Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness and Ball Mount for 2020 Mazda CX-5

Question

Question:

Hi - Im interested in the etrailer class-III hitch receiver e98902, and Im having a little trouble figuring out the correct ball mount and wiring harness. On the ball mount, if we assume the typical 17inch coupler height, I think I need a 3inch rise to take the 13.5inch inside top receiver height and raise it to 16.5. But a friends RAV4 has a 14inch inside top receiver height and he uses a slight ball mount ball platform is about 2inch below top inside of receiver, top of the ball ends up being about even with the top inside of receiver. So Im puzzled ... On a related note, what length of ball mount do I need to get past the bumper 4inch from center of pin hole to bumper with the above receiver + CX-5? I notice some of the ball mounts have a triangular support that Im afraid might interfere with the bumper if I get the wrong one. Net: which ball mount would you recommend? On the wiring harness, do I need one with a powered converter which requires a long run cable to the battery, or can I just use the old fashioned direct connect style of harness? Thanks so much.

asked by: Andy J

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Expert Reply:

The etrailer brand # e98902 Class III hitch is a great choice for your 2020 Mazda CX-5.

Finding the necessary rise/drop ball mount is a straightforward process. Measure from the top inside of the receiver tube to the ground. Measure from the underside of the trailer coupler when its jacked up level to the ground (or, you can use 17 inches as an average). Subtract the two numbers and the result is the rise/drop you need. If the receiver tube is taller, you'll use the ballmount in the drop position. If the coupler is taller, you'll use the rise position.

When we installed the # e98902 on a 2019 CX-5, we found that the installed receiver height was 13-1/2 inches. The # 40345 ball mount with its 2-3/4 inch rise will put you pretty close to that 17 inch average, and it has a little extra length so you won't need to worry about that gusset hitting the bumper. You'll also need a # PC3 hitch pin. For a 1-7/8 inch ball, use # 19261 or # 63845 for a 2 inch.

For a wiring harness, I'd recommend the Tekonsha # 118746. With the exception of the connection to the battery which is necessary to keep the wiring system of the vehicle protected from any short circuits that could occur in the wiring on the trailer, the harness is a plug and play installation,.

I've linked to installation videos for the hitch and the trailer wiring I've recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

Absolutely! Starting with the harness I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #118746 which is a plug and play harness confirmed to fit your 2020 Mazda CX-5. I included an installation video of the…

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Answer 2

According to my research the only difference between a 2022 Mazda CX-5 and a 2023 Mazda CX-5 is that they offered an additional paint job for the new model year, meaning anything that is confirmed to fit a 2022 should fit a 2023 without any issues.…

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 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

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 9

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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Answer 10

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 #SH22G and the NV 2.0 #NV22G that you referenced are both excellent platform-style racks that will hold your bikes by the front wheels with no frame contact. These are top-of-the-line carriers and you really would not go wrong…

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Answer 11

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 12

Yes, a trailer that is nose up can cause big problems. A level trailer is ideal and worth working toward for safety. The good news is that you can get the trailer almost exactly level with switching ball mounts. This is where an adjustable ball mount…

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