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Perfect for light-duty towing, this custom, vehicle trailer hitch receiver features fully welded, gloss powder coated steel construction. Drawbar sold separately.
Features:
Specs:
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 through vehicle frame required for installation , Exhaust must be temporarily lowered for installation
California residents: click here
My Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver arrived on the day promised. The instructions where easy to follow. Two of us did the install. No special tools were needed. It did take us a bit longer than the estimated install time. We had a little difficulty fishing the guide wire through the frame rail but with a little perseverance, we got it through. The exhaust system can be tricky but again, we took our time and were able to get the hitch receiver bolted to the frame. It fit perfectly and looks like it belongs there. Remember to take off the plastic deflector and put aside. You don't need it anymore but if you don't take it off, the receiver will not fit.
One important note, If you are using a hitch-mounted bike rack, MAKE SURE YOU CAN OPEN YOUR HATCHBACK WITH THE BIKE RACK MOUNTED. The receiver tends to be a little closer to the car than my two other cars that have factory-mounted hitch receivers. My hatchback opens, but only when the moveable arm that holds my bikes is lowered.
Overall a great product at a fraction of the cost to have a receiver mounted by your car dealer.
The product itself and delivery are great, but the instructions could be better. I've installed many receivers before, and have spent a lot of time wrenching, but would recommend threading forward bolts into the frame first, and using a jack to pivot and importantly line up the rear holes using the carriage bolt, then fish the rear bolts in. Instructions have you fish the rear bolts in first but there is barely any clearance for the fish wire and you'll most likely kink it and it's very difficult lining up the blind holes to pull the carriage bolts through with the fish wire. Doing the rear bolts last will save you a lot of grief. Also recommend taping washers securely to the receivee as the amount of tape seen in the video is not enough to handle the tight clearance.
Unfortunately, my otherwise reliable friend decided to elope earlier this month, and will be gone until late July. So, I set about installing this Curt C12170 by myself, slowly and carefully. My CX-5 is brand new; I was very careful. I used the Lisle muffler removal tool and silicone spray. (Don’t buy a cheapie muffler tool – they snap. Go for the Lisle or better). After two days, I gave up. I made it to Step 7, but lifting the receiver into position is a two-man job. I could not lift it, move the electrical wires out of the way, and pull the bumper cover back all by myself. The Good News: My nephew dropped by July 13 and helped me install the hitch receiver. It took us about 20 minutes to lift the receiver into position, fish the bolts through, and put the front bolts into the frame finger tight. It took me another 45 minutes to tighten and torque the hardware, zip tie the electrical cables, and rehang the muffler.
Now that it is installed, it looks great. I have mounted a Draftmaster trike rack and they function well together.
Eric P.
7/26/2024
The Curt C12170 is working out great after a year. I forgot to mention that I was 73 years old when I installed it. It would be even easier for a younger person.
Installation on 2025 Mazda CX5 went without problems. Hitch fit as expected, easy install. Added hitch to my vehicle basically to carry a bike rack. This is the second I've purchased from etrailer and so far both have installed without issues and have performed very well. Good job to all at etrailer!
I didn't personally install this hitch, but was told it was very straightforward and easy. I did the wiring myself and only had issue getting through my firewall.
Have towed my trailer a number of times, no issues at all. Very satisfied.
Charlie
7/18/2025
Works like a champ still. I do only use it maybe 12 times a year.
Truly impressed- Great product at a great price.
My installation took about 3 hrs, compared to the 50 minutes shared in the online directions. That said, I did the installation using floor ramps, vice having the vehicle up on a lift, so I had to wrestle more awkwardly because I was laying on my back vice standing up.
And in my case, I had a very hard time getting the back bolts installed first, so I switched things up and installed the front bolts first, and then used a floor jack to jack up the back part of the hitch (pivoting on the front bolt) to get it closer to the correct height for the bolts to be pulled through.
That said, the Installation Video was VERY HELPFUL, and I am very pleased with the product, and the entire interaction with etrailer.com!!
(sorry for the lousy photos... just wanted to show that I actually did the installation)
Great product. Easy to install
Moyer
4/25/2026
Great. No issues.
