Wiring Harness and Hitch Recommendation for 2016 Mazda CX-9

Question

Question:

I have a 2016 Mazda CX9 FWD Touring. As far as i know, there is no OEM Tow Package. Im confused by the statement in all your wiring harness options that states the T Connect easily taps into the OEM Towing Package. Please advise as to exactly what i need to purchase to hook up a trailer with lights and assume i have no OEM towing package. Thank you

asked by: Kenneth H

0

Expert Reply:

The term 'Towing Package' is pretty useless because it's an extremely vague description whose meaning varies from vehicle manufacturer to vehicle manufacturer, and even among different models from the same manufacturer.

For the sake of this discussion in terms of a wiring harness, Tekonsha uses the term 'tow package' because there is a single, dedicated connector for connecting a trailer harness, rather than installing inline where the factory taillight harness connects to the taillight assembly. This makes for an easier and quicker installation.

Both the Curt # C56338 and the Tekonsha # 118278 would install in the same manner by plugging into the factory provided harness located behind the bulkhead in the cargo area on the passenger side as shown in linked video. I'd tend to recommend the Tekonsha harness over the Curt, as they seem to be a bit more reliable in the long run.

To complete your towing setup, you'll need a hitch, a ball mount and a trailer hitch. For a hitch, I'd recommend a Class III hitch like the # C13284 from Curt. A class III hitch uses the more common 2 inch receiver, which means you'll have more choices and flexibility in choosing hitch mounted accessories and a greater tongue weight and towing capacity up to the limits mentioned in your owner's manual. For a 2 inch ball mount, I'd recommend the # 2753 which will put your trailer ball at about 17 inches above the ground which is about average for a trailer coupler height. For a 1-7/8 inch trailer ball, use # 19260 or # 63845 for 2 inch.

I've linked to installation videos showing my buddy Brent installing the hitch and wiring harness I recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

Answer 1

The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #C56338 does not have a separate ground wire outside of the connector. You do not need to find an additional ground you will simply utilize the integrated ground in the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

On both the Draw-Tite #76020 and Curt #C13284 trailer hitch receivers the lower trim panel on the 2016 Mazda CX-9 is not reinstalled. I've linked videos as well as the install instructions of both hitches for you to take a look at.

view full answer...

Answer 3

Your 2021 Mazda CX-9 comes with a factory OEM tow package. Essentially all this is, is a plug in port that allows you to plug in the wiring harness instead of having to splice it into your wiring. Both the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The hands-free lift gate feature on your 2020 Mazda CX-9 will still be functional if you install the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76020. You may need to kick using a back and forth motion though instead of just waving your foot left to…

view full answer...

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…

view full answer...

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…

view full answer...

Answer 7

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…

view full answer...

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…

view full answer...

Answer 9

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…

view full answer...

Answer 10

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.

view full answer...

Answer 11

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

view full answer...

Answer 12

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Wiring Harness and Hitch Recommendation for 2016 Mazda CX-9

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching