Towing Hardware

[geminiviper]

I'm not sure where this should go, I hope this works...

I need to put a tow hitch on my 2008 CX-7 Grand Touring. I'm looking for a recommendation for what to buy. I have looked on the forums here but I can't seem to find towing threats for the CX7.

Do I need a class 2 or class 3 hitch? Where do I get a good wiring harness? And most important, where is a good place to get the hitch?

[Ntahndagirl]

I would recommend going to a u-haul. They are usually pretty smart about hitches. as for the class, probably a class 2 cause of the weight limits on the vehicle. Good luck.

[Cataphract_40]

This might help.

Trailer Hitch for CX-7

Here are some hitches...DISCLAIMER: I have NO IDEA if these will work or not. The website recommends them for an '08 CX-7.

Discount Trailer Hitch Kits, Receiver Hitch & Trailer Hitches

Here's some more:

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2008_Mazda_CX-7.htm

and some more:

http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com...uck/Mazda/CX_7

[ottoblotto]

i got the oem mazda tow hitch and its worked out great. the dealership technician pitched a bitch cause it was the first one they did and apparently its a mother to install... but it looks good and as far as putting on a small trailer for my harley, its worked out just fine...

[edwhayes]

From my experience, the factory hitch is usually the best but, if cost is an issue then UHaul has been good.

[lvdukerider]

I purchaced my 2" Reese hitch from Auto zone for about $175 and the factory plug n play wire hook up from the dealer for $80 bucks. The install I did myself and was easy, just drop the muffler off the rubber hangers and slip it in place. you do have to file the mounting holes in the body just slightly as per the instructions to fit the mounting washers. I went with the 2" just because I have a 4 place bicycle carrier that is 2" and cant have it hanging out any farrther by using a 1" to 2" adapter.

[Alpha Wolf]

I have the factory hitch. Requires trimming the bumper but fits up high and is hidden. Just bolts on.

[geminiviper]

So I got my hitch installed. In the end I purchased from etrailer.com. Here is the hitch and wiring harness I got. Because I have the Grand Touring package I had the tow package wiring in the rear panel where the tail light access is. The entire project took me about 45 minutes which seemed to take longer than it needed to, probably due to me not being auto mechanically inclined. The hardest part of the whole thing was dropping the muffler. It took me a minute to figure out that to get the rubber muffler mounts off was as simple as pulling them off... Figures. After that I filed the holes a bit bigger so I could fit the bolt and spacer in the frame. Etrailer.com made it super easy, they provided wire with a coil on one end which is used to "screw" the bolt into. Then loop the wire through the spacer and snake it into the frame. Took all of about 5 minutes to get the spacer and bolts in once the holes were filed. Lifting it up and having a second pair of hands would have been easier than doing it by myself lying underneath but it got done without too much trouble. Here are the links to what I bought, and here are some pictures.


Hitch:
Trailer Hitch for 2008 Mazda CX-7 - Hidden Hitch 90154

Wiring:
Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for 2008 Mazda CX-7 - Tow Ready 118249

[BLWNHR]

Originally Posted by Alpha Wolf I have the factory hitch. Requires trimming the bumper but fits up high and is hidden. Just bolts on.

Wow, that's totally different to the Australian version! The AU version also doesn't require any cutting of the bumper.

I can get some shots of mine if anyone is interested.

[Alpha Wolf]

Originally Posted by BLWNHR Wow, that's totally different to the Australian version! The AU version also doesn't require any cutting of the bumper. I can get some shots of mine if anyone is interested.

I would be interested to see what you are getting down under.

The reason is here most owners do not like to be able see the hitch hanging down...

[geminiviper]

I find that you really don't see it that well unless you look closely. It's hidden enough for me anyway. I just made my trip from southern Illinois (St. Louis Metro East) to eastern Idaho. I pulled a 5x8 trailer with around 1,000 pounds total for around 1,460 miles. I averaged 50 miles to the quarter tank. The CX7 didn't really have a problem towing it but I could feel the weight behind me. The wiring harness I used was great, easy to plug in. I ran it through the back floor over the heat shield to the harness. Overall I'm rather satisfied with it.

Fortunately I didn't really have to do any cutting when installing the hitch. A small mount of filing to make the hole bigger for the bracket was easy enough.