Recommended Trailer Hitch And Platform Style Bike Carrier For 2011 Mazda 3 Hatchback  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the rear bumper with the Draw-Tite, part # 24843 is 5-1/4 inches. The Hidden Hitch, part # 60259 is made by the same company as the Draw-Tite and they are essentially the same in design and fit. The distance with the Curt Hitch, part # C11383 is 3-3/4 inches. You would need a bike carrier that has a little more than those dimensions from the center of the shank hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier when it is folded up to avoid contact with the rear bumper.

I have attached links to installation videos for both the Draw-Tite hitch, part # 24843, and the Curt trailer Hitch, part # C11383 on a Mazda 3 Hatchback. A note from Curt states that all non-trailer loads - bike racks, cargo carriers and so forth - should be supported with stabilizing straps like part # 18050. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from Curt.

The Thule T2 Platform-Style 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH917XTR has a measurement of 3-1/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier when it is folded up, so it would not work with either of the hitches, but I do have a solution.

I recommend the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Platform Rack, part # SH12G and the Curt trailer hitch, C11383. The SH12G has a distance of 9 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest wheel cradle when folded up. This bike carrier has a tilting feature that allows you to open the rear hatch even when bikes are loaded. It comes with a hitch and cable lock that secures the rack to the vehicle and also the bikes to the rack. The ratcheting hook design hold the bikes in place by the wheel and not by the frame, so there is less wear on the bike finish.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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