Installing a hitch to a car to tow bikes?

[Finesse]

Not quite sure where to put this, so forgive me if it's in the wrong section..

I have a 2007 Mazda 3 sedan and I'm wondering if it's possible to install a towing hitch to pull a motorcycle or two. I'm thinking of getting a dirt bike but I have no way to take it to places I could ride it, other than renting or borrowing a truck which I don't want to do.

So what's the general consensus on installing a hitch on a 4-cylinder 2-liter car to tow one or two motorcycles on a small trailer?

[csmith12]

There is a thread around here somewhere... I think either a comment or a pic is a mazda 3 with a hitch and trailer. I am sure someone will come up with the link.

Anyway... a few members have small cars that pull a small trailer and a bike with some gear with success.

[Finesse]

Sweet, my next question would be about how much it would cost. I see that a hitch looks to be about $150, maybe an hour of labor to install it, a cheap ****** trailer is like $500, I guess the trailer has to be registered with a license plate....? .....That's a lot of Uhaul pickup rentals.

[adouglas]

Yes, easy to do. Go to http://www.etrailer.com.

You'll need a hitch, ball, drawbar and wiring harness. There are plug-and-play harnesses that make installation easy. Total outlay will be somewhere around $200.

Harbor Freight makes suitable trailers, including one that folds up so you can store it in your garage. Don't get the cheapest one... the minimum usable one is the one with 12" wheels. It's $299 new (you put it together), but coupons are easy to find that will take the cost down to $269 or so. Add some decking plywood and miscellaneous hardware to that. You'll also need a ramp. A chock is not absolutely necessary but is a good idea.

You can get bike-specific trailers, but if you're investing in a trailer it makes sense to get one that can be used for things other than hauling a bike.

If you don't need the folding feature, Tractor Supply has a good trailer with a built-in ramp for about $700.

Registration will depend on your state's requirements.

U-Hauls are cheap, but don't forget that you'll need it for more than a day at a time. That changes the math a bit.

[csmith12]

Cost? No real clue about small hitch stuff. Like the bigger stuff, I figger it will be all over the place and it will pay you to shop around and do as much work yourself. Also, HF has small, light trailers for around 2 big faces that will easily haul a 250/300/sumo and your garden tractor. Combine that with a coupon for 40% off and BAM! Cheap trailer. Take your time and do your homework here. Losing a trailer at 55mph will not be fun.

Found the link too! https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...=181723&page=2

[C-Bass]

Yep, can be done. I had a trailer hitch installed on my Lincoln (Hidden Hitch brand), and some other brand of trailer hitch installed on my Jeep Patriot -

[Finesse]

Perfect! Thanks, guys! I'm in no hurry so I'll go do some homework and of course I need to acquire this dirt bike first before I have to worry about taking it anywhere.

[sharky nrk]

most small sedans have a towing capacity of around 1500 lbs or so, more than enough for small open trailer and bike. Most of the hitches are pretty much the same, I had good luck with Curt. I also second etrailer.com. I think I got the hitch, receiver, ball, and PNP harness for like $300 shipped for our Honda Odyssey.

[sharky nrk]

*ok for full disclosure*

Mazda DOES NOT rate the 2007 Mazda3 with any tow rating it seems in the US. It is however rated for non-US spec vehicles at around 1100 lbs without trailer brakes. Still more than enough for a small single trailer and bike.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

*ok for full disclosure*

Mazda DOES NOT rate the 2007 Mazda3 with any tow rating it seems in the US. It is however rated for non-US spec vehicles at around 1100 lbs without trailer brakes. Still more than enough for a small single trailer and bike.

if it has a rear subframe and front discs, it's good enough to tow 1/3rd of its weight

[nadroj]

I've seen it done.

Just make sure you do not get a huge trailer and it'll be fine. A smallish single axle utility trailer should be good.

The best for your application would be a kendon but they are $$$$

http://www.kendonusa.com/

[Xtina]

The car should tell you what the total load can be. I think it's around 1000lbs on the mazda. I tow my bike to the track all the time with my car.

[Sirref]

trailer insurance in MD is cheap, I was quoted >$100/yr for a fully enclosed trailer and less than half that for something like a harbor freight trailer, tags would cost more

that said, I think the harbor freight option is the way to go here for you. I'm looking into enclosed trailers but I also intend to go hardcore into track days (eventually racing, years down the line) and get a lot of use out of it so the extra money makes sense

[fry1024]

Quick search gave this:

http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=341620

Maybe that will help.

