FX-5 Hitch and Hitch Basket

CX-5 Hitch and Hitch Basket

Posted this over on MazdaForum.com and did not get much love, seeing if this can be useful over here.

In further preparation for my drive from Portland, OR to Anchorage, AK this August I purchased the following;


Curt Hitch 1-1/4" - C12080
Curt Wiring - C56011
Pro Series Cargo Carrier - 63155
eTrailer.com LED Light Kit - 98174LED


Was a difficult decision between a 2" and 1-1/4" hitch, I chose the 1-1/4 because I already had a bike carrier that was that size and I did not plan on ever towing anything requiring a 2" with this car.


Hitch - Install was really easy, instructions say 20min, took me 30 with my g/f (holding ~38lb's over your head and putting nuts on at the same time gets tiring).


I originally wanted a Hidden Hitch because the receiver is recessed slightly more than the Curt but they were out of stock at the time. The Curt does not stick out past the bumper, but I would have liked it to be recessed a little more.


Wiring - Was a breeze, it is all plug an play although there is a single green wire that goes from the driver side to the passenger side that for me, and where I wanted to mount the wiring box was 8" too short, so I cut it and extended the wire.


Basket - came in 3 pieces, assembly was easy, space between it and the car is good. Should be able to open the door with most of the items I plan to put on it (gas cans, full spare tire). Fit into the curt receiver is snug and it does not bounce around much at all.


It also has great ground clearance, putting the bottom of it above the bottom of the bumper (3" lift from hitch)


Light kit - Also another easy install, I choose LED over the normal incandescent because it is brighter, and because, well, it is LED


Only thing I do not care for on the lighting is, I wish it could have been hidden a little better but it is not possible to route it though any of the cross bars underneath because the connecters are just big enough to not fit.


Overall this add-on, along with the roof pod has saved us from having to take another car during camping trips.

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Looks nice. I've thought of a something like this to hold extra stuff for some longer trips that tend to overfill the rear storage. I didn't want the OEM hitch, but it came on the car, and this could make a little lemonade...

Let us know how it works on the long drive to AK!

It does look good. By the photo it looks like the back of the cage can still accept a hitch mount bike rack, or am I wrong? What is the weight limit for the cage?

metalfab said:

It does look good. By the photo it looks like the back of the cage can still accept a hitch mount bike rack, or am I wrong? What is the weight limit for the cage?

Click to expand...

Unfortunately no, it cannot receive another attachment to the back, the opening there is too small.

This is the 1 1/4"
Dimensions: 20 x 47
Maximum capacity: 300lbs, the

2"
Dimensions: 24 x 60
maximum capacity: 500lb (but still does not accept additional attachments on the end.)

If I was putting a serious load in that I would add two things. This anti rattle kit allows you to bolt the basket tongue to the hitch so it cant move around.

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Saris/SA3015.html

Next I would install the tow eye on one side and strap the basket to it.
http://www.mazdia.com/macont-162.html

kevschu said:

Unfortunately no, it cannot receive another attachment to the back, the opening there is too small.

This is the 1 1/4"
Dimensions: 20 x 47
Maximum capacity: 300lbs, the

2"
Dimensions: 24 x 60
maximum capacity: 500lb (but still does not accept additional attachments on the end.)

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, it might be another fab project to add to the list.