What Bike Rack and Trailer Hitch do you Recommend for my 2014 Mazda 6

Question:

Hi, I am looking to purchase a trailer hitch and bike rack for my 2014 Mazda 6. I was wondering if you can help recommend the right product for me and what I would like for it to do. I will be purchasing a trailer bike rack that will support up to 4 bikes and in most cases, I will only be carrying 2 bikes, but there may be some cases where I may need to carry 4. Please tell me what your recommendations would be for a trailer hitch and also bike rack. Thanks!

asked by: Shingo O

Expert Reply:

I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class I # C11356 for your 2014 Mazda 6. We have test fitted this product on your vehicle and Curt confirms this hitch will fit on your 2014 Mazda 6. The hitch is easily bolted on for installation and the complete hardware kit is included with your hitch. A gloss black powder coat finish provides a protective base coat which offers superior rust resistance. I have attached a photo of this hitch on your vehicle.

However, if you are planning on carrying 4 bikes, Class I hitches can only carry 2 bikes at a time as mandated by hitch and bike rack manufacturers. Your vehicle can only have a Class I hitch installed so I have some options for you. For a bike rack, I recommend the hitch-mounted Thule Camber 2 # TH9058. This rack will fit on your vehicle and the Curt hitch I recommended. The Thule Roadway carries two bikes with a weight capacity of 35 lbs. per bike. This bike rack can tilt down for easy access to the trunk and any gear in the back. The Roadway is made from from tough steel, so this bike rack will last for many years.

To carry two more bikes, I recommend to look at roof bike racks for your vehicle. The Roof Mounted Bike Rack I recommend is the Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack # TH599000. This rack can fit with your vehicle but you will need a roof rack to mount this on. I recommend the Inno Square Bar Roof Rack consisting of the Crossbars # INB137, the Foot Pack, # INSUT, and the Fit Kit # INK219. This roof rack can fit your vehicle and can carry two bikes. Make sure to check with your vehicle manual to see how much weight your roof can hold.

If you are carrying any women's, children's or alternative framed bikes without the top horizontal cross tube, you may want to consider a bike adapter bar similar to # TH982XT to make loading bikes easier.

I have attached an installation video of the Curt Trailer Hitch on a 2014 Mazda 6, a review video of the Thule Roadway, Inno Roof Rack, the RockyMounts PitchFork and Bike Adapter Bar you may want to check out.