Best Trailer Hitch Receiver For a 2013 Mazda CX-5 Carrying Bikes and Towing a Motorcycle Trailer  

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There are several custom fit trailer hitch receivers that are available for your 2013 Mazda CX-5 and for hauling a bike rack and your motorcycle and trailer they will all be able to handle the job.

First, the Curt # C12170 is a 1-1/4" receiver and while it will fit some bike racks and pull your trailer, I wouldn't recommend this size any time a class III 2" receiver is available. The 2" hitches will allow the use of a much larger selection of accessories.

The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98902 is the one I recommend for your Mazda. It has the 2" class III receiver that is rated for a maximum of 600lbs of tongue weight and 4,000lbs towing capacity. Be sure to verify your towing capacity with your owners manual and do not exceed the manufacturers rating. The receiver has a matte black powder coat finish which blends in better with the factory undercoating and I find is more durable. The cross tube is also hidden behind the rear bumper cover which gives the receiver a factory look.

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13315 is very similar in design and construction to the etrailer receiver. It has the same rating of 600lbs tongue weight and 4,000lbs towing. The cross tube is also hidden but the receiver does tend to stand out more as it has a gloss black finish.

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76138 does have a slightly higher weight capacity of 675 tongue weight and 4,500lbs towing capacity. But do remember you are limited to the rating given by Mazda for your CX-5. This receiver does have a slightly different mounting point on the frame and is also a hidden cross tube. The finish is similar to the Curt with the gloss black powder coating.

I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118563 for your 4-way flat connector. This will work with either LED or incandescent lights so there is no need to check your specific CX-5. The 4-way will send power to the tail lights on your motorcycle trailer and allow you to use Auxiliary Lights # C53201 on your bike rack.

For a bike rack there are several to choose from and depending on your specific bike there may be one that is better than another. I prefer the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack # SH22B myself. This rack provides a very clean look and will fit 2 bikes up to 40lbs each. It holds the bike in place by the wheels and tires so there is no damage done to the frames. The anti-rattle and locking mechanisms are built in so there is no extra parts needed to secure your rack to your Mazda while you are out riding. Best of all the rack tilts away from the rear hatch when the bikes are loaded for access to your rear cargo area.

expert reply by: Bud M

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