Tow bars

Rilot

Rilot

Rilot

Don
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
23,343
Location
Wargrave, UK
I need a tow bar for the CX5 in order to mount a cycle carrier to it. Yes, I know I can get a non tow-bar mounted carrier but they remove access to the boot.
Looking around they seem to vary in price quite significantly and I have no idea why or if I need to pay for more expensive stuff.

All I want is a basic tow bar, but I'm reading that I need a removable one due to having rear park radar and cross-traffic detection. I also read that I need a vehicle specific electrical pack and coding. I don't want to tow a trailer or anything like that so surely I don't need the electrical pack. Or do I?

Educate me.
 
The vehicle specific electrics also disable the rear parking sensors etc when reversing (as the bikes cover the sensor). For the relatively small price difference, get a removeable bar and proper car electrics fitted.

I've had two West Falia removeable towbars fitted from PF Jones and had no complaints or issues from either
 
yes they normally need coding depending if you have it fitted at a tow bar centre most will program it . they will supply the bar and the electric box plus fitting and coding.
 
Right. That makes sense then. Vehicle specific wiring required, coding required, detachable required. Got it. This is going to be expensive.
 
Rilot said:
Right. That makes sense then. Vehicle specific wiring required, coding required, detachable required. Got it. This is going to be expensive.
Click to expand...
At least its future proof for trailers etc too.

If you're looking at bike carriers, consider one that you can fit a boot box to as well. I wish I had, a much easier use of space than a roof box.
 
I have a Tow Trust removable swan neck towbar and Thule Easy fold Xt bike rack. Great combo. Would recommend.

There’s a thread in the cycling section on towbar bike racks too.
 
The electrics do make it a lot more expensive on newer cars with needing coding and wiring boxes. It was a lot easier back in the day when you just tapped into one of your rear light clusters :(

But if you're going to do it get it done properly
 
Check with your local Mazda dealers to see if they have any offers on the dealer-fit option. I don’t know about the Mazda, but the manufacturer tow bar tends to integrate better than third party options on modern cars.
 
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