Topic: Has anyone installed a U-Haul Hitche on their Mazda??? (Read 2598 times)

David6801 · « **on:** March 14, 2008, 04:21:45 PM »

I need a hitch to my M3 Hatchback. I am not mechanic enclined, and I really don't take to get under the car.
I have read the threads where where some hitchs are installed into the bumper mounting. I would like something that would be installed into the cars frame, not bumper frame.
U-hall guy told me that they do not use the bumper frame, but the car frame... Sounds good... Anyone here with any imput?? They quote me $350 installed + wires.
Thanks
David

genoint · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2008, 08:09:44 PM »

What are you going to be hauling? I never had a hitch, but when I owned a GTi most owners who had a hitch bought and loved the "Hidden Hitch." I was thinking about buying one to use for a mountain bike rack and I liked the idea of the hitch being hidden when not in use. I don't have any experince with it, but you can Google it and do your own research. Maybe someone else in the forum owns or has one?

David6801 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2008, 10:01:42 PM »

I want a hitch so I can trailer my Triumph motorcycle! Bike and trailer around 1,200 lbs.
I am surprised that no one here has a U-hall hitch installed?! Or is there???
Thanks
David

genoint · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2008, 07:49:37 PM »

Will the uhaul hitch be the ball type that sticks out from the bumper constantly? If so, I would look at the hidden hitch, when you are not using it, it is barely noticeable under the bumper

wacoundamike · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2008, 09:03:09 PM »

1,200 pounds is more than the passenger capacity of the car. Anything happens your warranty is gone. Mazda has no towing capacities and doesn't even mention it in the owners manual.

David6801 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 01, 2008, 05:38:21 PM »

I am not worried about the towing capacity, I know that I am just towing my motorcycle, no passengers it will be fine. People in Europe use their Mazda3 to tow even heavier campers, etc. In fact, did you know that the M3 in England is a smaller engine and has a trailer hitch installed by the dealer as an option, in
addition of the roof rack!?
Here in the US we got stiffed!
In any case, I know that the U-hall is a hidden hitch also, but I am wondering if anyone has used them and how it was as an overhall experience with quality and installation.
Thanks
David

coondogg · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2008, 06:46:02 PM »

I've seen pics of a guy that uses his 3 to haul his dirt bike. It was in the Show your bike thread. I'll try and find it.

ktmKeith · « **Reply #7 on:** April 06, 2008, 11:04:54 AM »

Here's a link to a thread on Thumpertalk that has a Mazda3 towing a dirtbike. http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6097806#post6097806

I just rec'd a hidden hitch and will be installing it today. Will probably test it out next weekend, got a 9 hour drive to the next enduro.

robertnjrotc · « **Reply #8 on:** April 16, 2008, 08:17:44 PM »

has anyone ever hauled a small 4'X8' uhaul with their 3? I have a 3i and am wondering if i can pull a trailer with that.

raboni48 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 27, 2008, 07:44:01 PM »

I recently installed this one http://www.etrailer.com/pc-H~60999.htm?vehicleid=20065598.
It does take a little finesse to do, but I did it in about 90 minutes. The toughest part was drilling the 1/2 " holes. Buy the best drill bit you can.

Gaulois · « **Reply #10 on:** May 08, 2008, 05:36:08 PM »

Yes, drilling those holes were a pain.
I got a 5x8 (400lb) trailer last week (thanks to the Bush refund. I bought American made) , but have not set the bike on it yet. I am waiting on a wheel chock to arrive first. Or I might try without it, but I will need my wife to hold the bike up and strait while I tie the bike down.
I brought back the trailer home on a 50 miles trip over the Appalachian mountains. The Mazda 3 did alright. Except on one of those steep and long up hill. I had to down shift, but that goes with trailing anyway.
I will post pictures tonight once I get home.

Gaulois · « **Reply #11 on:** May 08, 2008, 08:07:49 PM »

Here is one picture.

Gaulois · « **Reply #12 on:** May 08, 2008, 08:11:36 PM »

An other

Gaulois · « **Reply #13 on:** May 08, 2008, 08:12:22 PM »

And finally

Gaulois · « **Reply #14 on:** May 19, 2008, 01:04:26 PM »

I went into a 150 miles trip this weekend with the utility trailer and the bike on it.
Between the trailer and the bike, I believe the total weight was 900lb max. I checked the tong weight and it was at 95lb.

Gaulois · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2008, 01:05:56 PM »

I used regular buckle straps, they hold great. Just make sure you check them out a few miles after starting your trip.

Gaulois · « **Reply #16 on:** May 19, 2008, 01:06:48 PM »

I placed the straps around the triple tree on each side.

Gaulois · « **Reply #17 on:** May 19, 2008, 01:07:29 PM »

I used a removable wheel chock. It holds the bike very well in place.

coondogg · « **Reply #18 on:** May 19, 2008, 03:36:11 PM »

Too many times do I see ppl with trailers and they have the load up on the tongue...

The trailer wheels are meant to carry the weight of any load you put on it. Nice to see the bike is centered over the axle.

HitIt · « **Reply #19 on:** May 19, 2008, 04:37:53 PM »

Towing 1200 pounds has nothing to do with the passenger weight capacity. It's not as if the 1200 pounds rests on your suspension, the only weight is on the trailer tongue.

Also, the Uhaul reciver for your car is made by Curt if you want to look it up, it's probably less money. I have heard bad stories about the U-haul installers doing poor work. You're better off ordering a Curt or Hidden Hitch and bringing it to mechanic to install. Better job for less money.

mneblett · « **Reply #20 on:** May 21, 2008, 12:30:34 PM »

Quote from: HitIt on May 19, 2008, 04:37:53 PM

Towing 1200 pounds has nothing to do with the passenger weight capacity. It's not as if the 1200 pounds rests on your suspension, the only weight is on the trailer tongue.

But it has *everything* to do with the brake capacity of the vehicle. A lot of tow ratings are brake-limited, not suspension limited. So the OEM's GVWR/cargo capacity rating does give you some pretty good hints as to what they think the car's limits are.

FWIW, while I've only had a short time with my new 3 5-door, I suspect there's enough brake heat capacity to handle light towing fine, as long as you're not doing a lot of mountain driving. Anything more than that, and I'll borrow the wife's F-150 -- it's all about using the right tool of the right job

mav1c · « **Reply #21 on:** November 01, 2008, 12:01:07 PM »

Quote from: raboni48 on April 27, 2008, 07:44:01 PM

I recently installed this one http://www.etrailer.com/pc-H~60999.htm?vehicleid=20065598.
It does take a little finesse to do, but I did it in about 90 minutes. The toughest part was drilling the 1/2 " holes. Buy the best drill bit you can.

YEah. I installed the same one. The hole drilling was a bit of a pain, but ntohing too hard. Took me about 90 minutes from start to finish. I only use it for a bike carrier, so I can't comment on the ability to tow much. I would say anything about 1000lbs is pushing it though.

The original Mazda3-based forum.

Author Topic: Has anyone installed a U-Haul Hitche on their Mazda??? (Read 2598 times)