Trailer Hitch for 2010 Mazda 5 to Allow Use of Bike Rack and Cargo Carrier

Updated 09/12/2014 | Published 09/11/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(673)

$17.59

Question:

Ive seen several questions and answers comparing the Draw-Tite #24773, Hidden Hitch #60841 and Curt #C11338. I thought I had my decision set for my 2010 Mazda5 but one comment talked about weight, torque and distance. My question is what is the weight, torque and distance capacity the hitch and or vehicle can handle? I mostly will be using a bike rack on the hitch, but would love to have the capability for a storage rack or towing if there becomes a need. Hopefully you all will be able to assist narrowing down an answer for my purchase.

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

All of the 1-1/4-inch Class I trailer hitches offered for your 2010 Mazda 5 are light-duty types intended for use with compatible Class I accessories like 2-bike racks and small cargo carriers. The hitches, Draw-Tite # 24773 and Curt # C11338, share the same 200-lb tongue weight capacity and 2000-lb towing capacity. The linked article explains further about hitch classes and capacities.

The only practical difference among them is that Curt requires you to use a stabilizing strap # 18050 to steady the rack; this is required to maintain your hitch's limited lifetime warranty from Curt. The strap reduces the stresses on the hitch to help minimize the potential for hitch or vehicle damage. The other hitches do not have this requirement but certainly there would be no harm at all in using the same strap on one of the other hitches.

You will want to check your Mazda owner's manual for any guidance regarding its tongue weight and towing capacities since these may be more or less than the hitch's. The lowest-rated item always becomes the limit for the entire system.

With any of these Class I hitches you can use a Class I bike rack (limited to 2-bike capacity) or Class I cargo carrier. I have included at right links to our pages for compatible bike racks and for cargo carriers that will work with one of these hitches. An article is included to help you select items that will fit well at the rear of your Mazda.

For towing you will also need additional items (ball mount, pin and clip, hitch ball and wiring harness) and when you are ready we can help you with all of these.

expert reply by: Adam R