JStump Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 I have a 2011 Mazda 3 hatch that I want to put a hitch on. I want to tow a small trailer with just 1 bike on it, nothing crazy. What kind of hitch should I get? What size ball should I get? What size hitch receiver should I get? Also, what do you guys think of this trailer?http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/trailer-accessories/1195-lb-capacity-48-inch-x-96-inch-heavy-duty-foldable-utility-trailer-with-12-inch-wheels-90154.htmlWould need lights, a floor and a wheel chock but that would all be under $100 and easy to put together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2talltim Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 here is every thing you need....http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-2011-Mazda-3-Curt-Trailer-Hitch-Wiring-Pkg-/140573596218?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AMazda%7CModel%3A3&hash=item20bad6da3a&vxp=mtri had a Curt hitch on the impala and it was great quality...dont get a POS uhaul one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2talltim Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 as far as the trailer those HF ones are what they are, cheap but if thats all you can affordit will work, but id go for the nonfolding Super HD one http://www.harborfreight.com/1720-lb-capacity-super-duty-48-inch-x-96-inch-utility-trailer-with-12-inch-five-lug-wheels-and-tires-94564.htmlmight be a little more sturdy and bolt a full sheet of 3/4" treated plywood to it. I think you should just look for a rail trailer, didnt somone have one forsale on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStump Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 That hitch package is actually what I was looking at. Looks like a good deal to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2talltim Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 yea here is is...http://www.ohioriders.net/showthread.php?t=90440 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStump Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 The tongue on that thing looks really long for some reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2talltim Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 The tongue on that thing looks really long for some reason.i cant see pics here at work(they are blocked) ill have to see it when i get on my phone later...your going to have another couple hundred into those HF trailers getting them ready to haul a bike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imprez55 Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 What 2talltim linked to is exactly what you want. Curt makes great hitches and wiring stuff. I have had it on 2 cars now and they both seem perfectly solid for the rated load. They test to make sure everything fits right, makes sure you have the correct wiring and ballmount, and they are out of sight mostly (reason for the longer ballmount me thinks). You can pick up a ball from just about anywhere and both the 1 7/8 and 2" work (some smaller trailers only accept the 1 7/8" apparently so that's what I have chosen both times). As far as trailers go, I have no idea; you can see the thread I made on it and see how clueless I really am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykill Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 (edited) I ordered mine for my 4cyl Accord from here http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2011_Mazda_3.htm Those are options for your car. I have a hidden hitch one and it works fine. I installed it myself with no help and the wiring plug in was really easy too. I ordered everything from there including ball mount and stuff. They have good customer service that can make sure everything fits and is what you need. Plus Id rather deal with a company like that than order through eBay incase of returns/support.I also just picked up that HF trailer from IP. I put a wheel chock on it from HF. If you buy it use the 20% off coupon that come in sport rider or other magazines. It pulled just fine and even better with the bike on it. It will do exactly what I need it too. It weighs about as much with my bike on it as the Uhual one, w/o my bike, I rented and pulled to deals gap last year. Its gonna pull me to some trackdays this year and maybe another gap trip. Plus it folds up which if space is an issue is important. I think you would be fine with it.Heres Standouts bike on what looks like a HF trailer Edited April 12, 2012 by Mykill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrewsBrews Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 (edited) If you use one of the wiring kits that does not have a power wire running directly to the battery I'd suggest replacing the trailer lights with LED units on whichever you end up getting. Since it will be pulling power directly from your car's tail light circuit; LEDs will put much less electrical load on those circuits than another set of bulbs will.Also if you plan on doing long trips above 55mph I'd suggest a trailer with atleast 12" wheels. The bearings will last longer. 8" wheel trailers are more for short trips to the hardware store, or other occasional backroad use. I hear the bearing size in all the HF trailers is oddball so it is very tough to find replacements. Get a greaser and use it often. Edited April 12, 2012 by DrewsBrews Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykill Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-wUHYj45pc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standout Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Heres Standouts bike on what looks like a HF trailerYup. 