Concerns About Using Older Vehicle for Towing Rental Trailer Over Mountains  

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In my research, I saw several reports stating that if the vehicle has the tow package, which consists of a transmission cooler and heavy duty radiator, it can tow up to 3000 lbs. Without the tow package, you'll be limited to 2000 lbs. I would urge you to confirm this for yourself. Your Mazda dealer might be able to clarify for you.

Given the fact that the vehicle has over 100,000 miles and given that your trip to California will almost certainly involve driving up and down mountains, I'd be very leery of pulling anything that came anywhere near the towing capacity of your MPV. If you're talking only 1000-1500 lbs of trailer/cargo, you'd probably be fine but anything more than that would make me extremely nervous.

You mentioned that the vehicle has recently been 'tuned up'. A tune up can mean many things to many people. If the tune up only consisted of having spark plugs and wires changed, I'd also be sure that all fluids are topped off and within their service intervals and that your tires, brakes and suspension components have also been looked over.

If the weight of what you're wanting to tow would be over 1500 lbs, I'd seriously consider renting a box truck properly sized for your cargo and towing the MPV on a trailer behind it. The truck + trailer rental won't be cheap, but certainly less expensive than putting a new transmission in the MPV or having to replace the vehicle.

If you decide to tow the trailer, in addition to the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" # C12288 you referenced, you'll also need a trailer wiring harness part # 56010, a # 36071 ball mount and a trailer ball. For a 2 inch, use # 19258 or # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch. The rental place should be able to tell you which size is needed.

expert reply by: Mike L

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