well - lower weight limits on unbraked trailers. This is likely an inertia safety/control issue taking into account the vehicle brakes and wheelbase.

 

[Unobtanium]

Legally, they could only void the warranty if they could PROVE that your trailer hitch was the direct cause of failure.

That said, they have deeper pockets than you, sooo...

 

[Unobtanium]

Good point. That makes sense. Tow ratings are always a bit opaque. I recall that Jeep Wrangler 4 doors were rated higher than the 2 doors, despite having same engine/transmission/suspension and the vehicle weighing more. Speculation was because of the longer wheelbase of the 4 door, it could safely handle more of a load - but that wasn't factory verified.

Wheelbase makes a huge difference in stability. It's physics-verified, lol

 

[Unobtanium]

Most trailers have 2" hitches. It's sort of the "common" size in trailers.

People abuse vehicles all the time without trailers and warranties cover the broken parts. To void a warranty because you have a Class 3 hitch is beyond stupid and I would find another dealership.

Sometimes...it depends on the size of the claim/dealer.

 

[rwortman]

Most trailers have 2" hitches. It's sort of the "common" size in trailers.

People abuse vehicles all the time without trailers and warranties cover the broken parts. To void a warranty because you have a Class 3 hitch is beyond stupid and I would find another dealership.

You can put a 2" ball on any trailer hitch so I don't get the point here.

 

[russiankid]

This is the first time I am hearing something like this. I could see the dealer trying to deny warranty, but like mentioned before, there are legal acts you can take. I personally have a class 3 hitch on mine and I plan to tow a trailer with two snowmobiles on it. Total calculated weight including fuel on the trailer will be 1350lbs. I wanted to install an external trans cooler, but the factory cooler doesn't run through the radiator so that idea is out the window. I will just monitor trans temp's with my torque app and keep in mind that the hotter the trans fluid gets, the shorter its life span becomes.

If something happens to your transmission during towing, get the car towed and take the hitch off? It is only 4 bolts.

 

[rwortman]

This is the first time I am hearing something like this. I could see the dealer trying to deny warranty, but like mentioned before, there are legal acts you can take. I personally have a class 3 hitch on mine and I plan to tow a trailer with two snowmobiles on it. Total calculated weight including fuel on the trailer will be 1350lbs. I wanted to install an external trans cooler, but the factory cooler doesn't run through the radiator so that idea is out the window. I will just monitor trans temp's with my torque app and keep in mind that the hotter the trans fluid gets, the shorter its life span becomes.

If something happens to your transmission during towing, get the car towed and take the hitch off? It is only 4 bolts.

And you think I or anyone with eyes and a little sense won't be able to see the marks where the trailer hitch was bolted on? I would rather just tell the truth and bring them my trailer registration to show what I was towing. It's up to them to prove I caused the problem.

 

[russiankid]

And you think I or anyone with eyes and a little sense won't be able to see the marks where the trailer hitch was bolted on? I would rather just tell the truth and bring them my trailer registration to show what I was towing. It's up to them to prove I caused the problem.

That is true, but it also depends for how long you've had the hitch installed. Doesn't always leave a mark, and where there is a will to cover something up, then there is a way. I am not saying that I would be taking my hitch off to cover it up, I have fought with dealers in the past about transmission issues and not afraid to do it again.