How Can I Transport My Roof Nest Tent on My 2015 Mazda CX-5 with a Bare Roof?
Question:
I am looking at the Rhino roof rack for my 2015 Mazda CX-5. I need the rack to hold 185lb Roof Nest. The Rhino rack has a 165 lb capacity, what do you recommend? Thank you
asked by: Jay P
Expert Reply:
Due to your 2015 Mazda CX-5 having a naked roof, you'll need to look into an alternative method below for installing your tent as there is not a heavy-duty rack compatible with your vehicle that'll carry your 185lb roof nest tent.
If you are determined to have a tent setup on your vehicle, the absolute best way is to use a small utility trailer with crossbars such as the Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer - 58" Crossbars - 400 lbs # MAL53FR. This trailer comes with 400 pounds of static weight capacity and plenty of static weight capacity to support body loads. If you go with this option, I recommend making sure that your tent has the ability to clamp onto square crossbars that measure 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" inches. Also, I recommend making sure that your tent is compatible with the 38-1/2" bar spread of the crossbars.
With the EcoLight, you need a bit more accessories to complete your setup. Since the trailer has a 2-inch coupler, you need a 2-inch ball like the # 40038 (1-inch shank) or # A-90 (1-1/4 inch shank). Another thing you need to consider is the height of the coupler. The EcoLight's coupler sits at 14 inches high. With that measurement, you most likely need a rise/drop hitch to make the connection level with your 2-inch hitch receiver. I went ahead and attached a product page that shows all of our rise/drop hitches for 2-inch hitches.
If you need a hitch and a 4-way wiring harness to activate the trailer's tailights, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13315 along with the T-One Connector # 118563. The Curt hitch comes with a superior gloss outer coat over the base powder coat that provides better protection against rust and corrosion that all the other models we carry. With the T-One Connector, you will be able to activate the trailer's taillights whether you have LEDs or non-LED lights on your CX-5.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer - 58" Crossbars - 400 lbs
- Trailers
- Sports Trailer
- Crossbar Style
- 14 Feet Long
- 400 lbs
- 4-1/2W x 11L Foot
- Galvanized Steel
- Malone
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Fixed Mounting Points
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
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