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This fully welded, corrosion-resistant Mazda CX-5 trailer hitch receiver is perfect for your light-duty towing needs. Draw-Tite's Tested Tough guarantee ensures that this hitch exceeds industry standards. Drawbar sold separately.
Features:
Specs:
Draw-Tite's Tested Tough program provides testing standards far superior to those outlined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the go-to source for engineering professionals.
Each Draw-Tite trailer hitch receiver undergoes extensive fatigue testing and static testing with the ball mount that is either supplied or recommended for use with that particular hitch, thus ensuring results that are applicable to real life use. Fatigue testing is also conducted on hitches rated for use with weight-distribution systems.
In addition, Draw-Tite performs static testing on a simulated automobile, as opposed to the rigid fixture used for SAE testing, resulting in a more true-to-life scenario.
At etrailer.com we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.
Tech Tip
No drilling required for installation , Exhaust must be temporarily lowered for installation
California residents: click here
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Speaker 1: Today on our 2015 Mazda CX-5, we're gonna take at and show you how to install the Draw-Tite, customer fit, Class II trailer hitch receiver. This part number is 36601. As you can see, we're really not changing the overall effect of the rear of the vehicle very much. Just a small cosmetic difference here with our receiver tube opening, and safety chain connection points. That main cross tube of the hitch remains completely hidden the fascia. That keeps it looking pretty clean here on the rear.This is a Class II hitch, so it's gonna work out really well for most hitch applications.
Your bike racks, cargo carriers, trailers, things like that. You really shouldn't have any issues. Again, inch and a quarter by inch and a quarter receiver tube opening. You'll see the reinforcement cowler that's been welded around the end of it there. We've got rounded steal stock safety chain connection points here.
Should be a decent amount of room there to connect whatever sized chains you might be using.Whatever items that you decide to use in the hitch, you want to secure them using the pinhole that you see here on this side. That's a half inch in diameter. Looks like there's plenty of clearance around it, so whatever items you do have in here, you'll be able to secure those. You want to be sure you choose a Class II rated accessory. But it looks like pins and clips, locking hitch pins or anti-rattle devices will work fine.Now the hitch itself has a 350 pound tongue weight rating, so that's the maximum downward force we can put at our receiver tube opening.
It has a 3,500 pound gross trailer weight rating. That would be the total weight of your trailer, and anything you we're to load up on it. Definitely want to check the owner's manual in the CX-5 though, to see what it's tow rating is. We'll go off whichever of those is the lowest. Now a few measurements that you'll find helpful when it's time to select your ball mount bike rack or hitch cargo carrier, will be from the ground to the inside top edge of our receiver tube opening, we've got about 13 1/2 inches.
Then from the center of our hitch pinhole, to the outer most edge of our bumper, it's about three.To begin our installation, we need to lower down our exhaust a little bit. Before we do that, we want to use a strap here to kind of give it some support. Then with a little bit of spray lubricant, we'll spray down each of the hangers. We're going to have two on each side. They're located in about the same spot. You'll see one here in the back corner, and then one right up here on the front corner. With a large screwdriver or a pry bar, you should be able to get these separated. Just pushing the rubber portion off of the metal stud. Move our strap down a little bit. Just going to allow that to come down out of the way.Now on the rear exhaust hangers, on the ones that are closest to the back, we want to get these off of the actual exhaust. We want to put them on our upper hangers before we put our hitch in place, or we won't get these back in place. Just take them off of there, and put them back up here. Do that on both sides. Then we've got two attachment points on each side of the vehicle. They're going to be identical. We've got the forward of the two oblong holes that are beside each other. The forward one here. Then the larger hole, right up against where the rear bumper structure meets the end of the frame. This is also going to be our access hole.What we'll do is take our bolt leader here. We'll place it in that forward hole, and then bring it out of the large hole. We can slide on a square hole spacer block, and we want to thread one of the carriage bolts on. We'll feed those up from the frame rail separately, and just pull it right down through. Now you can leave these attached. I prefer to take them off, but if you want to have them there for assurance, you can leave them on, so you don't push your bolt back up in the frame rail. Then in the rear hole, we're going to use the reverse method. We'll have our bolt and block already on the pull wire. Then slide the bolt in, in our block, and we'll draw it right down through like that. We're going to go do the exact same thing over there in the passenger side.Now with the help of an extra set of hands, we'll get our hitch raised up into position. Watch the fascia as you put up. Sometimes you need to pull down slightly on it to get it in there. Then we want both of our carriage bolts to come down through the flange. We're going to place on a conical toothed washer. The teeth of that need to face up toward the hitch. We're also going to thread on our nut. Let's get both of these in place. We'll go over and get the other one on our other side. Then we'll be ready to snug them down.Now we'll look in the instructions in there. We'll have our torque specifications. We want to go through and torque all of our fasteners down appropriately. Now we use a little bit more spray lubricant. We're going to spray down those exhaust hangers. Then put our exhaust back up in place. Now if this one gives you trouble, you can kind of use a screwdriver, and pull down on it, and get it on there. We can take our down, and our hitch will be ready to use. With our exhaust back in place, that's going to complete our installation of the Draw-Tite, customer fit, Class II trailer hitch receiver, part number 36601, on our 2015 Mazda CX-5.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (114 Customer Reviews)
This fully welded, corrosion-resistant vehicle trailer hitch receiver is perfect for your light-duty towing needs. Draw-Tite's Tested Tough guarantee ensures that this hitch exceeds industry standards. Drawbar sold separately.This is the third Hitch I have purchased and installed myself from etrailer which testifies to the quality, reasonable delivery times, ease of installation, clear instructions and overall satisfaction I have with products I have purchased. While it is easier if there are two people when the hitch is lifted into place, I have installed two of the three by myself. I am over 60 years old.
