Trailer Hitch installed (pics) [Archive]

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djltoronto

07-19-2005, 10:25 PM

Just installed a Hidden Hitch on my car.

Thought I\'d share my thoughts cause I was impressed and I think it\'s a good buy. It does not interfere with the ground clearance at all. It\\\'s actually quite hidden (as the name suggests)

My only advice is - shop around!!! While pricing this, I got quotes ranging from $150.55 to as high as $230.

Easy to install (http://www.hiddenhitch.com/images/products/instructions/60999.pdf)

I threw in a picture of my car at the end... just for kicks

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/7964/image2medium6ce.jpg[/URL]

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/1788/image6medium9sd.jpg[/URL]

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/5159/image9medium3we.jpg[/URL]

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/9854/image10medium8zk.jpg[/URL]

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/4715/image15medium0se.jpg[/URL]

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/623/image12medium0hg.jpg[/URL]

DJB

07-19-2005, 11:44 PM

It was strongly recommended not to install a hitch on the 3, have you used it to haul anything yet?
Might be a good idea to check if the suspension is up to par for any type of haulage.
Never-the-less, it does look quite good!

awhoy

07-19-2005, 11:50 PM

Did you install the hitch yourself? Great job, it looks great. I have the same hitch installed and I am really happy with it. I paid $230 installed taxes included.

Eric

07-20-2005, 09:29 AM

Where did you folks get your hitches from? Who did the installation?
Did the price include the wiring harness?

djltoronto

07-20-2005, 09:37 PM

Originally posted by DJB

It was strongly recommended not to install a hitch on the 3, have you used it to haul anything yet?
Might be a good idea to check if the suspension is up to par for any type of haulage.
Never-the-less, it does look quite good!

It will be used to haul the weight of approx 2 bicycles!!!
Maybe some Ski\'s in the winter!!

And perhaps a small trailer once in it\'s life if I decide to move!!

Who recommended against it?

djltoronto

07-20-2005, 09:39 PM

Originally posted by awhoy

Did you install the hitch yourself? Great job, it looks great. I have the same hitch installed and I am really happy with it. I paid $230 installed taxes included.

yes I installed it myself!!

$230 installed is a good price!! I paid $173.13.
Instalation took about 30 mins.

djltoronto

07-20-2005, 10:05 PM

Originally posted by Eric

Where did you folks get your hitches from? Who did the installation?
Did the price include the wiring harness?
got mine from Van and Truck world in Pickering.
Installed myself
No wiriing included! I likely won\'t need wiring for quite a while! So I will jsut add it when I need it!

david3

07-20-2005, 10:57 PM

Originally posted by DJBIt was strongly recommended not to install a hitch on the 3, have you used it to haul anything yet?

All the US/CA manuals say that, but all the other one\'s don\'t seem to say \"Never do this!\" about it.

One guy on the US board uses it to haul his kids go kart, I think it said it put ~200pounds on the actual hitch or something like that.. never heard him say he had any problems. It\'s really not too different from loading your trunk with a ton of shit, right?

awhoy

07-21-2005, 12:12 AM

Originally posted by Eric

Where did you folks get your hitches from? Who did the installation?
Did the price include the wiring harness?

I got mine from Hitches and Trailer Supplies (http://www.hitchntrailer.com/) in scarborough. The electrical harness is $50 extra, but it came with a hitch bar. I didn\'t get the harness cause I only use it to haul two bikes.

Indusbreed

07-21-2005, 01:56 PM

It was strongly recommended not to install a hitch on the 3, have you used it to haul anything yet?

Couple of months back i saw Orange Hatch carrying a small UHAUL Trailer ( small one with little wheels) doing 120-130. on 401 East just before Dixie exit. I almost honked at him.

I think it was one of those long weekends..

Ex-Rolla

07-21-2005, 11:50 PM

just an FYI... Mazda does not recommend towing anything (i\'m guessing that\'s why some of you were asking about the harness). apparently it will void the warranty.

