Will the EcoHitch or Draw-Tite Hitch for a 2017 Mazda 3 Hatchback Work With Appearance/Aero Package

Question

Question:

Hello: Im researching putting a hitch on my car to tow a small scooter 330 lbs. Two issues: The owners manual does not recommend a hitch to be installed, and #2, with the appearance package, i have a rear diffuser piece that may or may not make it difficult to install the equipment. Id appreciate your thoughts and recommendations

asked by: Keith M

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Expert Reply:

There are two trailer hitch options for a 2017 Mazda 3 Hatchback, the Draw-Tite Sport Frame Receiver Hitch part # 24914 and EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 306-X7305. If you have the appearance/aero package then the Draw-Tite will be your best option since it sits below the bumper but the EcoHitch option will work as well there would just be more trimming of the rear bumper fascia involved. That said, the EcoHitch option has the 2" receiver tube opening which is best for towing or hitch mounted carriers when compared to the 1-1/4" receiver tube opening on the Draw-Tite option.

In regards to the owner's manual, I cannot go against this and tell you to do something they say not to but what I can tell you is that both EcoHitch and Draw-Tite designed and tested a trailer hitch specifically for this vehicle. I was also only able to find that it is not recommended to tow but not that you cannot install a trailer hitch.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

The two parts you mentioned would be all you'd need, part numbers #753-3579 and #753-3583 as they appear to be the only parts that are damaged and the rest could be swapped over as needed.

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Answer 3

According to the owner's manual for your 2018 Mazda 3, "Your Mazda is not designed for towing. Never tow a trailer with your Mazda." However, if you choose to ignore this recommendation then you will want to use the Curt Trailer Hitch…

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Answer 4

The tongue weight capacity of the EcoHitch #306-X7305 for a 2015 Mazda 3 is indeed 300 lbs. After we wrote the original product description, EcoHitch did further weight capacity testing on the #306-X7305 hitch and found that it had a higher tongue…

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Answer 5

Hatch-mount bike carriers for your 2018 Mazda 3 Hatchback are available in 2-bike and 3-bike capacities. No 4-bike trunk racks are made since they would simply be too heavy for a car's sheet metal trunk or hatch. If you can get by with a 3-bike…

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Answer 6

The act of installing a hitch on the 2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring will not void the warranty because you are covered under the Magnuson–Moss warranty act which prohibits manufacturers from voiding a warranty for adding aftermarket parts unless that…

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Answer 7

I reached out to my contact at Thule, and he walked me through the steps to reconnect the mechanism on your Thule T2 Pro XTR #TH83JV. To get the mechanism re-aligned to move the rack to various positions, remove the side screws on the handle then…

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Answer 8

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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