After market trailer hitch

[tidriver]

Has anyone added a trailer hitch to their CX-9?
If so, can you share with me where you got it and how much it was?

[Kungpao]

Click on This Thread (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123674480)

You guys who've installed hitches... what base model do you have? We bought a CX-9 sport package and want to hitch it. The towing packages only come on the Touring and Grand Touring packages and include ECM remap, rad/trans fans/coolers. Is there something suspension wise that separates the Sport from the touring/Gt? Thanks!

[mommyjamie]

We have looked into it. Uhaul can order them and install them. I believe it was around $250.

[OMF]

I have a brand new original MAZDA CX-9 hitch (Part# 0000-8E-N01), that I don't need anymore. I bought it because the stock "Trailer Hitch Wiring Kit" (Part# 0000-8E-M04) was not immediately available as a standalone item, only in a set with the hitch.
Send me a PM if you are interested. I live in southern Ontario.

[wakblak]

Doesn't the OEM one require a notch in the rear bumper?

[OMF]

Doesn't the OEM one require a notch in the rear bumper?
Yes, it does. I had to install an aftermarket hitch beause I needed a 2" square receiver for my travel trailer.

[CX9 SportOwner]

did you buy that as part of the car or seperate as an accessory?

[OMF]

did you buy that as part of the car or seperate as an accessory?
Separate accessory. I had to buy an OEM hitch too, just to get the wiring harness...:(((

Anybody interested to use the OEM hitch for bike attachment, or something else without electrical connections, PM me to make a deal.

[wakblak]

Can you buy the trailer wiring part separately now?

[CX9 SportOwner]

I cant buy the hitch in any form from Mazda. How did you manage to?

[OMF]

I cant buy the hitch in any form from Mazda. How did you manage to?

Simply called a dealer. A GOOD one.

Kieswetter Mazda in Kitchener, Ontario: http://www.kieswettermazda.com/Contact.shtml

[CX9 SportOwner]

I think Canada has a lot fewer lawyers than the US. I was told it was a liability issue. When the dealer calls up the part number it wont let them order one unless its a replacement for a factory installed hitch. (They check the VIN)

[OMF]

I think Canada has a lot fewer lawyers than the US.

In total numbers for sure, not per capita.

When the dealer calls up the part number it wont let them order one unless its a replacement for a factory installed hitch. (They check the VIN)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the hitch is a dealer install option and not available factory installed.

BTW the above dealer keeps quite a stock of various mazda hitches, so no order by VIN is necessary.

[Force-1]

I plan on purchasing this one from Hidden Hitch. Per their web site site it's a very simple no-drill install--30 minutes.

http://www.hidden-hitch.com/prod.asp?pc=87438

Since I have no plans on towing anything (want it strictly for a bike rack), I have no concerns about wiring, cooling system upgrade, etc.

Here's a video of a CX-9 hitch install--damn simple.

http://www.etrailer.com/tv_hitch_install_mazda_mx-9_2008.aspx

[dmac156]

I plan on purchasing this one from Hidden Hitch. Per their web site site it's a very simple no-drill install--30 minutes.

http://www.hidden-hitch.com/prod.asp?pc=87438

Since I have no plans on towing anything (want it strictly for a bike rack), I have no concerns about wiring, cooling system upgrade, etc.

Here's a video of a CX-9 hitch install--damn simple.

http://www.etrailer.com/tv_hitch_install_mazda_mx-9_2008.aspx

Thanks Force1, I was wondering about the aftermarket install on the Sport. Great video!

[CX9ZoomR]

This is what I ordered from etrailer.com from my 2007 CX-9 last May...

#75531 Draw-Tite Class III Round Tube Trailer Hitch Receiver @ $159.95.
#18176 Modulite Protector, Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector @ $49.95
18151 Modulite Installation Wiring Kit @ $9.95

I installed the hitch myself and no drilling is necessary. 6 bolts (3 per side) came with the hitch and it bolted right up to the existing holes in the frame. Then I took the wiring harness to the local U-Haul (on a recommendation from the dealer) and they hardwired it in for me. I think it cost $75 to have them do it. Even though I only plan to tow a canoe trailer or small sailboat out to the lake during the summer (should be less than the 2000 towing capacity w/o the trailering package) I think I may still get a trans cooler installed in the spring.

[Force-1]

This is what I ordered from etrailer.com from my 2007 CX-9 last May...

#75531 Draw-Tite Class III Round Tube Trailer Hitch Receiver @ $159.95.
#18176 Modulite Protector, Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector @ $49.95
18151 Modulite Installation Wiring Kit @ $9.95

I installed the hitch myself and no drilling is necessary. 6 bolts (3 per side) came with the hitch and it bolted right up to the existing holes in the frame. Then I took the wiring harness to the local U-Haul (on a recommendation from the dealer) and they hardwired it in for me. I think it cost $75 to have them do it. Even though I only plan to tow a canoe trailer or small sailboat out to the lake during the summer (should be less than the 2000 towing capacity w/o the trailering package) I think I may still get a trans cooler installed in the spring.

