Transporting Mountain Bikes and Kayaks with the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Updated 03/05/2021 | Published 03/01/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray

(470)

$989.00

Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Fixed Mounting Points

(293)

$129.99

Rhino-Rack Nautic SUP or Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(125)

$169.99

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8964)

$234.99

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2

(2754)

$239.98

Question:

Hello: I have a 2018 Mazda CX-5, no roof rails, but I did install a trailer hitch on it. Looking for guidance on purchasing best ways to transport: - mountain bikes - kayak Thank you!

asked by: Nadia

Expert Reply:

Hello, that you already have a trailer hitch installed is great. I suggest the use of a hitch mounted bike rack for your mountain bikes.

For the kayak, you will need to transport that on the roof, we will begin with selecting roof rack options and then an appropriate carrier. For the crossbars I prefer the aero style as they have less wind resistance when not hauling items therefore less road noise relative to other styles such as the square tubing or round. I suggest the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars; these are of aluminum construction, part # RRVA118B-2. Also, the Vortex Aero crossbar has a built-in C-channel so you can carry channel-mounted accessories in addition to most any clamp-on style (please see the attached link to video review).

To mount these you will need legs # RRRLKVA and hardware, the custom fit kit for your 2018 Mazda CX-5 is # DK289.

For the kayak carrier we have options. I recommend the Rhino-Rack Nautic Roof Kayak Carrier # RR570. This kayak carrier lets you easily load and carry 1 kayak on your roof rack crossbars. What I like with this carrier is that it sets the kayak flat instead of on its side. Another option is the J-Style Rhino-Rack Kayak Carrier # S512-S512X. This has the kayak setting on its side and allows for carry of two kayaks. The carrier folds down when not in use.

For your hitch mounted bike rack I suggest a platform style bike rack. There are a lot of great choices in this area but I suggest the Kuat NV 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack -for 2" Hitches # NV22G. This platform-style carrier holds 2 bikes by the wheels with adjustable hooks and sliding straps. The rack tilts down with bikes loaded for cargo area access and folds up for storage. Aside from preference of platform style bike racks another important feature to me is that they have a tilt feature when used with a vehicle such as your CX-5 so that access to cargo are is not eliminated.