Junior

07-25-2005, 05:01 PM

NEVER use that thing to tow anything .. not a good idea.. looks purdy, but don\'t try to pull shit (you dont have a hemi) :sarc

WhyZed

07-27-2006, 01:08 AM

doughboyr6

07-27-2006, 03:16 AM

wow, that hitch looks way better than mine, mine sticks out....it was installed at hitch city and it was expensive....came out to like $400+ after all in....wired and everything though....

i went to the dealership and asked the service manager first....he said for the weight i\'m pulling, it is not a problem....

i\'m pulling a small utility trailer with a motorcycle on it....pulled fine....although that may be why my brakes prematurely warped though....but the engine pulled fine....was still pretty strong....i went past 140kms/hr pulling a bike

3GFX

07-27-2006, 08:58 AM

Nice...but it does say right in the manual not to tow anything.

bluntman

07-27-2006, 09:30 AM

It\'s perfect for a hitch mounted bike rack.

SourcE

07-27-2006, 09:37 AM

My father-in-law has been towing a lot of construction supplies for years now, thing is....he has a geo metro.

i\'m pretty sure the manual would advise against towing for that vehicle as-well. it\'s all about being sensible.....

majic

07-27-2006, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by 3GFX

Nice...but it does say right in the manual not to tow anything.

looks (http://torontomazda3.com/forum/read.php?TID=6326) like you should be able to tow about 600lbs or so.. but i wouldn\'t use it for more than

Originally posted by bluntman
a hitch mounted bike rack.

RedRaptor

01-11-2007, 01:40 AM

FLIPDADY

01-11-2007, 01:25 PM

Want to bring this back from the dead. Looking to get a hitch installed on a Ford Windstar. What is a good place/shop to go to? Does the shop also wire the harness so that the trailer brake lights come on when you stop on the brakes?
Give these guys a try Rob. Rack Attack should be able to hook ya up.

TORONTO:

127 Laird Drive
Toronto, ON M4G3V4

MISSISSAUGA:

3145 Dundas St. West
Mississauga, ON L5L5V8

RedRaptor

01-11-2007, 02:23 PM

Thanks Joe. I will give them a call. So far I've called Hitch City, Hitch & Trailer and FX Auto. The prices are all pretty similar ($450) for a Ford Windstar. FX Auto is probably my choice right now because of the great customer service they offer. :)

01-12-2007, 01:11 AM

Looks good. I like your setup. I need one to haul my mtn bikes also.

zap50

09-06-2008, 12:18 AM

ZooLander

03-19-2009, 10:22 AM

Bringing this back from the dead , I had a hitch installed and towed a 4 by 8 utility trailer about 2000 miles with about about 500 pounds in the trailer and 5 people( two very big adults 230 lbs) in the car with no problems whatsoever.

What do you figure your total tow weight was? Trailer + load + passengers?

What sorts of issues would you run into if you're over capacity? Handling?

Hives

03-19-2009, 03:07 PM

Nice hitch install, and I love the drop!

RedRaptor

05-13-2009, 06:20 PM

Bringing this back from the dead again...

I'm looking to get a trailer hitch on my 3. We lost the Ford Windstar in a total loss accident in the winter so I need a small utility trailer esp having to maintain a cottage.

Has anyone gotten one installed recently? Looking for a hitch, wiring (prefer plug & play) and installation.

Mazda3X2

05-16-2009, 09:26 AM

The wife and I are being transferred to Greenwood NS this summer.

With a military move, when you drive to your destination they pay you a certain kilometric rate, plus another 1/2 of whatever that rate happens to be if you own and tow a trailer. For example, if the rate happened to be $.50/km - if you towed your trailer you would get $.75/km.

Figuring the distance of the drive, it would pay for about half the price of a small utility trailer and hitch installation.

I talked to the service manager at Mazda and he "officially" recommended not towing anything with the 3. But mentioned quite a few have done so with small loads and never had a problem. Price - $295 + taxes for hidden hitch fully installed.

I think we're going to go with it for the move for my wife's 3. It would be nice to be able to bring a few extra things with us that the movers won't touch (oils, paints, spray cans etc.).

Lowes has a really nice little trailer for $497.

