Trailer Hitch?

[Rich V]

I need to add a trailer hitch to my M3-5 door. Does anybody know of a source for one?

[goldwing2000]

I've been looking but haven't found one yet. If you're in a hurry, you'll have to get a custom-made one.

[Rich V]

That's about what I've found too- there's nothing available yet. Time to fire up the MIG I guess.

[goldwing2000]

That's about what I've found too- there's nothing available yet. Time to fire up the MIG I guess.

That's one option.

Personally, I'd rather have somebody else do it that will give me a warranty.

[Rich V]

True, a warranty would be nice, but not as much fun. Maybe I'll just wait?

[goldwing2000]

True, a warranty would be nice, but not as much fun. Maybe I'll just wait?

Sure. If you're not in a hurry.

Maybe contact the big manufacturers and see if they're working on something. Maybe they need a test-fit vehicle.

[SONICJET]

M3 manual says that u cannt tow anything with it. and they against it with all 4 hands so u decide (thumb)

[wongpres]

In certain markets (e.g. Australia - http://www.mazda.com.au/accessories_pl.exe?id=45&categoryID=17), you can get a Mazda3 trailer hitch from Mazda (with warranty). So if you want a Mazda one, ordering from these markets is an option (but you probably won't get the warranty though). The reason why these hitches are unavailable in N. America is because of liability reasons.

[goldwing2000]

M3 manual says that u cannt tow anything with it. and they against it with all 4 hands so u decide (thumb)

That has nothing to do with vehicle capabilities. As wongpres says, it's only about liability and frickin' sue-happy N. Americans.

I wonder if we could get the Australian part number and order it from a local dealer...

Hmmm... might be time to call in some "favours".

[Badger Biker]

I am interested in a trailer hitch as well, I don't want to mess up the lines of the car with a roof-mounted bike rack, so something on the rear that wouldn't actually touch the PAINT of the car would be fantastic.

[goldwing2000]

I'll post something as soon as I find it. I've already asked my friend in Australia to get me a part number and I'm also watching Mazda Canada's web site for accessories (not listed yet).

[wongpres]

goldwing2000, I sent you a PM. PM me whenever you get any info or if there's something that I may be able to help out with.

[neverendingmods]

I was looking into a small hitch/trailer to tow a dirtbike(250 or 500 size). My buddy's pontiac GP did it no probs. We're talking 500-650 lbs and low speed driving. Why would a warranty be voided just because a KX500 is towed? If so, (hand) Car will never be serviced by dealer(there lost money). I can see if I cut springs and then wonder why while towing bike the strut blows. But come on. I hauled 4 race tires/rims in my 4-door(easy 200 lbs). I can just remove back seats and minus 50 lbs that way. Are you sure if I put a small single bike trailer(aluminum) and a 250 or 500 KX I will void warranty because of hitch?

[Sethlan]

http://hiddenhitch.com has one for the mazda 6 sedan.

it is probably only a matter of time before they make one for the 3.

[neverendingmods]

Thanks! (thumb) I know the " new" car dilemma we are having. Hard to find anything for it right now. I just started looking at dirtbikes and would be really (pissed) if I can't tow one.

[mazda3zoom]

if u go to cardomain.com and go to the mazda3s theres a guy on the first page thats gotta hitch for pullin his sons go kart. his little icon picture is an orange 5door goin around a cone. couldnt figure out how to post links, sorry.

[goldwing2000]

I was looking into a small hitch/trailer to tow a dirtbike(250 or 500 size). My buddy's pontiac GP did it no probs. We're talking 500-650 lbs and low speed driving. Why would a warranty be voided just because a KX500 is towed? If so, (hand) Car will never be serviced by dealer(there lost money). I can see if I cut springs and then wonder why while towing bike the strut blows. But come on. I hauled 4 race tires/rims in my 4-door(easy 200 lbs). I can just remove back seats and minus 50 lbs that way. Are you sure if I put a small single bike trailer(aluminum) and a 250 or 500 KX I will void warranty because of hitch?

The warranty we're referring to is a warranty on the hitch itself if you buy one vs. make one. The vehicle warranty will not be affected unless whatever you're towing causes damage to the vehicle (too heavy, etc).

[PeteyBoy3K]

I still just kinda liked the way the manual told N. America to not tow things

open the manual to "towing with your mazda 3:"

one line: "do not tow anything with your mazda 3."

I'm suprised they didn't just have a 24-pt "NO"


What liabilities arise with trailer hitches? Just people doing dumb things (towing too much weight, not being able to stop and getting in an accident) and then suing when they find a loophole in the warning... and they figured that just saying "you aren't supposed to tow anything with this car, as it said in the manual" has no loopholes and is easier?

[goldwing2000]

What liabilities arise with trailer hitches? Just people doing dumb things (towing too much weight, not being able to stop and getting in an accident) and then suing when they find a loophole in the warning... and they figured that just saying "you aren't supposed to tow anything with this car, as it said in the manual" has no loopholes and is easier?

Exactly right.

[goldwing2000]

Welp...

Here's the info from Australia:


Yo!!!!!!!!!

Alrighty... Mazda 3 towbar is $276.75... plus the wiring harness (whatever the f*ck that is.. ha ha ha), the dude said on top of the tow bar it would be about $76 - $100 depending on how much wiring is required and what's already on the car, yada, yada, yada... ha ha
Part number BK11TBSTD

Howzat?

Keep in mind that the prices are in Australian dollars, which are about the same value as Canadian dollars.

I'm going to talk to my dealer today and see if he can order the part and sneak it by MazdaUSA. (sssh)

[goldwing2000]

No luck on the part number. Comes up as "Yeah, right" on the N.Am. parts computers.

I have a call in to Draw-Tite to see if they're going to make anything. They are located only a couple miles from me, so I'm offering my car as guinea pig if they want to make one.

I also e-mailed the guy on cardomain to see where/how he got his.

[goldwing2000]

Quick response from Hitch-Web:


Hello,

Price of this custom weld-on is $225.00 including ballmount, pin and clip,
and ground freight inside the Continental U.S. 1-1/4 Receiver is the size.
Capacity is 2000 lbs gross, 200 tongue. We do offer installation in Van
Nuys, California


So at this time, all we have to offer is a custom weld on. I will add you to
our waitlist, and when a bolt on hitch becomes available in 3 or 4 months,
we will let you know.

There are also some pictures on the ********************** of one we sent out

Hope to help soon.

Tony Hart
http://www.hitch-web.com
http://www.ballmounts.com
800-300-4067

[goldwing2000]

Ok, final word and then I'll stop. :)

Just spoke with Don Rigby of Draw-Tite/Hidden Hitch. The hitch has been fitted and designed and is in final testing. He estimates that it should be out and available at your favorite hitch retailer in about a month. (2thumbs)

I'm going to contact him periodically to get status updates.

[neverendingmods]

My kx500 is on order and awaiting shipping once found. I am located in Wilm, DE but work in Westchester PA. The sooner I can get a hitch for this car the better. Hell, A trailer is needed too. I was hoping on getting both at same location. If you know of an installer of hitch and seller of small trailer(aluminum) let me know ASAP. I "should have KX delivered to my area within 2 weeks. The bike is paid for and hitch/trailer is a must pronto.

Thanks,
Eric

[Mikey444]

I need to add a trailer hitch to my M3-5 door. Does anybody know of a source for one?

DO NOT EVER TOW A TRAILER WITH ANY TYPE OF MAZDA 3!!!

[neverendingmods]

DO NOT EVER TOW A TRAILER WITH ANY TYPE OF MAZDA 3!!!

The bike is under250lbs. Aluminum trailer is roughly same maybe 100lbls more. Why would 500 lbls be a problem with a Mazda 3? Four 190lbs men in a Mazda 3(whether 4 or 5 door) is more weight than a dirtbike and aluminum trailer. Christ, the car has 4 whl disc and the weight is not just put on the shocks. We are talking towing(ocassionally) 500 lbs. Again, 4 190lb men in a Mazda3 out weighs the bike and trailer. Not to sound like a jackass, but the Mazda 3 is not a race car and towing 5-600 pounds would not kill the car unless some idiot tries to always redline the car in every gear while towing. This was touched on earlier in thread and this will not be a problem aside from finding a hitch. I may just wind up using the weld on one discussed earlier. Proper equipment and common sense keps cars running for a long time.

[Mikey444]

The bike is under250lbs. Aluminum trailer is roughly same maybe 100lbls more. Why would 500 lbls be a problem with a Mazda 3? Four 190lbs men in a Mazda 3(whether 4 or 5 door) is more weight than a dirtbike and aluminum trailer. Christ, the car has 4 whl disc and the weight is not just put on the shocks. We are talking towing(ocassionally) 500 lbs. Again, 4 190lb men in a Mazda3 out weighs the bike and trailer. Not to sound like a jackass, but the Mazda 3 is not a race car and towing 5-600 pounds would not kill the car unless some idiot tries to always redline the car in every gear while towing. This was touched on earlier in thread and this will not be a problem aside from finding a hitch. I may just wind up using the weld on one discussed earlier. Proper equipment and common sense keps cars running for a long time.

bicycle things and all is fine, put you should never tow anything with the Mazda 3, it also says so in the manual

[Badger Biker]

bicycle things and all is fine, put you should never tow anything with the Mazda 3, it also says so in the manual

And yet, the same car, available with the same specs in other countries allows towing with no problems ... so, our car is just special and we are not allowed to tow with it because the manual says so. :bs:

As said above, it's not a problem with the vehicle not being able to handle the towing capacity, it's about liability and Mazda USA not wanting to put up with it.

Sometimes one must screw the manual and go with common sense.

[goldwing2000]

DO NOT EVER TOW A TRAILER WITH ANY TYPE OF MAZDA 3!!!

(blah)

Yeah, and DO NOT EVER DO ANY KIND OF MODIFICATIONS TO YOUR CAR. It says so in your owner's manual, so it must be true.

Mikey, go to www.mazda.au, look up the mazda3, look up exterior accessories and then scroll to the bottom of the page. Tell us what you find. Mm-kay?

Anyway, I should have posted this earlier but I forgot. The Draw-Tite hitch should be available by now. When I last spoke with them, it was supposed to be out at the end of May. I haven't called them back but somebody else can or I will on Monday-ish.

[3Zoom3]

There is a company in Cali who can make them for $225 which includes shipping, but its a weld-on. There was a post on another 3 forum a few months ago, and the poster there had his Lava 5-door listed on Cardomain with pics. Very helpful guy. May do a Cardomain search. Sorry, I don't remember his name nor EM addie.
Jeff, Ohio

[3Zoom3]

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/513436/3

[goldwing2000]

The Draw-Tite should be about half that price (and will be removable).

[neverendingmods]

The Draw-Tite should be about half that price (and will be removable).

Well I went ahead last week and ordered the weld on hitch. ETA of arrival is the 21st. I found 2 places so far willing to do it after seeing the setup. Very nice guys at hitch-web(I spoke to Tony twice). I don't have instant messanger but would e-mail a pic when it comes if someone wants to host them. Then off for a load rite trailer. (yippy)

[3Zoom3]

per draw-tite on 6/14/04, none available and none in the works for the MZ3 hatch....
?????????????

Jeff, Ohio

[goldwing2000]

per draw-tite on 6/14/04, none available and none in the works for the MZ3 hatch....
?????????????

Jeff, Ohio

Hmmm... interesting. Was that a phone call, e-mail or what? The guy I talked to was Don Rigby. I'll call him back and see what's up.

[3Zoom3]

TW-Tech@cequentgroup.com is the EM addie that the response came from.

Body of EM:
>>Sorry no application available for this vehicle.

Thanks<<

Thats all. My bad, it doesn't say "none in the works", thats they way I remembered it.
Jeff, Ohio

[goldwing2000]

I just called Don and he concurred that there's still no listing. He's going to look into it and call me back.

[neverendingmods]

I just called Don and he concurred that there's still no listing. He's going to look into it and call me back.

First place I checked was u-haul. They have a bolt on hitch for everything except both models of the M3. They estimate 3-4 mos like the others. I will let you guys know how my weld on hitch goes for my 4-door.

My extended warranty(yes, I plan on doing nothing but a hitch to this car after my REX obsession) says any receiver capable of 2k lbs will void most motor warranty. Since the weld on is a 2k lb receiver but my trailer will only be capable of hauling 500lbs, I will leave trailer on if a problem needs to be looked at. So far, this Mazda seems bullet proof. Yet, I'm not dumping clutch or speed shifting either. Zoom Zoom(twisties!) Warranty also states hitch must be a mazda approved receiver. So, I will have my dealer(if needed a few other locals) decide before welding. Even then I would still like a lag bolt to ensure safety. If a NO is stated clearly, then I will then buy(again) a receiver that is bolt on. Having a bike and no way to haul it is killing me. I am not a truck/SUV driver!

[3Zoom3]

If its warranty that you/ we are worried about (and rightfully so), maybe a group buy from Australia, for the true OEM recievers would be a good idea. The receivers weren't terribly expensive, but shipping might be high. Any thoughts?? I'm VERY hesitant to offer anything else for sale on this board due to prior reactions, but hey... Maybe we can get someone from Oz to help us out.
Jeff, Ohio

[3Zoom3]

I just checked a prior EM from my Oz friend. The OEM hitch is A$227 (A= Australian). He gets 10% more for his help, so goes to A$250. Right now, $1US = A$1.45, so its only $US172.41 for the hitch and his commission. Of course the Aus government taxes it, also, but I'm not sure of the rate. Also, don't know what the shipping would be.
Not positive, but I imagine this is a bolt-on.
If there are any interested parties, lemme know via this board, or PM me. By the time you buy the weld-on, and pay to have it welded-on, you may actually come out cheaper with the Oz version.
Thanks
Jeff

[Airman Jack]

I'd be interested, depending on how much it sticks out from the bottom of the car... the more hidden, the better!

[goldwing2000]

I've seen the Oz hitch and it looks good but shipping is going to be a killer.

[neverendingmods]

I received the hitch-web setup today. I called to make sure this will work on 4-door model as the pic. link only shows it on a 5 door. They "believe" it is same chassis and should work. Can anyone confirm if the chasis are the same between the 5door and 4 door. I'd hate to have a welder already tear my car apart(left tow hook needs to be removed and ground clean) to find out. hitch-web are a couple of nice guys and very honest. They aren't sure though. (nervous)

[Loose]

I received the hitch-web setup today. I called to make sure this will work on 4-door model as the pic. link only shows it on a 5 door. They "believe" it is same chassis and should work. Can anyone confirm if the chasis are the same between the 5door and 4 door. I'd hate to have a welder already tear my car apart(left tow hook needs to be removed and ground clean) to find out. hitch-web are a couple of nice guys and very honest. They aren't sure though. (nervous)

I'm not sure, but I can tell you they don't share a single body panel.

[goldwing2000]

I know the sedan is about 2 inches longer but I dunno where those two inches are.

If the shop you're taking it to is competent, they should be able to put it in place before welding and tell if it's going to work.

[neverendingmods]

I know the sedan is about 2 inches longer but I dunno where those two inches are.

If the shop you're taking it to is competent, they should be able to put it in place before welding and tell if it's going to work.

Thanks for the info. I put car on ramps and physically positioned(w/o removing tow loop or bumper strap needed for install/or the in the way brace bar spot welded inner side-to-side on receiver to ensure no bendage) while measuring the distance required. Which is in inside of rear frame rails which is 13". The hitch requires same to outside portion of mating rails. Seems cool there. Seems only thing needed to modify is cutting and grinding down the passenger side(if I remember correctly as I did this before work on the run) and the drivers side compensates for the exhaust bends and tapers. Monday I go to MD. for install(thank God Delaware is close to surrounding states) and hpefully Mon. I'll be receiver installed. Like I said, I physically,aside from removing necessary strap(bumper support out of 2/ and removing the one tow loop and receiver shipping bar) all seemed well. I am driving to another state as they were willing, certified, and againg willing to do this. It looks like it will work. $65 an hour for welding so I may do some prior prep myself. Remove exh. tip(1 bolt) and cut one of the 2 lower/inner support straps.(I may be able to actually just unbolt then cut away the plastic support for rear under valance so I could always remount the removed items needed for install. No actual frame/sub frame mods aside from cutting and grinding passenger side tow loop and bracket. If this item is cut properly, can be re-welded for use if hitch is a problem. But honestly, it seems like it will be cake though I am not on my back trying to MIG weld at such and such angles at specified heating and placement. So, I will be sure to let you guys know how it goes. From my judgement, seems likely it is direct fit(weld) but possibly off 1/8" and minor trimming may be necessary for exhaust side clearance but not an issue for a shop knowing there business. I kept telling them " not to tell you what to do, but specific instructions are included" and guy was cool and said bring her down. A draw-tite/ hidden hitch installer but AWS certified(not sure of correct cert. as not near me now but matched hitch-web requirements for tooling, temp, and other welding standards for chassis. I made sure.

Hitch requirements for install includde GMAW(MIG) welding in short circuit mode using atleast 70,000# Tensile strength welding wire, CO2 shielding gas and work performed by an AWS certified welder(to ensure metal fatigue/stressing is not encountered). No one wants brittle, over heated weld points. My guy says it's a go. Called atleast 8 places(not many in DE. ) and wound up in NE MD. Wish me luck but knock on wood while doing so. (cheers)

Eric

[neverendingmods]

I'm double checking all resources before this. Draw tite/hidden hitch has no plans as making a bolt on hitch for the (5 or 4 door). U-haul bounced me around from # to # and basically said(at their primary headquarters) that locals needs to make a custom hitch. This is what hitch-web has made so that is what I'm sticking with. Took some patience to find a certified shop to do install. Car off ground and welding near gas tank(not really) and ehaust(really close) not to mention guy will likely be on his back or have to hoist car up became the biggest problem. I will post back Monday night as to how things went. (group)

[goldwing2000]

Draw tite/hidden hitch has no plans as making a bolt on hitch for the (5 or 4 door).

Where did you get that information? Last time I talked to them, they said there was one in the works. :confused:

[neverendingmods]

Where did you get that information? Last time I talked to them, they said there was one in the works. :confused:

I called my local area hidden hitch retail store who then called main offices. This is what the guy told me after he "supposedly" called the main offices to see if/when it would be made. Said the demand was not great enough at time. U-haul (1 800 go uhaul) sales then R&D said no plans in works and to contact my local U-haul and one could be possibly fabricated by them. I did all this after receiving my weld on hitch. I just wanted to be certain before I do this nothing was or is gonna come out for my car soon(bolt on). All info I gave is what was stated to me after about .5 hour of phone calls not to mention the return call to hidden hitch(my welder is an auth. installer but not whom I spoke with) to confirm if one was gonna be made. I was told by both companies that demand was too low. Not to say, in my perspective, that it won't happen but when? When I made sure my weld on will fit(fingers crossed), I could see the factory pre-drilled holes on the rear frame rails right where the weld on is gonna be located. The hitch-web receiver is a nice unit and I'll find out for certain Monday if it is a nice fit like on the 5 door pics. Seems good holdin it up but I can't be in 2 places at once. Again, with the weld on, the passanger side tow hook need to be cut and grinded down. Only time my WRX saw use of rear tow hooks was on an AWD roller type dyno and this car(any fwd can have rear wheels strapped instead incase the performance guys were wondering. Straps go through your rear rims.) The receiver definately(very close) clears the exhaust. Hopefully the extra 2 inches sedan has in length is in middle section of car. If anyone wants some really good pics of the weld on w/o it mounted or painted yet, I can send them e-mail. Let me know. Thing will definately add about 30lbs to rear of car not including hitch or trailer so choose a trailer wisely. Rear susp wear could be an issue if hauling more than a few hundred pounds as stated earlier in thread.

[goldwing2000]

Hmmmm... so somebody at Draw-Tite is either BS-ing you or BS-ing me.

I guess only time will tell!

I'm not in a big enough hurry to rush out and get the weld-on, so I'll just sit back and see what happens.

[neverendingmods]

Hmmmm... so somebody at Draw-Tite is either BS-ing you or BS-ing me.

I guess only time will tell!

I'm not in a big enough hurry to rush out and get the weld-on, so I'll just sit back and see what happens.

The weld on is very nice and went on with no problems. Hitch-web's supplied instructions were dead on. THE HITCH FITS BOTH 5 and 4 DOOR MODELS. Large trailer Co. did the install along w/ wiring(no powere outlet on light system so a converter is needed/ supplied by hitch-web or any trailer installer. Only the passenger side tow hook needs to be cut off(easy w/ air tool) and then the hitch can be marked for weld points. The Co. who did the install(Area Trailer Sales in Elkton MD said it was a nice piece and could be easily made into a bolt on by just welding on some brackets and fishing the bolts through. They know there stuff(Jeff was the welder/fabricator). If any one wants pics of it installed I can send them E-mail if some one wants to host them. I'm still dealing with dial up and computer was down for 2 days. KX500 and trailer cause no problems braking or driving other than reversing with trailer I need to practice some (smash) . Just wanted to let you guys know install is straight forward and a direct fit even for Sedan. (yippy) (yippy)

[willy65000]

The weld on is very nice and went on with no problems. Hitch-web's supplied instructions were dead on. THE HITCH FITS BOTH 5 and 4 DOOR MODELS. Large trailer Co. did the install along w/ wiring(no powere outlet on light system so a converter is needed/ supplied by hitch-web or any trailer installer. Only the passenger side tow hook needs to be cut off(easy w/ air tool) and then the hitch can be marked for weld points. The Co. who did the install(Area Trailer Sales in Elkton MD said it was a nice piece and could be easily made into a bolt on by just welding on some brackets and fishing the bolts through. They know there stuff(Jeff was the welder/fabricator). If any one wants pics of it installed I can send them E-mail if some one wants to host them. I'm still dealing with dial up and computer was down for 2 days. KX500 and trailer cause no problems braking or driving other than reversing with trailer I need to practice some (smash) . Just wanted to let you guys know install is straight forward and a direct fit even for Sedan. (yippy) (yippy)


KX 500? Are you trying to kill your self? Just kidding. Although I did ride one and it scared the hell out of me.

[neverendingmods]

KX 500? Are you trying to kill your self? Just kidding. Although I did ride one and it scared the hell out of me.

The 04 500 is rated at 64.5 hp(last year of big bores). If I can get it to stop fouling plugs it may scare me. Can't get potential out of it yet(brand new). The trailer I chose was a single neck/meaning not an A frame type. Cheaper and that way it can no way void warranty if inspected.(Moss ACT) Has 13", full size tires though. The hitch itself states(stamped) that no more than 2k lbs can be towd. My trailer is rated @1100lbs but was told not to exceed 600lbs because of lack of A frame. Only the center of trailer has bolt down supports(boards). I have pics if anyone wants them.