[c-dog]

Originally Posted by nadroj

The best for your application would be a kendon but they are $$$$

http://www.kendonusa.com/

Wow! Those are super nice. Thanks for the info.

Check out this sport bike one they sell - http://www.kendonusa.com/trailer_spo...ml#prettyPhoto

[ally99]

I have a Honda Accord that towed my GSXR-600 to the track a few times. I bought my hitch from etrailer.com, and it was a super easy install.

[garth285]

I tow with a 2013 VW Passat... its a Turbo Diesel but the gas version uses the same hitch. I was a little hesitant to tow with it but last weekend I finally made the trip with a fully loaded trailer including a 08 250, my fully loaded tool box, a air compressor, a ramp, rear stands and a few other things, total payload about 1,000lbs plus the weight of the trailer.

Towing on cruise control at 70mph I was getting 29MPG :-) I normally get at 75mph 39mpg, 60mph I get about 42-44mpg depending on wind lol... I love this TDI!

Make sure you pay attention to the tongue weight of the trailer, the trailer I was pulling was a little heavy up front but with the tool box on the rear of the trailer it pulled perfect.

One more thing, trailers with fold down ramps will sometimes make certain cars turn into slugs, its basically towing a wall... I'd rather have a small ramp that I tie down than a big ramp.

And one more thing lol.... I found everything that fit my car using the website e-trailers but just copy the part number and check ebay, I saved a total with the light kit and the hitch about $45 going with ebay.

[jaesun]

I picked up my Curt hitch for a Honda CRV a month ago through ehitch on eBay. Every once in a while, eBay Motors will have coupons and I used that since it come out cheaper than going through etrailer.com. There was also a coupon through ehitch for multiple orders, and I used that to get the hitch and wiring.

One thing that I forgot to include was the wiring harness bracket, which isn't included with the hitch. I got that through a different eBay vendor. I spent less than $150 total, and installation should take less than 1 hour. It will require no drilling, and I only have to cut a rectangular space in the back plastic cover.

I still need to install it. I will probably install the hitch first and do the wiring later. I won't need to hook up any lights for a Yakima bike holder. I'm hoping to pick one of them up used on eBay for less than $100.

[verboten1]

Curt hitch, motorcycle specific trailer.

2003 jetta, 250,000 miles.

Towed them a total of 1300 miles on my first trip

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by garth285

I tow with a 2013 VW Passat... its a Turbo Diesel but the gas version uses the same hitch. I was a little hesitant to tow with it but last weekend I finally made the trip with a fully loaded trailer including a 08 250, my fully loaded tool box, a air compressor, a ramp, rear stands and a few other things, total payload about 1,000lbs plus the weight of the trailer.

Towing on cruise control at 70mph I was getting 29MPG :-) I normally get at 75mph 39mpg, 60mph I get about 42-44mpg depending on wind lol... I love this TDI!

Make sure you pay attention to the tongue weight of the trailer, the trailer I was pulling was a little heavy up front but with the tool box on the rear of the trailer it pulled perfect.

One more thing, trailers with fold down ramps will sometimes make certain cars turn into slugs, its basically towing a wall... I'd rather have a small ramp that I tie down than a big ramp.

And one more thing lol.... I found everything that fit my car using the website e-trailers but just copy the part number and check ebay, I saved a total with the light kit and the hitch about $45 going with ebay.

man that is GREAT mpg towing, lol. nothing I have even comes close

[nadroj]

Originally Posted by c-dog

Wow! Those are super nice. Thanks for the info.

Check out this sport bike one they sell - http://www.kendonusa.com/trailer_spo...ml#prettyPhoto

Yep, they are very popular done here in TX with the racers and track day guys.

[sharky nrk]

^^^ and pricey. Find a used one for around $1500 or so if possible

[nadroj]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

^^^ and pricey. Find a used one for around $1500 or so if possible

Yes they are, and they do go for about 1k - 1500 used. I'd check track day and racer forums first.

[Finesse]

Hey, here's an update.... With the recent purchase of my DRZ 125 I decided I will now install a tow hitch on my Mazda 3! I just ordered it today, it is the Hidden Hitch 60201 Class 1. I'm getting it from Trick Trucks. I think it's going to be around $220 for the hitch and wiring, but they wanted like another $150 to install it so I'm trying to get a friend to do it for a lot less than that. My car is apparently rated to tow 2,000 lb (?!?!)

