Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness for 2015 Mazda CX-5

Question

Question:

I have a 2015 Mazda CX-5, grand touring. I have a hitch but need to have a wiring harness to pull a small trailer U-haul. It looks like I could install the recommended Curt C56011 myself but not the other recommendedinch wiring harnesses with the powered converter box. How do I know which I need? I have incandescent bulbs in the tail lights of the car. Does the type of lights on the trailer have anything to do with the choice?

asked by: Peter T

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Expert Reply:

All of the wiring harnesses available for the 2015 Mazda CX-5 with incandescent lights are going to be fairly similar in terms of installation with one exception; the Curt # C56011 does not have a powered converter so there is no connection to the battery required. The Tekonsha # 118563 and Hopkins # HM11143165 come with a powered converter box. What this does is limit the power draw through the tail light wiring to better isolate the tow vehicle wiring and trailer wiring. So if there is an overdraw situation the chance of it damaging the vehicle wiring is reduced using the powered converter.The lights on the trailer won't have any effect on the harness you're going to need.

In our experience, Tekonsha harnesses and their powered converters tend to be a bit more reliable over time and would be the choice I recommend since it will give you the added layer of protection you may need in the event of an electrical malfunction. I've linked a quick installation video of this harness for you to have a look at and see how it's done. I've also linked the Curt installation video if you'd rather not have to wire to the battery.

expert reply by: Erik B

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Answer 1

If you take a look at the accompanying photo, which was sent in by a customer, you can see the part that needs to be removed when installing a trailer hitch like the Draw-Tite #76138 (which has a 2" receiver) on your 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT. This is…

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Answer 2

The Curt 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13315 is an excellent option for your 2019 Mazda CX-5 and really the only other option available that I would recommend above it is the etrailer.com 2" Trailer Hitch #e98902, and that is only due to the…

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Answer 3

For the 2013 Mazda CX-5 the Tow Ready wiring harness #118563 is a powered converter that requires a direct connection to the vehicle battery to power the trailer lights. This protects the vehicle wiring and electrical components from damage. Because…

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Answer 4

Thank you for the picture! From the picture that you sent it in simply looks like that bracket got bent during shipping. Your friend should be able to bend it back so that it fits their vehicle. I can guarantee that if you put the trailer hitch up…

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Answer 5

There is a small plastic trim piece on the rear bumper of your 2019 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring that will need to be removed to install the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C12170 which you can see in the included picture that a customer sent in when doing…

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Answer 6

You're smart to want the flexibility of a 2 inch hitch receiver; that will offer you many more options in terms of accessories than the smaller 1-1/4 inch receiver. With that in mind, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame #76138 for your 2017 Mazda…

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Answer 7

In order to install the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #76138 on your 2019 Mazda CX-5 you will need to lower the exhaust by removing the metal exhaust hanger studs from the rubber isolators. This can be done with the isolators left…

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Answer 8

Based on the measurements you took on your trailer hitch and trailer coupler, you will technically need a ball mount that features a rise of around 8-1/2 inches for a completely level setup. Between the two ball mount options you mentioned, the Curt…

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Answer 9

Not all vehicles can handle the additional amperage draw of the trailer taillights on the vehicle taillight circuits. Those vehicles need setup that draws power from the battery. Some vehicles have higher rated circuits that can handle this, and…

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Answer 10

The Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118563 that you installed on your 2016 Mazda CX-5 will convert the 3 wire system that you have on your Mazda to a 2 wire that trailers use. This means that the turn signals and brake lights will both use the…

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Answer 11

For your 2016 Mazda CX-5 the Tekonsha kit part #118563 has been confirmed as a fit and will not give you any issues. It will work just fine on the non-2016.5 year models of your vehicle. I attached an install video for this harness for you to check…

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Answer 12

The best way to tell whether or not your 2015 Mazda CX-5 came with LED tailights would be to contact the manufacturer with your VIN. They would be able to tell you without a doubt whether or not your vehicle has LED taillights. The other way would be…

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