3/4 inch ply wood, 4 d rings and a removable wheel chock so it still folds as I work with limited space. Less then 100 and a few hours of your time. Everything I needed was readily available at tractor supply. I stained mine to make sure it was water proof. Pulled my bike and sometimes 2 to beaver run, mid Ohio, and Nelson multiple times. Has never let me down. Just make sure it's level. I had to buy and return one or two receivers before I got the right drop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2talltim Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Sorry... my terminology is confused. A 1 1/4" hitch receiver is sufficient. Your ball mount is what you'll need to measure for. http://www.etrailer.com/faq-ballmount.aspx^^^this^^^ but the one that came with my curt hitch from ebay was balls on even for my tsc trailer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photos by Marty Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 (edited) as far as the trailer those HF ones are what they are, cheap but if thats all you can affordit will work, but id go for the nonfolding Super HD one http://www.harborfreight.com/1720-lb-capacity-super-duty-48-inch-x-96-inch-utility-trailer-with-12-inch-five-lug-wheels-and-tires-94564.htmlmight be a little more sturdy and bolt a full sheet of 3/4" treated plywood to it. I think you should just look for a rail trailer, didnt somone have one forsale on here.I got one for sale still.Please buy it so I don't have to sleep on the couch in the near future.http://www.ohioriders.net/showthread.php?t=90440 Edited April 12, 2012 by Photos by Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStump Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 (edited) I got one for sale still.Please buy it so I don't have to sleep on the couch in the near future.http://www.ohioriders.net/showthread.php?t=90440That is a nice looking trailer and would do what I need it to but I really like the convenience of the folding one as well as the ability to haul other things other than motorcycles.Also, using the coupon at HF I can get the trailer for $240, a wheel chock for $25, and lights plywood and tiedowns for probably $40. So roughly $300 before tax.I have a coupon to get this chock for $25http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcycle-wheel-chock-96349.htmlLights for $20http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/trailer-lights/deluxe-12-volt-trailer-light-kit-93861.html Edited April 12, 2012 by JStump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrewsBrews Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 I believe the HF trailers already come with those kind of lights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStump Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 I believe the HF trailers already come with those kind of lights.You are correct sir, didnt see them in the pic but the description says they are there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photos by Marty Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 That is a nice looking trailer and would do what I need it to but I really like the convenience of the folding one as well as the ability to haul other things other than motorcycles.Also, using the coupon at HF I can get the trailer for $240, a wheel chock for $25, and lights plywood and tiedowns for probably $40. So roughly $300 before tax.I have a coupon to get this chock for $25http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcycle-wheel-chock-96349.htmlLights for $20http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/trailer-lights/deluxe-12-volt-trailer-light-kit-93861.htmlMake me an offer and I will deliver! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStump Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Make me an offer and I will deliver!Honestly, its just not what I am looking for. I live in an apartment so storage is an issue and I also like the ability to use it for more than just my bike. A regular trailer will be awesome when I move out, sure could have used one when I moved in lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojocho Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 I would make sure your 3 can have a hitch mounted onto it. I had an 05 Mazda 3 and was told there was not where to mount a hitch. suggest you make sure before you spend the kwon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStump Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Definitely able to mount a hitch, see the video in the previous posts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbot Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 i had uhaul install the hitch and wiring kit on my car. they did a good job, and it pulled my (soon to be former) trailer around well enough without any concern.i mean, people who saw me pull the trailer were concerned, but i inspected the install area after pulling a loaded trailer and everything was nice and tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStump Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Installation inst an issue. The holes should already be there and it just mounts right up. If someone has a lift I can use it would be much appreciated because this will probably be an hour job laying on the ground or 15 minutes in the air. Either way it shouldn't be too difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2talltim Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Installation inst an issue. The holes should already be there and it just mounts right up. If someone has a lift I can use it would be much appreciated because this will probably be an hour job laying on the ground or 15 minutes in the air. Either way it shouldn't be too difficult. i just backed up on 2 ramps that i have, you welcome to use them but thats a bit of a drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykill Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 I found a hill....Made a world of difference.... I have no idea why I am posting so many pictures lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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