I have been thinking of installing a tow hitch for bike rack. I read the manual and the only thing I could find is "the car is not designed for towing. never tow a trailer with your mazda5." Nothing about tow hitch installation for bike racks. I know many of you installed one but I have also seen a few comments that installing a tow hitch will void warranty. What are these comments based on?
BTW I also checked with my local dealer and they also told me that installing a tow hitch for bike racks will not void warranty. What am I missing?
Thank you.
You are asking all the right questions but you’re not going to get a straight answer. I have not seen a Mz5 owner (or any other car forum that I’ve been on) who actually had their warranty claim denied due to having a hitch but it could be in part b/c everyone is afraid to stray from the norm to keep their warranty coverage.
I have seen many comments on how a hitch “will” void your warrant but have never seen where this is actually stated or shared their experience. I think people elude to the conclusion b/c the OM does state this car is not designed for towing. That fact that your local dealer says it is ok should be a good indication. Also, you can buy a hitch and bike rack as a factory option, this is also a good indicator. The suggestion to NOT install a wiring for a trailer does sounds very reasonable! Regarding the transmission, I don’t think the issue is that the transmission is “weak” per say. I believe it is perfectly capable of lightweight towing –granted our definition of lightweight will differ. The issue is that the car is already heavy and towing adds further stress, which creates heat, which quickly deteriorate the supposed lifelong transmission fluid, which accelerates wear and tear quickly.
Coming from the Miata world, if it can tow (within reason) there’s no reason a Mz5 can’t. I’ve even seen Prius and Echo drivers flat towing when I was looking at one for DD. People are overly cautious but that is a good thing and a reason we have guides, which has to accommodate the lowest denominator. I’ll be installing a Curt hitch this summer.
https://www.google.com/search?q=mia...Iy10AGa_oDgAg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=892&bih=484
That's the point indeed: if something goes wrong, you have to prove you've never towed a trailer. And that's next to impossible.
Maybe you can use a hitch that's specifically designed for carrying bikes, like the ones available for the Toyota Prius?
Europeans are more adventurous types who pull stunts like this. We have the same knuckleheads in the States too but in general we are hyper sensitive and taboo about everything.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAfZ1N56qjY
In the US, consumers have the Magnuson-Moss Act on our side. The dealer has to prove, for example, the transmission blew up b/c of towing. If you did try to tow a yacht then rightfully it is on you.
“Under the Magnuson-Moss Act, a dealer must prove, not just vocalize, that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before it can deny warranty coverage. If the dealer cannot prove such a claim — or it proffers a questionable explanation — it is your legal right to demand compliance with the warranty. The Federal Trade Commission administers the Magnuson-Moss Act and monitors compliance with warranty law.”
