Please help! I purchased a CX5 and I love it but I need to carry 2 bicycles. I am not a do it your selfer and the dealer wants to charge over $600.00 for parts and labor. On line I found the Mazda hitch mount and and trailer hitch class 1 total of $378.32 for parts and my nephew can do the install. Any feedback? Is this the best way to achieve my goal and save money?
Trailer hitch and bike carrier
- Thread starter Andiegrl
- Start date
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- 2015 CX-5 Touring 2.5L FWD
There's a couple other options to have hitches put on. I've done U-Haul, find one of the bigger stores in your area, they probably install hitches. We have a nice bike shop near by, they install hitches as well. Both should be cheaper than the Dealer. In other words, check around, there's probably cheaper. I had U-Haul put one on my Dodge Caravan, and I have the local bike shop put one on my 2009 Honda Civic. Local camper/RV stores might do them as well.
I install the class 2 hitch 1 1/4 inch easy to install
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2014_Mazda_CX-5.htm
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2014_Mazda_CX-5.htm
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- 2014 CX-5 Touring White
My dealer actually suggested that I not use the dealer for the mount when I purchased the CX5. It was one of those, "Between me and you" during the test drive he said go somewhere else to get the hitch. I saw at least one on this forum where the dealer butchered cutting a notch out of the rear plastic to fit the Mazda hitch. At least with the Curt we know you won't have to cut a notch.
I wasn't going to the dealer anyway since I had installed hitches on two trucks, but for this one I used a local shop for a low install price and they were fast. I did not get the wiring harness since I only use a bike rack. I also went with a Curt Class 3 2-inch.
I wasn't going to the dealer anyway since I had installed hitches on two trucks, but for this one I used a local shop for a low install price and they were fast. I did not get the wiring harness since I only use a bike rack. I also went with a Curt Class 3 2-inch.
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Amazon sells the Curt trailer hitch for the CX-5
https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)
Here is how you install it:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)
Here is how you install it:
It a pretty straight forward install for the trailer hitch. The wiring seems to be much harder then the actual hitch. Like some else said you should go with the 2" receiver. There are a lot more hitch racks that use the 2" receiver now a days. Even ones that use a 1-1/4" have an adapter to go up to 2". If I were you, I'd look at one of the swing mount bike carriers from Yakima or Thule (pronounced: too-lee) as they will allow you to swing the bikes out of the way with them still on the rack to get into the rear. Between Yakima and Thule you're comparing Pepsi vs coke. They are both great companies that stand by there product and have lifetime warranties. IMHO it's worth it to spend a little more and get one that has the built in cable lock for the bikes.
As for the hitch, etrailer.com is your best bet and have great customer service.
As for the hitch, etrailer.com is your best bet and have great customer service.
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- 2014 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD w/Tech
Love my Thule bike rack. I have the Mazda Class II hitch with 1.25" receiver. The identical Thule rack comes in 2 different model numbers; one for 1.25" receiver and the other for 2" receiver. If only using for bikes, no sense paying more for a Class III (2") hitch that weighs more than the Class II. My 2!
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Any garage can install a hitch - it is not that hard. The aftermarkets are fine - especially for just a bike rack. I got a good deal from the dealer for the hitch and harness so I had them do it. Yes, they did not do a good job with the cut out. I went with the dealer because I did not want just anyone splicing into the wires of my new car.
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- 2015 CX-5 Touring 2.5L FWD
The bigger names in hitches are Curt, Draw-Tite, and REESE. Chances are most other names are probably made by one of them anyway.
The class three hitch isn't that much more expensive. The curt class III is on Amazon right now for $130. The class II hitch on etrailer.com is $125. That's a $5 difference. The weight isn't much of a factor and depending on what bike rack you choose to get would determine what receiver size. I have never seen the swing away style bike carriers with a 1-1/4" receiver, they are always 2". Why limit yourself on option over a $5 difference in price on the hitch? The tray style racks are nice as well but require you to remove the bikes to get to the rear hatch. Personally I like the swing away so that I can gear up with shoes, helmets and what not while sitting in the rear bumper and the bikes are nicely hanging on the rake and not on the ground or leaning against the car.
I would definitively go for a 2" (less than 200$), very easy to install yourself, I did it alone and it took less than 30min. If I had someone with me we could have drop this to 15min (easier if someone hold the hitch while you place the bolts)
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- 2014 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD w/Tech
This Thule rack tilts down for access to the hatch. It is also expandable to carry 4 bikes. The advantage (for me anyway) of the tray style is that there is no stress whatsoever on the carbon fiber frame of my bike vs a rack that the bike hangs from. Had 1.25" draw bars, etc. from my previous ride ('02 Escape) so going with 1.25" made sense for me. Not saying it makes sense for everybody. I do love this rack though and it comes as either 1.25" or 2", so it works no matter what your hitch preference.
