Complete Towing Setup for 2016 Mazda CX-5
Question:
Hello, I am looking for your recommendation/confirmation of required equipment to tow a trailer with brakes on with a 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring with Technology Package. Here is what Im planning to get. Does this make sense? I think the Draw Tie Class III 2inch hitch is better than the Curt since it doesnt require support straps. Then I would get Item # 118563. Will this work fine with my vehicles LED lights that came with Mazdas technology package? Then I would purchase Item # ETBC7 to have a 7 pin connection. Is this compatible with the above 4 pin wiring harness? I would then purchase Item # 90195 as my brake controller. Is this compatible with all the wiring listed above? Is there a different/better brake controller I should be using for this setup? Thanks!
asked by: Trei
Expert Reply:
Draw-Tite Class III hitch # 76138 is a good choice for your 2016 Mazda CX-5 since it offers a higher weight capacity than Curt hitch # C13315. Please note that Curt does NOT require use of their support strap # 18050 with this hitch although they do require it for some other hitches.
For a 4-pole wiring harness you can indeed use Tekonsha kit # 118563 which is compatible with your LED lighting. This wiring can be converted to the 7-way type needed for a brake controller by adding kit # ETBC7. The kit also includes all parts needed to wire a trailer brake controller like the excellent Prodigy P3 # 90195. All of these items that you mentioned are solid choices; I would stick with what you selected.
Towing also requires a ball mount, hitch ball, hitch lock and towing mirrors. I recommend our cost-effective ball mount kit # EBMK4 since it gives you a ball mount and two sizes of hitch ball, both 1-7/8 and 2-inch sizes. For a hitch lock you can use anti-rattle lock # 63232.
For towing mirrors I like the K-Source universal mirror set # KS3990 since they clip on easily and will remain reasonably steady as you drive.
Several installation help articles are linked for the hitch and wiring and two towing article are also linked for reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Universal Anti-Rattle Lock
- Keyed Unique
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Spring-Loaded Pin
- 3-1/2 Inch Span
- Lets Go Aero
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
etrailer 2-3/4" Rise or 4" Drop Ball Mount Kit - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
K-Source Universal Dual Lens Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Pair
- Towing Mirrors
- Clip-On Mirror
- Manual
- Pair of Mirrors
- Universal Fit
- Non-Heated
- Fits Driver and Passenger Side
- K Source
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Correct Noise from Exhaust Rattling Against a Trailer Hitch
- Article: Which Hitches are Made in the USA
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Q&A: Recommended 2-Inch Trailer Hitch For 2024 Mazda CX-5
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt & etrailer Trailer Hitches For 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
- Q&A: Mazda CX-5 Signature Hitch Installation and Trim Removal
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: 2024 Mazda CX-5 Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations with Mounting Brackets
- Q&A: Is Trimming Required to Install the etrailer Hitch # e98902 on My 2021 Mazda CX-5?
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Roof Rack Information
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop