Recommended Towing Package for a 2011 Mazda 3 Sedan
Question:
Car: 2011 Mazda 3 sedan iTouring 2.0 I am looking for help with the following items: Class I hitch Trailer wiring Transmission cooler I need stuff that will just hook up and work. Not sure I understand the difference between some of the options I see when I search your site. Thanks.
asked by: Joshua G
Helpful Expert Reply:
We have everything you are looking for, but I must warn you that Mazda does not recommend towing with this vehicle, so you would be doing so at your own risk. The other complication is that there is no stated towing capacity for your vehicle because it is not recommended for towing. You will want to be very careful if you choose to tow.
For a trailer hitch I recommend the Curt Class I Hitch # C11393. This hitch as a Gross Trailer Weight Capacity of 2,000 lbs. and a Tongue Weight Capacity of 200 lbs. This means this hitch can only tow 2,000 lbs. of weight, but your vehicle may not be able to tow this much so just because the hitch can tow 2,000 lbs. does not mean you vehicle can handle 2,000 lbs. This trailer hitch fits on 2011 Mazda 3 Sedans without LED lights and no drilling or welding is required for installation.
For a wiring harness, I recommend the Tow Ready Wiring Harness # 118420. I attached an installation video for this wiring harness for your convenience.
I recommend Derale Series 8000 Transmission Cooler # D13501 for your vehicle. This will fit on your 2011 Mazda 3. I attached a review video of this transmission cooler you may want to check out. Unfortunately, this will not be a "hook up" installation as transmission coolers take some time to put in. I attached an installation video for this cooler on a Derale 8000, while it will not be the same process for your vehicle, you can get an idea of how it will install on your 2011 Mazda 3.
To complete your towing package, you will also need a ball mount, hitch ball and pin and clip. I recommend the Curt Ball Mount # C45521 as it can fit a 1-1/4" hitch opening. For a hitch ball I recommend the 2" Hitch Ball # A-90 or 1-7/8" Hitch Ball # 19260. Finally, I recommend the Curt pin and clip # F-4.
I attached help articles on: common transmission cooler questions, what you need to tow a trailer and how to clean the weld nuts you will use to bolt your hitch to your vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- CURT
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class II - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Small SUV
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 5-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Curt Hitch Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter x 2-1/2" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- 2-1/2 Inch Long
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1/2 Inch Diameter
- 2-1/2 Inch Span
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Shop: Trunk Bike Rack
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Q&A: Will Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Contact Exhaust on 2012 Mazda 3 Sedan
- Video: Curt Trailer Hitch Installation - 2017 Mazda 3
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2012 Mazda 3 - Curt C11393
- Video: CE Smith Trailer Fenders - No Step - CE17720 Review
- Search Results: 2" hitch receiver
- Search Results: 12" fender
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2010 Mazda 3
- Q&A: How to Confirm Towing Capacity of Mazda 3
- Search Results: 1 14 hitch
- Shop: 2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Class II Drawbar - 5" Rise - 9-5/8" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: hitch cargo carrier
- Q&A: Can The Yakima EXO GearWarrior Cargo Basket Mount to Yakima Crossbars?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: roof rack
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
on Trailer Hitch