Anyone out there had any problems?

jeff192

05-19-2009, 03:11 PM

nice setup :)

alltheaces

05-30-2009, 02:52 PM

I live out in Winnipeg and am looking to get a trailer hitch myself. Thing is, I have a 2007 3 GT and the trailer hitch people said that I'd need a special wiring harness installed because of the LEDs. That "special" wiring harness is roughly $200 + taxes installed (that price does NOT include the price of the hitch). Have any of you ever heard of that or am I getting ripped off?

wrhfinancial

06-19-2010, 11:03 AM

Has anyone ever trailered 2 jet skis?

wrhfinancial

06-29-2010, 08:41 AM

guess not

RedRaptor

11-24-2011, 04:18 PM

Had a Hidden Hitch installed on my 2004 Mazda3 this month at Rack Attack (Toronto). I also had the trailer wiring harness installed which was plug and play so no splicing.

Curt wiring harness $40 + Installation $30 = $70
Hidden Hitch $150 + Installation $60 = $210

Total cost $280.

Hitch will be used for a hitch bike rack and also to tow a small utility trailer (Uhaul 4x7) for certain cottage tasks.

I've spent much more money on "useless" mods than I did on the hitch. Having it will increase the time I can keep my 3 without going to a bigger vehicle.

KazariK

11-23-2012, 06:05 PM

That hitch looks great.

Anyone pulling small trailers?

I would like to be able to pull an open aluminum trailer (500lb) and a couple dirt bikes (500lb) and possibly a pressure washer with water (about 250lb). Plus gear, lunch, bandages etc.

I searched and could only find that in North America, Mazda do not recommend towing (liability). Can a 2.0L handle 1300-1500lb? Anyone pulling?

When we bought our 3GT we talked to the dealer about it towing. They had no idea, they ended up speaking with Mazda America and they spoke with the designers in Japan.
The report came back we could tow so long as we installed a tranny cooler. We did, and have a 5x8 utility trailer we have used to haul some pretty heavy loads with. The car handles it cleanly and only once was there any concer about the haul when we had some really TALL/top heavy items, it made the trailer slightly squirely but other then that, she has worked like a dream. Been driving the car for well over 250,000 km, we haul stuff on average at least once a month, in the summer its almost every weekend. We have used it to go camping (load utility up and pack family in the car and off we go).

Kaz

Peter

11-23-2012, 06:56 PM

It\'s perfect for a hitch mounted bike rack.

That's what I use mine for plus makes a wicked skid plate lol :D http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/24/etybasy2.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/24/ahy3a7ez.jpg

sheepe

05-07-2013, 07:09 PM

Sorry for reviving the dead, anyone know whats a good place to get a hidden hitch? I'm getting crazy quotes.. Also, whats a good receiver hitch? Hidden Hitch? What about Curt?

Thanks!

midz97

05-07-2013, 10:32 PM

Sorry for reviving the dead, anyone know whats a good place to get a hidden hitch? I'm getting crazy quotes.. Also, whats a good receiver hitch? Hidden Hitch? What about Curt?

Thanks!

I got a Curt one put on two weeks ago at Hitch City in Mississauga on my Gen2 Speed. Only thing I didn't like was how far out it stuck, ended up cutting about 1.5 inches off the receiver and welding it back together. I looked at the one on Peter's car and it sat back nice, don't know what make his is but would prefer that right off the bat and save the hassle.

Cost
Hitch. $171
Install. $89
Tail light converter. $69.95

CelestSpeed3

05-10-2013, 04:45 PM

I picked up a Hidden Hitch and wiring harness from Hitch City in Mississauga for around $250 taxes in.

Rob23

05-11-2013, 10:50 AM

I picked up a Hidden Hitch and wiring harness from Hitch City in Mississauga for around $250 taxes in.

250 with install?

SomeGuy

05-11-2013, 07:42 PM

I picked up a Hidden Hitch and wiring harness from Hitch City in Mississauga for around $250 taxes in.

Why didn't you do canadianhitches.ca like I mentioned? I was $205 tax in for my curt, with a drawbar and t-connector (no splice!) wiring harness.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/387296_618766726253_517598903_n.jpg

CelestSpeed3

05-12-2013, 09:17 AM

A bitch, I though you went to the same place.

The wiring harness I have is not plug and play. I didn't want a plug and play harness I wanted to keep it seperate I case the trailer had a short.

SomeGuy

05-12-2013, 11:27 AM

A bitch, I though you went to the same place.

The wiring harness I have is not plug and play. I didn't want a plug and play harness I wanted to keep it seperate I case the trailer had a short.

