Wiring Harness and Hitch Recommendation for 2016 Mazda CX-9

Updated 07/25/2020 | Published 07/23/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(89)

$38.55

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(165)

$43.01

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2626)

$11.10

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1360)

$11.31

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(175)

$223.94

Question:

I have a 2016 Mazda CX9 FWD Touring. As far as i know, there is no OEM Tow Package. Im confused by the statement in all your wiring harness options that states the T Connect easily taps into the OEM Towing Package. Please advise as to exactly what i need to purchase to hook up a trailer with lights and assume i have no OEM towing package. Thank you

asked by: Kenneth H

Expert Reply:

The term 'Towing Package' is pretty useless because it's an extremely vague description whose meaning varies from vehicle manufacturer to vehicle manufacturer, and even among different models from the same manufacturer.

For the sake of this discussion in terms of a wiring harness, Tekonsha uses the term 'tow package' because there is a single, dedicated connector for connecting a trailer harness, rather than installing inline where the factory taillight harness connects to the taillight assembly. This makes for an easier and quicker installation.

Both the Curt # C56338 and the Tekonsha # 118278 would install in the same manner by plugging into the factory provided harness located behind the bulkhead in the cargo area on the passenger side as shown in linked video. I'd tend to recommend the Tekonsha harness over the Curt, as they seem to be a bit more reliable in the long run.

To complete your towing setup, you'll need a hitch, a ball mount and a trailer hitch. For a hitch, I'd recommend a Class III hitch like the # C13284 from Curt. A class III hitch uses the more common 2 inch receiver, which means you'll have more choices and flexibility in choosing hitch mounted accessories and a greater tongue weight and towing capacity up to the limits mentioned in your owner's manual. For a 2 inch ball mount, I'd recommend the # 2753 which will put your trailer ball at about 17 inches above the ground which is about average for a trailer coupler height. For a 1-7/8 inch trailer ball, use # 19260 or # 63845 for 2 inch.

I've linked to installation videos showing my buddy Brent installing the hitch and wiring harness I recommended.