Recommended Hitch for a 2021 Mazda CX-5 Using a VelociRAX Bike Rack

Updated 10/27/2025 | Published 03/23/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(498)

$190.19

Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K

(792)

$76.44

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

(140)

$73.29

Question:

What receiver is compatible with a velocirax vertical hanging bike rack on a 2019 Mazda CX-5? Im looking at getting a four bike vertically hanging rack, velocirax-412 but Im having trouble identifying compatible receivers. The velocirax site asks that the receiver have at least 86mm of depth past the pin hole, but I cant find drawings specifying this length for any receivers. Additionally, the Curt website specifically forbids vertically mounted bike racks, but I see no mention of that here. Curt 13315. With no explanation why such a rack is forbidden, Im unsure what I need to be looking for to ensure the receiver will meet my needs.

asked by: Carlin

Expert Reply:

Hey Carlin! For your 2021 Mazda CX-5 you'll want the Draw-Tite Hitch item # 76138. I went out to the warehouse and took a look at the hitch myself. It has right at 3" past the hitch pin hole towards the front of your Mazda and then just opens completely up with no weld stops or anything. I took a look at our installation videos and the instructions, you've got a couple inches past the end of the receiver before you get to your exhaust. I checked VelociRAX's website and it says you need 3-3/8" past the hitch pin hole so you'll be good to go.

The Draw-Tite item # 76138 is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver that has a 500 lbs tongue weight capacity so it checks all the boxes as far as hitch requirements go.

Curt's always said that about their hitches, like item # C13315. It's due to the downward pressure placed on the hitch. Draw-Tite does not have this restriction on theirs.

What kind of bikes do you have?

If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # C56377 and a ball mount kit item # C45534.

expert reply by: Jerred H

2021 Mazda CX-5
(click to enlarge)

Jerred H.

10/27/2025

Hey Carlin, how did the Draw-Tite hitch work out with your VelociRAX bike rack on the CX-5? It sounds like the extra clearance past the pin hole should have matched up well. Your feedback could really help others trying to fit a vertical rack on a similar setup.