Can Weight Distribution be Used on 2012 Mazda CX-9 Towing 2700-lb Aljo 183GL Trailer
Question:
Im trying to determine if I need a weight distribution hitch. I am using a Mazda CX9, towing an Aljo 183GL 2700 lbs, 325 lb tw When coupled to my existing hitch the CX9 settles 1.5 inches over the axle. Is this too much? The distance from the receiver to the top of the ball is 11.5 inches. is this too much rise? I was thinking of using the Reese #66557, the built in sway control would be helpful.
asked by: Jack E
Expert Reply:
According to my research the 2012 Mazda CX-9 comes in various versions that have different towing capacities. For example, the 4-door Sport with 3.7L V6 and all-wheel-drive 6-speed transmission has a maximum tow rating of 3500-lbs, while other versions including the Touring 4-door are limited to 2000-lbs.
You will want to verify that your vehicle is rated for the maximum 3500-lb towing capacity since this is required for safe towing of your 2700-lb Aljo trailer.
Both 1-1/4-inch Class II and 2-inch Class III trailer hitch receivers are offered for the 2012 Maxda CX-9. All that we offer can be seen on the link provided. Class II hitches cannot be used with weight distribution, and not all Class III hitches can. For instance, Curt Trailer Hitch # 13575 is rated as Class III but it is NOT rated for use with weight distribution, while Draw-Tite Cass III hitch # 75531 is so rated. You need to check the safety sticker on your hitch to confirm it is rated for use with weight distribution.
Next you need to take an accurate measurement of your fully-loaded trailer's tongue weight using a scale like the etrailer # e99044 or by the method shown in the linked article. The trailer needs to be fully loaded with all gear and supplies and full water and propane tanks when you measure tongue weight, just as it will be when you are heading down the road. You also need to add to your loaded trailer tongue weight the weight of anything in the tow vehicle placed behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler for example.
At this point you can consider weight distribution/sway control systems based on that total tongue weight figure. The links provided will take you to a helpful article on weight distribution and to our main page for systems with sway control that fit 2-inch hitches, are compatible with electric brakes and include the shank. You will click on the total tongue weight at the top of the page to see suitable systems.
Take note of the space available for your lift brackets that mount to the trailer frame. These vary in size and mount anywhere from 18- to 30-inches back of the hitch ball. Frame-mounted accessories like a propane tank need to be considered when selecting a system to ensure there is no conflict between these items and the lift brackets.
Your trailer needs to be level when towed and you can select an alternate shank like # RP3215 if needed to keep the trailer level when hitched.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 400 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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