Bike Rack Options for a 2010 Mazda 3

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Question:

I have a 2010 Mazda 3 with no touring lights. I have a xtc swagman 4 bike carrier with a 2 hitch. What would you recommend for a hitch for the Mazda to be able to haul this carrier and bikes. I have read the max carrying capacity is 2 bikes. Would it be too much for the car to have a class 2 type hitch that can hold more, or is it just maxed out with a class 1 and 2 bikes. Thanks for the advice.

asked by: Michelle

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Expert Reply:

The Swagman XTC 4 bike rack you currently have is not compatible with the Class I receiver like the Curt # C11393, which is the only receiver available for the 2010 Mazda 3. Due to the size of the vehicle, as well as the rigidity of the area where the hitch attaches to the vehicle, the hitch will only be able to safely accommodate 200 lbs of tongue weight, or downward force. You will also need a stabilizer strap like # 18050 which is required by Curt.

In order to make the 2-inch shank on the bike carrier work with the 1-1/4 inch receiver, an adapter would need to be used, but using the adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the receiver by 50 percent. Instead of a 200 lb capacity, you would then be reduced to 100 lbs. This means that the rack as well as the bikes placed upon it could weigh no more than 100 lbs.

The minimal tongue weight capacity is the main reason why we strongly recommend no more than two bikes be placed on a rack that is used in a class I receiver. The other reason is leverage. More bikes means a longer bike rack, which places the weight further back from from the receiver. The more leverage applied, the better the chances are that the hitch and/or the vehicle will be damaged. Although you might be able to use your existing rack with an adapter with only two bikes on it, the long length of the XTC might still apply enough leverage to cause damage.

Your best bet would be to obtain a bike rack that is designed for use on a Class I receiver, like the Thule Camber, part # TH9058. If additional bikes need to be carried, a roof rack would be your best option. If you click on the provided link, you will be able to view the roof rack choices available for your Mazda 3.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

For a carbon frame bike a hitch bike rack that holds the bike by just the tires is the only safe option. Trunk racks all touch the frame which is something you need to avoid with carbon frame bikes. So for a hitch you'd need the Draw Tite…

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Answer 2

The Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver you referenced, part #24816, fits the Mazda 3 up through model year 2009, but I can tell you the correct hitch fit for your 2012 Mazda 3 as well. You can use the link provided to see our main page for…

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Answer 3

The Curt Trailer Hitch, #11383, is designed to fit the 2010 and 2011 Mazda 3 Hatchback but not the sedan. I have included a link to the trailer hitches available for the Sedan, Non-Grand Touring model for you to view. The equivalent hitch for your…

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Answer 4

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C11393 will not contact the exhaust on your 2012 Mazda 3 sedan.

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Answer 5

The provisions of the Curt Class I #C11393 hitch warranty requires the use of a stabilizing strap like part #18050 for non-trailer loads like a cargo carrier or bike rack. Keep in mind, the hitch manufacturers punch a stop into the receiver tube of…

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Answer 6

The Curt Class I Receiver Hitch, #11393, for the 2010 Mazda 3 will fit on either model, with or without LED tail lights. The note you are seeing about LED lights pertains to the wiring for the Mazda 3 because a different trailer wiring harness is…

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Answer 7

All three components of the Rhino Rack part numbers #RRVA118B-2, #RRRLKVA, and #DK289 would be needed. The bars, the feet, and the adapter kit that attaches the feet to the factory fixed mounting holes of the roof of the vehicle.

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Answer 8

Based on what you have described the aluminum carrier should have no problem handling the 200 pound estimated weight of the carrier and boat/motor combined. You will just need to make sure not to exceed the capacity of the trailer hitch on your 2010…

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Answer 9

The Curt light-duty Class I trailer hitch receiver you referenced, part #C11393, is a fit for the sedan versions of the 2010-through-2013 Mazda 3 with or without LED taillights. This particular hitch fits no other vehicles. The hitch comes with all…

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Answer 10

You have done your research. As you have seen, all of the hitches for the 2010 Mazda 3 are Class I trailer hitches. The Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch models do have the safety notch in them that prevent the insertion of a Class II accessory. This is so…

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Answer 11

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 12

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Bike Rack Options for a 2010 Mazda 3

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