This is installed on our 2020 Mazda CX-5. It has been great. I had it installed by a local garage, but it took them less than an hour and they didn't report any problems. Since then the trailer has been rock solid. We use it with a Kuat bike rack. That rack is easy to get on and off the hitch and very stable when installed.
Product is as described, this particular hitch seems to be nicely concealed behind the bumper as compared to pictures I've seen of other brands. I installed this hitch onto my 2017 CX-5 alone and in about an hour. I was slightly worried about fitment because of the redesigned body for 2017. It bolted up fine and as described, i did however have to leave one small trim piece off due to lack of clearance (pictured). It attaches to the lower skirt of the bumper and extends forward, I've included a picture of the space remaining between the bumper skirt and hitch. I'm not sure what the piece's function is intended to be as it is completely unseen and beneath the car when installed. The same hitch was installed on my 2013 CX-5 and this wasnt an issue.
Overall I see no problems arising from the issue and I'm pleased with the product as well as etrailer.com.
2014 Mazda CX-5 - Video shows it goes right in but it did not. It was tuff getting it in with pulling on the bumper, 2 brackets on bumper and the exhaust hanger. But after a little persuasion it went right in. After that it was home free. Installation took a little over an hour. Very happy with it.
Install took an hour and 40 minutes due to bolt alignment mishap where bolt went back into frame and had to reacquire. Once acquired and aligned again with all four bolts the installation completed.
Second purchase of an etrailer hitch. Very happy with the quality and use of the hitch. The installation videos and advice are useful for any hitch.
Installation was straight forward and easy, with the exception of inadvertently removing the top isolator from the exhaust and having to remove the hitch to fix the issue. Very tight clearances but no rubbing or contact between parts. Provides a very clean appearance. Looking forward to lots of miles on our bikes this summer.
The mounting was just as described in the video. I had my wife help me and it took about 40 minutes or so working from the floor of our garage. To help, I drove the rear of the vehicle onto some scrap wood I had laying around. This got the rear end of the vehicle a little higher. Getting the exhaust hangers off was the toughest part of the job (and even that wasn't too bad). I didn't have any issue with fitment and, overall, I'm happy with the product.
We'll be using it for a 2-bike rack from Kuat (and perhaps a utility trailer now and then) so this hitch will be more than adequate.
Brent
10/7/2022
The hitch is still holding up just fine. Weve used it exclusively for a bike rack but we have made multiple long trips and everything is just as it was when installed.
Looks great and is well made. We'll be using this for a bike rack. I've used etrailer.com twice now and have been very happy. I back the vehicle up on ramps and highly recommend using a second person to help position the hitch and get the bolts started. I did this last one by myself, so it can be done, but it requires using every limb you have. This hitch barely fit between the exhaust hangers, but no complaints, very happy.
Vicki
2/28/2022
After a year, still happy, no problems!
The trailer hitch did go on, but it will be more difficult to remove the rear rubber muffler mounts when it's time to change the muffler. The hitch will need to be removed if the rubber mount needs to be changed, because the clearance is so tight.
Sierra K.
6/28/2022
You wont have to take the hitch off if you want to change your muffler. Since the hitch installs above the exhaust all you would need to do is release the rubber hangers. Your exhaust will tilt down and you can fix your muffler, then put your hangers back into place. Can you see what I mean in this install video of a 2013 Mazda CX-5:
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This is the second hitch I've purchased from etrailer.com - the first was in 2012 for a Honda Fit (used for a hitch-mounted bike rack).
Everything good about the first experience brought me back for the second hitch - put a hitch on my son's Mazda CX-5.
This install was as straightforward as the first. I watched the videos the first time and was able to show my son how to use the wires to pull the bolts and washers through the frame. Everything fit perfectly.