I am very happy with the hitch-web weld on hitch. The hitch(w/o ball and extension) is well hidden on the Sedan. The 2 inches is (I believe after install) in the difference in rear bumpers between the two. Looks more discreet on the Sedan than the pics of the 5door(wagon). More recessed but by about only 2 inches (wink)

[goldwing2000]

Ok, I just spoke with another person at Draw-Tite. Apparently, it goes like this:

They have two divisions, one in the US (Draw-Tite and Reese) and one in Canada (Hidden Hitch). Each one does their own R&D and prototyping but they share their results with each other and make one common design with minor differences as needed. The one in CA has developed a hitch but it seems to have clearance issues with the spare tire pan. They sent pictures to the US division and now they would like for me to bring my car in to check it out and see what has to be modified to make it work.

I have an appointment to go see them at noon on the 19th.

I'll let you know what happens from there. (2thumbs)

[goldwing2000]

Hidden Hitch has released theirs. $176.87 shipped from the folks who made the weld-on.

http://www.hitch-web.com/proDescrip.asp?ProductCode=347737&OID=8

[3Zoom3]

http://www.etrailer.com/productdetail.asp?partno=60999&vehicleid=5598&yearfrom=2004&h=e

Same thing, MUCH better price.
Shippnig to me in Ohio was only $12 via UPS ground.
Jeff

[goldwing2000]

Cool. Have you received it yet?

I'm hoping to get an even better price, since I can drive directly to the manufacturer and pick it up.

The Draw-Tite brand allegedly has a better coating than the Hidden Hitch (powder coated vs. painted), so I may wait till that one's ready.

[3Zoom3]

Not here yet, just ordered it today. If I get it mounted soon, will post pics. Why would you need a better coating? Ya'll get snow in Michigan???? ;)
I've had different brands of hitches on different cars and trucks, and find that no matter what manufacturer it is, it looks like crap after about 4-5 years, anyhow. Even with taking preventive steps (like coating heavily with undercoating or durable paint) when brand new, they all seem to lose their cosmetic edge.

[goldwing2000]

... and find that no matter what manufacturer it is, it looks like crap after about 4-5 years, anyhow. Even with taking preventive steps (like coating heavily with undercoating or durable paint) when brand new, they all seem to lose their cosmetic edge.

*sigh* True, true...

Still, I might be able to get a better price from Draw-Tite. Since I'm in no big hurry, I can wait a lil' while longer.

[3Zoom3]

I got the Hidden Hitch from Etrailers.com about a week and a half ago, but just got time to install it last night. VERY happy with it. Perfect fit (literally). All you see is the small receiver box sticking out from under the bumper. Nothing else shows. Took about 1 hour to install on my own. Comes with 1-1/4" draw bar with a drop/ rise to it that fits pointing up as well as down, as well as the retaining pin. Need to buy a ball separately, and wiring kit.
Highly recommended based on the hitch fit and installation. ETrailers was great, too. Item arrived quickly, packed well, and without damage.
I haven't pulled with it yet, but hopefully it can handle a 4300 lb ski boat.
NOT!
Will be pulling a small, light trailer. Total of trailer and typical load should be about 800 lbs max.
Jeff, OH

[Philster]

Jeff, could you let us know how it does with that weight? I have a Mazda5 and looking to buy a 800 pounds europeen style trailer tent.. Is your 3 AT or manual?

Thanks!

Phil

[GNsPR5]

I'm looking to carry road bikes or mountain bikes on my speed 3. Right now I use a Yakima Hatchback bike rack on the back, but I have always been concerned of the weight on the hatch. Wouldn't want to be driving down the road and the hatch, rack and bike go flying off the back in a decompression-style ejection (LOL!) I never had issues with my 03 PR5 so I see no problems with an 07 MS3. I just don't want to mess up my paint job or put any undue stress on the hatch.

So please let us know when there are options for a hitch and some ballpark prices?

[pmeilakjr]

I posted an answer on the other Hitch thread - but I'll attach some install pictures here. In short - it works perfectly. The first picture is the part of the plastic that has to be removed. Other than that - four bolts!
107552

107553

107554

107555

107556