Towing boat

[Blue Fox]

I have a 2012 Mazda 3 . Just wondering if it would be able to tow a 14 ft aluminum with 9.9? The owners manual says n/a for towing but I called a few places and they have a hitch for my car. Just looking for some advice. Thanks .

[foulslayer43]

I had a 1990 ford topaz that I pulled my 14 foot mirocraft with a 25 horse on it. It should be good for you just try and ballance the load so there is little tongue weight.
Don

[Alex Bass Man]

I started of towing my 14ft boat with 15hp motor with my 2000 Caviar with no problems. As long as your trips are not too long, will not be hard on your transmission. If you plan on doing long drives, may want to get a transmission cooler installed. Also keep in mind that you will need a greater distance for stopping due to the weight behind the car.

[Woodsman]

I had a 1990 ford topaz that I pulled my 14 foot mirocraft with a 25 horse on it. It should be good for you just try and ballance the load so there is little tongue weight.
Don

This is bad advice.
If tongue weight is too light it can cause a dangerous condition known as trailer sway.
9 and 15 percent of the gross trailer weight (GTW) is the recommended tongue weight.

[rackman]

sure why not unless you are going across canada.....you will be fine

[Fisherman]

You always have to remember that when push comes to crunch who pays, are the guys that advocate towing with a Mazda 3 going to pay your repairs or do you take a healthy hint from the owner manual that says N/A, not applicable.

[Pat32rf]

Just remember that you will probably have an extra couple hundred pounds of gear/gas along with the boat. Once you get it up to speed, wind resistance will give you some extra load but if your vehicle stays in OD like normal, then you can pretty well figure that you are ok. If it keeps dropping out, then you will be better to lock it out. Real tow vehicles normally have a "tow" setting for this purpose. Constant shifting can cost more in tranny repairs than a little extra gas will cost.

[Blue Fox]

Thx for the tips

[northernontario]

GF has a Mazda3... I've looked at putting a hitch on her car for towing a little trailer around... for those times I'm not around with my car/trailer.

Long story short... Mazda3 in Europe/Australia has a rated tow capacity. Identical Mazda3 in North America... no tow rating. You'll find the allowable numbers differ for most vehicles between North America and everywhere else. It's all about liability... People are stupid, but their lawyers are smart.

Same advice applies to all vehicles... install and tow at your own risk. Expect wear and tear. Consider that you may void the warranty by going against manufacturer recommendations.

I personally have no issue towing with a fwd vehicle. Done lots of towing with a '95 Ford Escort wagon and an '03 Focus wagon. My only real concern towing with a FWD vehicle is the potential loss of traction (wet boat launch + tongue weight).


**edit... wow... just realized I responded to a 6 month old post. sorry guys.

[trimmer21]

I have a 2012 Mazda 3 . Just wondering if it would be able to tow a 14 ft aluminum with 9.9? The owners manual says n/a for towing but I called a few places and they have a hitch for my car. Just looking for some advice. Thanks .

If your engine or transmission fails,kiss your warranty good-bye.