Has anybody run the wire to the battery? How do you route it on a 2017/2018?
I have the TEKONSHA wiring and I am hoping to install this week so I will let you know. This kit is a plug & play so no splice taps.
Has anybody run the wire to the battery? How do you route it on a 2017/2018?
Not sure why the Mazda US and Canada harnesses are different. I ordered and installed the OEM harness here in Canada and it was plug and play for the tail light signals with a "T" harness and the pin to insert the wire in the rear harness for power. There was no tapping or splicing of any wires at all.
I have the TEKONSHA wiring and I am hoping to install this week so I will let you know. This kit is a plug & play so no splice taps.
The mazda kit is out, i ordered it and installed it; from mazdaparts.org. The tekomsha requires running wires to battery. The mazda kit taps into power block.
https://www.mazdaparts.org/mazdaq-cx5-trailer-hitch-wiring-harness-kit.html
Yes, we will disagree.
The aftermarket solution has to be connected at the battery. So the module powered 24/7 and you are tapped at the battery. Maybe not a vampire tap, but still not my ideal solution.
And if the trailer wiring shorts with the mazda setup, the module is designed to shutdown. If that were to fail, then fusebox fuse blows. Pick your poison - fuse inside the car, or fuse under the hood.
And if i saw someone using butt crimp connectors in a car, they would not be doing my wiring. Those are the worst connectors possible. If a splice is needed it should be soldered. Sorry, butt connectors are not professional and not the sign of an electrical expert.
I agree that snap in plugs are more expensive and a preferred way to go for ease of install.
I think we have beat this horse though. As long as you are happy with your choice, that is all that matters.
Can you provide a part number and url from where you ordered it?
Thank you Lbear. So you run it inside the drivers side floor trim? Can you link or name the trim removal kit you liked from Amazon?
Here are the pics of the TEKONSHA wiring and the trailer. The wiring is flat so it just sits between the hatch gaskets. I like it also that it tucks away when not in use in the spare tire area.
Also, my house/garage is custom built and I designed it for an 8 foot tall door. Most spec homes are 7 feet tall which would cause the hatch to strike the door header. I hate builders who stick in 7 foot tall doors. So lame and it causes a lifetime of headaches.
Looking good. I saw that and wondered, why are you backing into the garage with the hatch up. Duh, installing the trailer stuff indoors.
That looks like a good sized trailer. How much does it weigh? We're only rated at 2K towing capacity.
Thanks. Trailer weighs around 1,000 LBS. Actually the CX5 can handle 3,500 LBS of towing but US regulations limit it to 2,000 LBS. The same CX5 in Europe is allowed to tow 3,500 LBS with no other modifications. So it's not the vehicle that is limiting it, just the US highway regulations.
With that being said, I only tow about 2,000 LBS max since I never needed to tow more. I might have towed around 2,500 LBS back with my 2016 but it did fine. Just allow for greater length for stopping and you might have to wind it out on incline grades.
I'm glad it's working for you. I wonder about such things. I believe the US is rated 1000 lbs without trailer brakes and 2000 lbs with brakes. Are you sure there are no other modifications on the European cars?
Apparently European trailers have a smaller ratio of the weight at the hitch.
The higher eu rating is normal for many vehicles. Many speculate it is just usa over protection, as cars used to have higher tow ratings with less power. The EU cars are not modified differemtly.
I saw no trailer brake requirement on usa versions -all specs i have seen, say 2000 lbs but nothing else.
Its a little buried in the owners manual, but the following is a quote on 3-56 in a page headed (Before Driving Towing) of the online manual:
▼ Trailer Brakes
If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are required. If your trailer
has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Of course, lawyers and regulation nonsense but you are fine towing 2,000 LBS without trailer brakes. Just keep a wider distance for stops. I've towed many times, CX5, diesel trucks, etc. All without trailer brakes. Just be smart about it.