Does the installed hitch have any affect on removing the spare tire?

[EtoileBrilliant]

Does the installed hitch have any affect on removing the spare tire?

No, but I found removing the spare prior to mounting the hitch made the installation considerably easier. I have attached the PDF of the installation instructions with torque settings. IMO they are well written, the key tip is in bullet 1 "..pointing the receiver tube down and rotating it into position..".

Once it was in position, I repositioned the spare without any problem

[CX9ZoomR]

I didn't have any problem with interference from the spare during installation, but getting the durn holes lined up took awhile. If you can get someone to hole the hitch in place for you while you start the bolts, or at least have a jackstand to help, that will make it a lot easier.

It doesn't look like there should be any problems lowering the spare with the hitch in place, but it may be a little more difficult to reach it once it's down...

Good Luck!

[PAUL CHOUINARD]

I have a brand new original MAZDA CX-9 hitch (Part# 0000-8E-N01), that I don't need anymore. I bought it because the stock "Trailer Hitch Wiring Kit" (Part# 0000-8E-M04) was not immediately available as a standalone item, only in a set with the hitch.
Send me a PM if you are interested. I live in southern Ontario.


I have got the hitch from my dealer, had to wait 1 month for the factory wiring. The problem I have is that for the trailer lights to work you have to turn on the light. At night its fine but during the day time I loose the dash lights because they go deamer. Has anyone seen this issue before. The dealer has replied that they can't change this. I find it to be an safety issue.

[CX9ZoomR]

Hi Paul.

There's a small button in the upper left hand corner of the instrument cluster. If you push in on this button, it will brighten the dash lights when you have the lights on during daytime driving. At night, just push it again to dim them back down. You can also adjust the nightime setting by turning this knob.

Good Luck!

[Lindyrect]

Hiiden hitch has the best hitch IMO. I bought one for my other vehicle. It stays tight to the vehicle and when ordering their site will recommend any extra control units.

As for wiring harnesses. They are not always needed. In my last vehilce I used an OHM meter and mapped the tail lights and tapped off of them. The back side of the tail lights had pins on them for other wire harnesses.

[OMF]

In my last vehilce I used an OHM meter and mapped the tail lights and tapped off of them. The back side of the tail lights had pins on them for other wire harnesses.

And you didn't run a direct power supply from the battery to feed the trailer lights??? It can easily add up to 15-20 Amps, or even more.

[njerald]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAZDA-CX-9-CX9-TRAILER-HITCH-07-08-FREE-SHIPPING_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33653QQihZ004Q QitemZ140209436477QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[ceric]

I installed the Hidden Hitch today (bought from Etrailer.com).
I recommend that you either
- have someone to help you hold the hitch
- have jack stands (at least 1) to support it
Otherwise, it is a difficult job for one person alone (unless you have three hands).
Also, two of the bolts (right side) are close to a black box (looks like related to spare tire). My torque wrench did not fit in there. I used regular wrench on them.

Anyway, I highly recommend the Hidden Hitch. Great product.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Why did you pay $60 at e-trailer and THEN take it to Uhaul for installation? Uhaul has the entire kit for $50 that includes a mountable connector that not only takes a standard flat 4, but Uhaul's own individual bullet connectors, AND has a built in set of test lights. I installed mine in about an hour quite easily and is totally hidden.

[sixti]

Hello CX9 SportOwner

What brand trailer hitch have you got mounted? It so well hidden. The pictures from Hidden Hitch look a lot more visible. Also I see you did a little bit of cutting in the rearbumper?

Best regards Jan

[CX9 SportOwner]

It's actually a factory receiver. I had to cut out the rear apron on the factory marks that are on the inside.

I wanted a factory hitch because its the only Class I/II there is. All of the aftermarket's are 2", and I needed the 1 1/4" receiver for accessories. I also prefer the hidden look of the factory hitch.

[l-miwa]

Apparently the 2009 CX-9's with AWD will all be equiped with the trailer towing package as standard equipment. No word on whether it will still be an option for the FWD versions.

[badself]

Apparently the 2009 CX-9's with AWD will all be equiped with the trailer towing package as standard equipment. No word on whether it will still be an option for the FWD versions.

I researched this when I was considering ordering an '09 CX-9.

The fact is that what's standard on the '09 CX-9 is the "Tow Prep Package'',
which includes the ECU shift changes and trans coolor and such. You still have to purchase the actual bar and harness as an option, even on the '09 GT.

[AWD CX-9 GT]

I installed Hidden Hitch, bought from etrailer, took me less than 30 minutes to install. I added thread lock to avoid bolts from loosening.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Not as hidden as mine!


(dance)

[AWD CX-9 GT]

I did not want to cut the bumper.

[CX9 SportOwner]

I know
Besides, it's almost impossible to buy a factory receiver.
But I had to have the 1 1/4" and no one makes that size for the CX9.

Pretty good dancing though, huh?