Trailer Hitch for 2016 Mazda 6 With Open-Backed Receiver Tube

Updated 04/09/2016 | Published 04/06/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(138)

$181.63

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(666)

$15.93

Question:

Of the hitches available, are any of them open all the way through where a bike hitch would slide in? My bike rack has a tongue that is a little longer than most and Ive had problems in the past on friends cars where the rack would not slide in all the way.

asked by: Matt E

Expert Reply:

The Class I hitch available for your 2016 Mazda 6, the Curt # C11356 has a receiver tube that is open at the back.

Some hitches have a stop punched or welded into it that prevent hitch accessories meant for a Class II hitch from being slid into the receiver tube far enough for the hitch pin holes in the receiver tube and the shank of the accessory to line up. This purposely done as a safety measure.

The Curt # C11356 hitch doesn't have the stop, so your bike rack will work. Keep in mind that you want to keep the weight of the rack and the bikes placed upon it below the 200 lb tongue weight capacity of the hitch. The bike rack and hitch manufacturers both agree that bike racks used in a class I hitch should be limited to carrying only two bikes. The weight of subsequent bikes might still come in under the tongue weight capacity of the hitch, but each additional bike would add more leverage to the rack and the hitch, which could cause damage.

The Curt hitch warranty states that non-trailer loads like bike racks and cargo carriers need to use a stabilizing strap like # 18050.

expert reply by: Mike L