This was my fifth (sixth?) etrailer hitch to install, since 2004. For a 2025 CX-5 Select, the instructions were spot-on. All details were accurate, and the installation of the hitch proceeded well. I had to install the hitch alone, using wooden 2x4s to lever the hitch upward using my feet while my hands were maneuvering the bolted connections into place. Taping the flat washers temporarily in position was a key instruction, so that they end up sandwiched between the hitch and frame. The greatest reluctance I had was to pull the plastic bumper panel backward, lapping it over the hitch bar at each side. Scary, but necessary.
The wiring kit was also completely accurate. Pulling apart the trunk trim was a true pain, but necessary to access the taillight connectors on each side. It was only necessary to loosen the side panels enough to reach in to each connector mounted behind the taillight areas. My one mistake was to mount the signal controller too soon, and I found it best to be mounted on the frame member, just under the taillight connector. One 8mm nut with star washer is needed to add the power wire to the existing battery 'bus' that Mazda provides at the battery.
Pretty straight forward installation. A little maneuvering required and minor interpretations to directions depending on vehicle year. This is on a 2015 Mazda CX-5 and will be used for a bike rack and luggage rack. Very pleased with my purchase.
Daniel
7/17/2021
Still going strong. I has been used with a cargo carrier and regularly carries a bike rack.
The most important part of this hitch purchase was the excellent customer service I received from William S. Quick responses to questions and helpful resolution of the install. The value of these Curt hitches is also important as well as the ease and good fit of the installation. Ready for more bike rides now! This is the second hitch I've purchased from etrailer and both experiences have been great.
I found Etrailer's site and service to be excellent as usual. I did find that the Mazda CX 5 hitch C12170 fit so tight to the frame of the vehicle that it was not possible to install the wire pulled bolts until after the hitch was in place.
Both items fit perfectly…Good value…U Tube videos really help…good tips
First time self installer without professional equipment (car lift, power tools, etc.) should anticipate more than 20-40 minutes installation time. Well built, quality product that fits perfectly. I ordered the hitch through their customer service. Vanessa was very knowledgeable, answered all my questions and was helpful in making the right choice. The hitch arrived promptly. The etrailer video installation instruction was very helpful which I followed over the factory instructions. I installed the hitch in my garage, on the floor and by myself which took about 90 minutes. I would recommend having a helper which would likely reduce the installation time.
Other than ordering the wrong one, this reciever was super easy to install and works great.
My order came quickly via UPS; the package was in good condition at delivery. The hitch was packaged carefully and all the parts were there. The instructions were complete but could have had more clearer illustrations that were easier to read. The install wasn't difficult and I was able to do it in an hour with a set of extra hands. Overall, the product is well made and worth the money spent. I also purchased a Tee wiring harness. I either missed the description or it wasn't there but a note about whether you need a POWERED or unPOWERED connection depending on your needs would have helped. I fortunately purchased the correct one.
Outstanding job.
Mike L.
2/24/2026
Thanks Richard, we appreciate it and we're glad we could help!!
Great product , good fair price, and very fast shipping
The hitch was shipped in a box that it did not fit in. I was a bit surprised to see both sides sticking out. The hitch did fit fine on the vehicle and the harness was all intact considering the box had holes on both sides. Excited to start making use of it.
Shipped quickly in a ginormous box that was a little intimidating at first, lol. But-it was to protect the hitch! Looks great!
Quick install and good instructions. Fifth one I’ve done so far.
My CX-5 has the optional trim on the rear valence. I thought this might need to be removed based on comments about Grand Touring trim needing to be removed. It fit fine.
Works great. Thanks
Delivery was top notch! Instalation was easy on our 2016 Mazda CX-5 and after a year and a few camping trips it shows virtually no signs of wear and tear.
This video showed me a very simple way to remove the muffler hangers instead of trying to use a pry bar or large screwdriver. Cannellock pliers did the trick. Only have to remove the bottom hanger pin on all four of them and then just turn them up out of the way.
My Curt Hitch is perfect in fit, finish and application. It solves the
problem of transporting and launching a 15' Alumacraft fishing boat. etrailer's price and advice are better by far than others, and include
excellent instructions plus videos if needed. This is a well engineered
product sold by very detail orientated professionals. I can honestly
say that I'm thrilled to find etrailer and highly recommend them.
Robert D.
6/4/2019
Perfect ! Dont even notice it, till I use it !
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Eric P.
7/26/2024
The Curt C12170 is working out great after a year. I forgot to mention that I was 73 years old when I installed it. It would be even easier for a younger person.