Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2010 Mazda 3

Updated 08/15/2011 | Published 08/14/2011

Products Featured in This Question

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

(37)

$213.33

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

(673)

$17.46

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit

(160)

$168.74

Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1961)

$156.39

Question:

I want to purchase a trailer hitch for a bike rack for my Mazda 3, series MS3 S A with a body type of 4DR Sedan. I am a bit paranoid about buying the wrong hitch, I dont believe I have the LED tail lights, is there any easy way to tell? Also which trailer would recommend for an external bike rack? I see that you will void the warranty except for with balancing straps What are you referring to as per balancing straps? Thanks!

asked by: Merrick C

Expert Reply:

The Curt Class I Receiver Hitch, # 11393, for the 2010 Mazda 3 will fit on either model, with or without LED tail lights. The note you are seeing about LED lights pertains to the wiring for the Mazda 3 because a different trailer wiring harness is recommended for these vehicles. All of the hitches for the 2010 Mazda 3 will work on vehicle with either lighting option.

If you want to install trailer lighting, you can tell if you have LED lights by looking at the rear taillight lens. If you see a series of small lights when the tail lights are on, you have LED lights, if you see a single light source for the taillight then you have incandescent lights. For vehicles with LED lights the correct wiring harness is # C59496 and for vehicles with incandescent bulbs the correct harness is # 118420.

For a bike rack I would recommend the Swagman XC Bike Rack, # S64650. This bike rack is easy to load the bike onto and folds up compact for storage. Two friends of mine use this rack on vehicles with Class I hitches and it works great for them.

The note on the CURT Mfg. hitches that say a stabilizing strap is needed for non-trailer loads is referring to the Curt Bike Rack Strap with Cambuckle, # 18050, which helps support the trailer hitch and vehicle frame by attaching to the vehicle trunk lip. I have attached a drawing for you to see how this strap works. Any quality strap that you can attach to the bike rack and the vehicle trunk or frame will work for this application.

expert reply by: Robert G