I recommend etrailer.com to anyone - minimal tools needed, great instructions, great prices and fast service!
I use this hitch to mount a bike carrier on my 2013 Mazda CX5. The product performs exactly as advertised - sturdy and secure. I consider the hitch itself a five star product, but the installation video made it look SO much easier to install than it turned out to be. Installation may be easier on other vehicles. Not having access to a lift and not feeling comfortable partially removing my exhaust system, I asked my mechanic to do the job, and even HE had a tough time with it. It probably gets easier if you install hitches for a living, but understand that this hitch is NOT a simple installation on a CX5.
I am extremely disappointed with this Drawtite product. The installation instructions stated installation time as 20 minutes for a professional install. It took my installers 3-1/2 hours because this receiver did not fit my 2022 Mazda CX-5 as stated on your website! The horizontal portion of the receiver did not fit between the rubber hangar brackets on the frame. It was off by about 3/16 of an inch. My installer had to bend the hangar brackets and force fit the receiver up and in so the bolts could be tightened. Once installed, the 1/2 inch holes on the receiver for a hitch pin did not line up with the holes in my bike rack. I had to buy a 1/2 inch drill bit and force drill through the opening with my rack slid in which widened the holes in my bike rack so a pin could slide in! Once again, it seems the overall design of this product for my 2022 Mazda CX-5 and my bike rack was extremely poor and cost me a lot of additional dollars and labor to make work. Would not recommend this product as advertised!
The hitch will be used primarily for a bike rack. As received, one of the side pieces of the hitch that bolts to the car rails was bent inward and needed to be bent out to allow the install. I had dropped the exhaust and then saw that on one side the holes didn’t meet up with those on the car.
I called to find out how to proceed and was told the part could be bent into the proper position. I was able to do that with help and then the install was quick and easy as per the instructuctions and video. Result looks very clean.
This was my 4th hitch install and the first time I had the hitch arrive bent, but apparently from my phone call it must be a somewhat frequent issue. It would have been quicker if there was a note on that issue with the product.
I like this trailer hitch. It's strong and it was easy to install (with an extra set of helping hands). I have used the hitch to pull a motorcycle trailer to transport my dirt bike and I also use it to transport bicyles to the trailhead.
I recommend it!
This hitch is solid and and looks like it belongs. I installed myself on my 2014 Mazda CX-5 grand touring using the etrailer install video for the 2015 cx-5. I chose not to raise the vehicle off the ground. Item to note is I had to force it over the rear exhaust hangers at an angle as the width is slightly too small. The bolt holes do line up perfect. Would have given 5 stars but it their was the exhaust bracket issue. Very happy now I have it installed.
Got the hitch in 2 days. Quick and easy install with an extra pair of hands to hold the hitch in place while tightening the bolts.
Patrick
11/7/2018
All good still. It was an easy install. Thanks for a great product!
Everything went well for me with this hitch: the right product at the right price, delivered on time with no damage. The only issue was that the installation instructions should probably include a warning to measure the distance between the two hitch side rails to see if it matches the distance between the two muffler hangers that need to be cleared to install the hitch. The hitch was right at 35 and 3/4 inches, while the distance on my 2019 Mazda was 1/4 inch shorter - and that 1/4 inch mattered a lot. I think every Mazda is slightly different. So, after spending an hour trying to wedge the hitch into place, I finally took it off again, bent the Mazda hooks the required amount, and successfully reinstalled the hitch and muffler in about 10 minutes. Now I'm ready to start towing...
I wanted a light duty receiver for a bike rack on my new Mazda CX-5, and didn't want to pay $700 at the dealership. My hitch arrived quickly, and I was able to install it following the video and instructions. One tip that would have been nice to read in the directions is to leave the rubber exhaust hangers on the vehicle, because once the hitch is in place there is no way to put it back on. I had to unbolt and start over. I did not lift the vehicle, and used a floor jack to lift and hold the hitch in place.
I bought this hitch for a 2022 Mazda CX5. The installation was pretty easy, and the quality of the part was very good. I had intended to get a factory hitch installed, but that would have been $900! I saved alot of money, and it is very inconspicuous.
Hitch worked great for my car. Installation was immensely helped by the eTrailer videos. eTrailer customer service is great.
Reliable and solid business. Outstanding products. Highly recommend. I wish they had approved hitch installers nationwide.
Paint was chip when it showed up, easy fix though. I like the fact that it's tucked up tight and has a low profile look. It will take 2 people to install.
I think this is a quality product. I wish I would have purchased the class 111 with 2 in receiver instead, but was told by my brother to purchase the class 11.
Took my car to Florida with my bike on the rack and it worked very well. I didn't have to use a portable bike rack. Will use it every time I take my bike on a trip with me.
E trailer makes it easy to buy and inst all.
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David
4/22/2023
Great!