Towing with an MPV
 

Hi All! I am a new member to the Mazda website!

I am interested in towing with my 2005 GT model and I am finding out about what I need to get going with a small tent trailer with regards to equipment.

I am pretty sure that my van came with the transmission cooler, mounted bottom side of the radiator between the bumper and radiator but I will need to get this confirmed. The 2006 models are listed on Mazda.ca with the cooler but I cannot find the 2005 spec and the manual doesn't specify this.

I would like to wire the van for the electric brake and lights myself but I am unsure what oarts are available and if the van has a clip on the factory loom that is under the driver side dash that will run to the rear of the van? If I need to run all wires and splice them into the loom that would be ok.

I am finding that tow hitches are quite rare and many people tell me the van is too new to list a part number?

Has anyone got any experience with towing that can pass on some hints and tips?

Thanks,

Scott

RE: Towing with an MPV
 

Hello scramsay and welcome.:D

There are several options that you can explore if looking for a tow hitch for the 05 MPV. First off, all 02 and later MPV should come with a transmission oil cooler. If you have the Four Seasons option with the trailer tow accessory the cooler is a little bit bigger and towing capacity is upped to 3000 lbs. Without, Mazda only recommends 2000 lbs.

Mazda has a tow package accessory available. Class II hitch is OE# 0000-8E-F05 with MSRP of $215. Wire harness adapter kit is #0000-8E-F06A with MSRP of $96. Both available at www.onlinemazdaparts.com for $172 and $76.80.

Can also go to http://store.uhaul.com/hitches.aspx for aftermarket U-haul hitches. The more expensive one is for the MPV with ground effects to provide clearance. Little bit cheaper and probably just as good anyway.

If you want to wire yourself it is much easier to splice into the harness just behind the taillight and then run a wire for other turn signal over to that side as well. Just make sure to seal up good against the elements.