Will Using Ramps Allow Enough Clearance to Lower 2018 Mazda CX-5 Exhaust to Install Trailer Hitch

Question:

How much ground clearance do I need to drop the exhaust for the install? Do vehicle ramps typically used for oil changes provide enough clearance to perform the install or will I need to purchase/rent something more substantial? I currently own RhinoGear 11912ABMI RhinoRamps MAX Vehicle Ramp - Pair 16,000lb. GVW Capacity will these suffice?

asked by: Jason B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your ramps will be more than tall enough to lower the exhaust when installing a trailer hitch on your 2018 Mazda CX-5. The exhaust only has to come down a few inches to get the hitch into position. The exhaust pipes won't even have to go as low as the bottoms of the tires so with the vehicle up even higher, in this case on ramps, you will have more than enough room. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for a trailer wiring harness you can use # 118746 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H