Trailer Hitch Recommendation for Bike Rack on 2006 Mazda 5
Updated 06/18/2013 | Published 06/17/2013
Question:
Just wondering do I need a trailer hitch package to mount my bike rack on my 2006 Mazda 5. If not whats it mounted too?
asked by: Stephen C
Expert Reply:
If you have a trunk mounted bike rack, like those I've linked you to, you won't need a hitch at all. The rack simply straps against the rear of the vehicle. Be sure to follow the installation instructions for the rack exactly.
The available hitches for your Mazda 5 are all Class I, which use the 1-1/4 inch by 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. If your rack is compatible with a Class I hitch, I'd recommend the Draw-Tite # 24773. Due to the limited capacity of the Class I hitch, the hitch and bike rack manufacturers all agree that no more than 2 bikes be carried in a bike rack used on a Class I hitch, even if the rack itself can carry three or four bikes. Additional bikes after the first two would place too much leverage on the receiver tube, which could cause the hitch or the hitch attachment points to the vehicle to fail, which would be very bad.
If you'll be using your hitch for lightweight towing as well, you might also need the following to complete your towing system:
Trailer wiring harness with 4-pole wiring harness, part # 118520
Ball mount, part # 3593
1-7/8 inch trailer ball, part # 19256
