Best Trunk-Mount 3-Bike Rack for 2018 Mazda 3 Hatchback

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Question:

We need a rear hatch bike rack for our Mazda 3 hatchback, 2018. 3 or 4 bikes.

asked by: Phil

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Expert Reply:

Hatch-mount bike carriers for your 2018 Mazda 3 Hatchback are available in 2-bike and 3-bike capacities. No 4-bike trunk racks are made since they would simply be too heavy for a car's sheet metal trunk or hatch.

If you can get by with a 3-bike capacity then the rack I recommend is the Thule OutWay 3, part # TH56BV. This USA-made carrier is among the best trunk racks made. It features molded nylon construction that is strong yet lightweight; built-in locks are included for the rack itself and for your loaded bikes; it uses adjustable arms for a good fit on most bike frames and the highest grade of cushioned cradles to gently support your bikes; and it mounts using only 2 strong steel cables instead of 4-6 flimsy nylon straps of the other carriers that can fray and tear.

If you find you need to carry a 4th bike then you will need to install a hitch and use a hitch-mount rack that will have the higher bike and overall weight capacities you need. Hitch racks offer several advantages. They put the entire rack/bike weight load on the car's frame which is its strongest part; they make no contact with the car's painted surfaces; and they allow you to retain use of a rear wiper which cannot be used with a hatch rack.

Hitch racks require a hitch, naturally, and I recommend the 2-inch EcoHitch # 306-X7305 because once installed it will be mostly hidden from view except for the receiver tube. This USA-made hitch bolts on (no drilling needed) using the included hardware packet.

For a quality 4-bike hitch rack that won't break the bank I suggest the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR which tilts for easier vehicle access, as shown in the linked video. I also recommend adding the anti-rattle lock # THSTL2 which will help protect your bike rack investment.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

According to the owner's manual for your 2018 Mazda 3, "Your Mazda is not designed for towing. Never tow a trailer with your Mazda." However, if you choose to ignore this recommendation then you will want to use the Curt…

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Answer 2

The tongue weight capacity of the EcoHitch #306-X7305 for a 2015 Mazda 3 is indeed 300 lbs. After we wrote the original product description, EcoHitch did further weight capacity testing on the #306-X7305 hitch and found that it had a higher tongue…

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Answer 3

If you are towing with your 2016 Mazda 3 Hatchback you would need to get the Stealth Hitches Towing Kit w/ Ball Mount and Trailer Wiring #SH34ZR. There are parts (chain hangers and bolts) that are not available by themselves.

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Answer 4

It is not possible to open a trunk/rear hatch on a vehicle while a trunk-mount style bike rack like the Yakima FullBack 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms Item #Y02634 is installed. But we have a solution for you if your goal is to keep rear…

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Answer 5

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 6

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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Answer 7

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 8

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 9

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 10

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 11

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Best Trunk-Mount 3-Bike Rack for 2018 Mazda 3 Hatchback

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