Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness and Ball Mount for 2020 Mazda CX-5

Updated 06/06/2020 | Published 06/04/2020

Question:

Hi - Im interested in the etrailer class-III hitch receiver e98902, and Im having a little trouble figuring out the correct ball mount and wiring harness. On the ball mount, if we assume the typical 17inch coupler height, I think I need a 3inch rise to take the 13.5inch inside top receiver height and raise it to 16.5. But a friends RAV4 has a 14inch inside top receiver height and he uses a slight ball mount ball platform is about 2inch below top inside of receiver, top of the ball ends up being about even with the top inside of receiver. So Im puzzled ... On a related note, what length of ball mount do I need to get past the bumper 4inch from center of pin hole to bumper with the above receiver + CX-5? I notice some of the ball mounts have a triangular support that Im afraid might interfere with the bumper if I get the wrong one. Net: which ball mount would you recommend? On the wiring harness, do I need one with a powered converter which requires a long run cable to the battery, or can I just use the old fashioned direct connect style of harness? Thanks so much.

asked by: Andy J

Expert Reply:

The etrailer brand # e98902 Class III hitch is a great choice for your 2020 Mazda CX-5.

Finding the necessary rise/drop ball mount is a straightforward process. Measure from the top inside of the receiver tube to the ground. Measure from the underside of the trailer coupler when its jacked up level to the ground (or, you can use 17 inches as an average). Subtract the two numbers and the result is the rise/drop you need. If the receiver tube is taller, you'll use the ballmount in the drop position. If the coupler is taller, you'll use the rise position.

When we installed the # e98902 on a 2019 CX-5, we found that the installed receiver height was 13-1/2 inches. The # 40345 ball mount with its 2-3/4 inch rise will put you pretty close to that 17 inch average, and it has a little extra length so you won't need to worry about that gusset hitting the bumper. You'll also need a # PC3 hitch pin. For a 1-7/8 inch ball, use # 19261 or # 63845 for a 2 inch.

For a wiring harness, I'd recommend the Tekonsha # 118746. With the exception of the connection to the battery which is necessary to keep the wiring system of the vehicle protected from any short circuits that could occur in the wiring on the trailer, the harness is a plug and play installation,.

I've linked to installation videos for the hitch and the trailer wiring I've recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L