Nope lol different place, oh well?

The Curt harness has a little module thing that disconnects the trailer lighting if there is a short, so not a problem.

CelestSpeed3

05-12-2013, 02:28 PM

SomeGuy

05-12-2013, 03:13 PM

Ah, the thing I got uses power from the battery and uses the signal from the OEM harness to control the lights. LED compatible and all.

I got some quotes from U-Haul, $130 for a 5x8 enclosed trailer for 4 days.

Yeah, you'll be able to use other types of lights...the reason the curt said it wouldn't work with LED tails on the car is because incandescent lights on a trailer draw too much current.

$130? I guess that's not bad for a rental but a 5x8 enclosed might be pushing the weight capacity of the 3...I've gotta finish up my trailer and get it registered, stupid weather is too cold don't want to be in the garage lol

CelestSpeed3

05-12-2013, 03:43 PM

They said I could tow 2000lbs, I'll tow 1999lbs.

Trailer empty is about 750lbs. The stuff I need to move isn't heavy it's just a lot of stuff.

SomeGuy

05-12-2013, 05:14 PM

They said I could tow 2000lbs, I'll tow 1999lbs.

Trailer empty is about 750lbs. The stuff I need to move isn't heavy it's just a lot of stuff.

Who did? The hitch is class 1 and rated for 2000lbs sure, but that's way beyond what the 3 can safely tow. I'm pretty sure the european/australian are rated at 500kg without trailer brakes.

CelestSpeed3

05-12-2013, 05:25 PM

Hitch City told me the MTO will only care if I have more then the rated hitch, so 2000lbs it is.

SomeGuy

05-12-2013, 06:51 PM

Hitch City told me the MTO will only care if I have more then the rated hitch, so 2000lbs it is.

Haha and this is why the north american 3's don't have a tow rating...I wouldn't want to see a 3 (even a speed with it's extra power and bigger brakes) towing 2000lbs. I'm going to try to stick below 1000lbs gross weight when towing with my trailer (trailer only weighs 250lbs or so).

CelestSpeed3

05-12-2013, 07:27 PM

I'll give it a test run with the dry trailer and see how it goes.

Airman Jack

05-13-2013, 11:20 AM

Heaviest things I've ever hauled is a large motorcycle, or a 1/2 yard of topsoil. Probably less than 1200lbs. I had no problems at all with those loads, you just have to be really careful about tongue weight otherwise your rear suspension is easily compressed with that long moment arm behind the rear bumper. Two big things to remember with a too-heavy tongue weight:
A) your handling will be compromised
B) the tongue weight is supposed to be 200lb or less, so if it's higher than that you're a test pilot.

Be smart with how the trailer is loaded and how you drive, and laugh daily at the suckers driving empty pickup trucks who use the bed once a year. :)

CelestSpeed3

05-15-2013, 11:42 PM

Lumberjack

05-18-2013, 01:43 AM

FYI the cheapest place around for a trailer hitch is Uhaul $169. The only charge $25 for install and if you book online you save $10. It isn't worth installing myself at that price. I paid $208 taxes included for mine with install. You can't buy the hitch alone for that price elsewhere. I did the wiring myself since I am particular. I suggest the converter remote power module part #14493 from Uhaul $39 as it powers off the battery and isolates the trailer wiring harness from the car's electrical system. you won't find a module cheaper anywhere else IMO. Also, you don't have to worry about a heavy duty flasher relay as it powers itself - I have two sets of lights on my trailer. It even has built in LED lights in the harness to check wiring! I also installed a 12 volt plug in the back since I had run a 12 gauge power wire back for the trailer module. I figure I can run my cooler in the back if I want. I bought the socket from Princess Auto and used hook and loop on it. I stuck it in the jack compartment when not using it but I left enough slack that I can pull it out and stick it to the carpet if I want as well. I can still open the compartment and use it in one of two places that I stick it inside the wheel well if I want too.

