Recommended Thule Bike Rack For Carrying Bikes Behind 2012 Mazda 5 With Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver

Updated 06/16/2023 | Published 06/14/2023

Products Featured in This Question

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

(19)

$188.93

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

(92)

$56.76

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(94)

$190.85

Curt Auxiliary LED Indicator Lights

(245)

$32.94

Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(513)

$1099.95

Question:

I would like to use one of the Thule Pro 2 models of bottom tray bike carriers w/ your recommended Curt hitch for our 2012 Mazda 5. Is there enough bumper clearance between the receiver and carrier mount? If not, what about a similar Yakima bottom tray model or any other brands? If possible, Id really like to use a bottom tray style -vs- a hanging carrier. Physical limitations rule out using any type of roof rack.

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

While we have not installed the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11127 on a 2012 Mazda 5 in our shop to get a hitch pin to bumper measurement. We have installed the Draw-Tite # 24874 which we found to only have a 4-3/4" distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the rear edge of the bumper.

As you mentioned physical limitations I recommend going with the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack # TH903202. This has plenty of clearance at 8" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the upright to secure the bikes. The EasyFold folds towards the center of the hitch which makes installation and removal much easier than a tray style rack. And once removed it has wheels to maneuver it around your garage. This rack also includes a 36" ramp allowing you to push the bike on and off the carrier rather than having to lift it off and on. It is capable of supporting 2 bikes up to 65lbs each and secures the bike using wheel straps and padded clamps which have built in locks.

I recommend installing the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118520 when you install the receiver. This will allow you to mount Auxiliary Lights # C53201 on the bike rack as well as tow most small trailer if the need arises later down the road.