Hey I'm taking a family trip up to MI and we want the bikes to come. Im having a hard time finding a trunk rack that will fit with the rear spoiler that is on the back of the Mazda 5 minivan. Anyone else come across the same problem? Thanks
Mazda 5 trunk rack???
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That's because you shouldn't put a trunk rack on a MAzda 5 (unless you want to rip off the rear door, it's plastic) your only reall options are a hitch mount or buy the roof rack and get bike racks for it. If you decide to go with a hitch rack, I'd suggest you avoid the Swagman XP racks. They will dig into the paint on your bike and ruin the finish!! I know I have one and you can see exactly on my stumpjumper where the clamp was placed :madman:
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Get a hitch put on. It will be the easiest way to load and unload the bikes. Plus you will have better MPG versus bikes on a roof rack.
Cheers and have a happy n safe trip.
Cheers and have a happy n safe trip.
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Check the Mazda forums...
I read on one of the forums that there is a factory hitch receiver available, that is just a simple bolt-on. As in, (and I could be wrong on this) there are actual threaded bosses under and behind the bumper to just bolt one on. It may not have been available here. It's not a factory option in this country, but it is in Europe.
Anyway, I dig this mini (micro) van. One of the few you can still get with a stick. IIRC, I actually got about 31 mpg with the automatic version loaded up with gear for work.
I was reading about the Mazda5, and was seriously thinking of getting one. I rented one for a week for work, with all my electronics install gear and bike stuff. Worked out great.jjetmar said:
I read on one of the forums that there is a factory hitch receiver available, that is just a simple bolt-on. As in, (and I could be wrong on this) there are actual threaded bosses under and behind the bumper to just bolt one on. It may not have been available here. It's not a factory option in this country, but it is in Europe.
Anyway, I dig this mini (micro) van. One of the few you can still get with a stick. IIRC, I actually got about 31 mpg with the automatic version loaded up with gear for work.
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There isn't a "Factory" hitch receiver in north America, though Curt and a few othersdo make a hitch for he 5. It's really easy to install. It took me half an hour to install, just 6 bolts, and a bit of time with a drill to enlarge exsisting holes in the frame.
Someoene on the Mazda forums had a custom made 2 inch receiver made for about the same cost as the 1-1/4 receiver. If I were to do it again, I'd go that route, it just makes for a more stable bike rack. the 1-1/4 racks wobble around a bit more than I like.
Someoene on the Mazda forums had a custom made 2 inch receiver made for about the same cost as the 1-1/4 receiver. If I were to do it again, I'd go that route, it just makes for a more stable bike rack. the 1-1/4 racks wobble around a bit more than I like.
Thanks for the info, Yeah we love this van/car (my wife wont let me call it a van). As far a MPG's go we just did a 6 hr trip this past week and got 30 mpg. Did a trip to FL. 10 hrs at 80 to 85 mph the whole time and got 28mpg with all 4 of us and all our bags! Its a great micro van.
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