But now I'm hoping that I can tow the dirt bike around to some cool places, bring my dog, and have some fun this winter riding around the dirt with my pup!

I'm going to borrow a friend's trailer for the time being but eventually I might get a 2 or 3-rail bike trailer. Wheeeeee

[jaesun]

Don't forget the hitch cover!

[Finesse]

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I dropped out of UMD 3 times

[alex.s]

3 times?

[Finesse]

Yea.... I hated UMD

but I'm going to visit St. Mary's College of Maryland next weekend....

half because a degree is necessary (?) for a 'good' job (?) and half because I want to delay the 40-hr-workweek and 'figure out' what I 'want to do' 'with my' 'life'

I like fixing bikes all day but I don't want to do it forever and I am tired of working a lot harder than I get paid.

[jaesun]

Fear the turtle!



Terp Builds a Motocross Mecca in Southern Maryland

[Finesse]

good, southern md, so I can go there without going anywhere near the actual umd itself.

bitter memories...... I hated that college. lol

[Road Dawg1]

What are the cons of a hitch that lets you just mount the front of the bike to the back of a car?

Seems price would be cheaper and it would take up less space in use or in storage. The idea of a bike directly behind my Miata appeals more than a trailer that can sway around and cause problems.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by Road Dawg1

What are the cons of a hitch that lets you just mount the front of the bike to the back of a car?

Seems price would be cheaper and it would take up less space in use or in storage. The idea of a bike directly behind my Miata appeals more than a trailer that can sway around and cause problems.

wear out rear tire? maybe I don't know the type your talking about.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by Finesse

Hey, here's an update.... With the recent purchase of my DRZ 125 I decided I will now install a tow hitch on my Mazda 3! I just ordered it today, it is the Hidden Hitch 60201 Class 1. I'm getting it from Trick Trucks. I think it's going to be around $220 for the hitch and wiring, but they wanted like another $150 to install it so I'm trying to get a friend to do it for a lot less than that. My car is apparently rated to tow 2,000 lb (?!?!)

But now I'm hoping that I can tow the dirt bike around to some cool places, bring my dog, and have some fun this winter riding around the dirt with my pup!

I'm going to borrow a friend's trailer for the time being but eventually I might get a 2 or 3-rail bike trailer. Wheeeeee

class 1 hitch is rated at 2,000 lbs as a general rating - I think I posted earlier your 3 was unrated in the US I think but has a Euro rating for towing 1100 lbs from a quick search awhile back. I would keep it at or below 1,000 lbs. Trailer and dirtbike or trailer and ninjette should be a non issue. Remember the biggest issues when towing with a car like that is tranny heat and brakes.

[Finesse]

I got my trailer hitch installed today! In total, parts and labor including wiring harness, it cost me $366. Now I am researching trailers, Harbor Freight has one for like $300 that'll tow 2000lb and seems like it's a good choice.

[csmith12]

Katie, if you go with the HF trailer, get a coupon and wait until they go on sale. I have seen them walk out the door for $150 with a well timed purchase.

[verboten1]

Modified HF trailer.

Welded 2" square outrigger to the front.
All bolted joints welded. and 8" tires upgraded to 12"

I hauled 2 KLRs to TN with it. no issues at all

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by verboten1

Modified HF trailer.

Welded 2" square outrigger to the front.
All bolted joints welded. and 8" tires upgraded to 12"

I hauled 2 KLRs to TN with it. no issues at all

looks good

[verboten1]

thanks, I wish it still was. About 16 hours after that picture it looked a little different.



But, I guess the point of my Picture is that, the Trailer I had was easily 15 years old. other than new decking every few years, it was a great trailer, especially for the price! (i got mine free )

[fry1024]

Originally Posted by verboten1

thanks, I wish it still was. About 16 hours after that picture it looked a little different.



But, I guess the point of my Picture is that, the Trailer I had was easily 15 years old. other than new decking every few years, it was a great trailer, especially for the price! (i got mine free )

Sound like you're ok and i hope so. Did the trailer fail?

[verboten1]

the trailer was fine, but it did bend the tongue. It was still hanging by the safety chains. almost all of the ratchet straps broke.