Power module installed on passenger side compartment and velcro'd to inner lip.
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1045/img20130514194548.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/img20130514194548.jpg/)

taken from further back
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/553/img20130514194559.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/254/img20130514194559.jpg/)

Picture of trailer harness plug (notice LED lights built in)
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7779/img20130514194537.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/46/img20130514194537.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

12 volt accessory plug stuck to drivers side carpet wall temporarily
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/368/img20130514194640.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/163/img20130514194640.jpg/)

Taken from further back on drivers side compartment
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/576/img20130514194651.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/541/img20130514194651.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

My question is has anyone installed a transmission cooler? I have one brand new but don't know if I should put it in. I have the 2.5 and my trailer isn't huge but it isn't a small flimsy store bought trailer either. I used to pull it with my Sunfire's 2.2 litre engine and loaded I could notice the car start to struggle at highway speeds on big hills.

Airman Jack

05-19-2013, 04:22 PM

I think the trans cooler installation will depend on how frequently you tow, how heavy the trailer is, the type of trans you have (auto/man), and how you drive with the trailer attached. I think most folks skip the cooler since they don't tow often, they don't tow heavy, and they drive in a more gentle fashion when towing.

RedRaptor

05-22-2013, 03:22 AM

I have a B&M Transmission air cooler installed on my 2004 (which comes with a stock water/coolant based transmission cooler).

I think its definitely a worthwhile investment for extra protection against the heat.

x tuh board

05-22-2013, 12:24 PM

anyone has pics of the uhitch installed

Airman Jack

05-22-2013, 12:47 PM

Raptor, is that on a manual transmission or auto?

RedRaptor

05-22-2013, 05:19 PM

Raptor, is that on a manual transmission or auto?

AJ, I have a 4 speed auto.

Lumberjack

05-22-2013, 11:53 PM

What's a "u hitch"?

anyone has pics of the uhitch installed

Lumberjack

05-22-2013, 11:54 PM

you don't put trans coolers on manual transmissions - there's no heat build up...

Raptor, is that on a manual transmission or auto?

Lumberjack

05-22-2013, 11:56 PM

I am wondering if having a 5 speed is better than a 4? I was thinking about it today of manually shifting when pulling and keeping the rpm's up so the engine isn't straining. I don't think I would let it get into 5th...

AJ, I have a 4 speed auto.

Airman Jack

05-24-2013, 09:37 AM

AJ, I have a 4 speed auto.

Ah for some reason I thought you had a man's-mission, not an autotragic ;)

What's a "u hitch"?

I think they meant the u-haul branded hitch.

x tuh board

05-24-2013, 11:33 PM

What's a "u hitch"?

sorry....Uhaul Hitch

Lumberjack

05-25-2013, 12:55 AM

U haul doesn't make their hitches. Curt, Reese, and Hidden Hitch are all owned by the same company now I believe and that is what U haul sells (that accounts for all the hitch manufactures pretty much). They are all the same with a different sticker and if you call around a reputable dealer they will know that and say those brands are all the same. The only thing you see is the receiver tube - not much to look at. Just Google it or look through the threads as I seen pics posted on here or Mazda3 forum.

Uhaul is the cheapest by far to buy and install. I did my own wiring though as I am particular and soldered everything.

sorry....Uhaul Hitch

midz97

05-25-2013, 09:33 PM

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/26/7yma2yny.jpgtried the new hitch and draw bar today, took it for a practice drive. Sea-Doo actually sits level with a 4" rise on the draw bar.

SomeGuy

05-25-2013, 09:48 PM

tried the new hitch and draw bar today, took it for a practice drive. Sea-Doo actually sits level with a 4" rise on the draw bar.

Where'd you get a 4" rise draw bar? I got a 3.25" rise on mine which is ok but I really could use a bit more to level things out with my trailer, 5" would be even better.

I also love how it's mostly speed 3 owners doing hitches lol

midz97

05-25-2013, 11:45 PM

Where'd you get a 4" rise draw bar? I got a 3.25" rise on mine which is ok but I really could use a bit more to level things out with my trailer, 5" would be even better.

I also love how it's mostly speed 3 owners doing hitches lol

Hitch city ordered it in for me.

Lumberjack

05-26-2013, 07:06 PM

$27 http://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Hitch-balls-mounts/Ball-mounts/Fusion-Mount-Ball-Mounts?mid=660

Where'd you get a 4" rise draw bar? I got a 3.25" rise on mine which is ok but I really could use a bit more to level things out with my trailer, 5" would be even better.

I also love how it's mostly speed 3 owners doing hitches lol