Get Before Driving -> Towing Guide for Mazda Cx-5 SUV 2023

Before Driving

Towing

Trailer Towing (U.S.A. and Canada)

Your Mazda was designed and built primarily to carry passengers and cargo.

If you tow a trailer, follow these instructions because driver and passenger safety depends

on proper equipment and safe driving habits. Towing a trailer will affect handling, braking,

durability, performance, and fuel economy.

Never overload your vehicle or trailer. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer if you need

further details.

CAUTION

Do not tow a trailer during the ﬁrst 1,000 km (600 miles) of your new Mazda. If you do, you

may damage the engine, transaxle, diﬀerential, wheel bearings, and other power-train

components.

NOTE

When towing, use of gasoline with a octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended.

Weight Limits

▼

TTW and GCWR

The total trailer weight (TTW), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross axle

weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and trailer tongue load must be within the

prescribed limits.



The total trailer weight (TTW) is the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer

weight plus cargo), trailer hitch, 2 passengers, and vehicle load (baggage, food, camp

gear, etc.). Never allow the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the

Trailer Towing-Load Table.



The maximum GCWR is the combination weight of the trailer and load plus the

towing vehicle (including trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and load). It must not

exceed the specifications in the load table.

GAWR and GVWR

Do not exceed front and rear GAWR (gross axle weight rating) and GVWR (gross vehicle

weight rating). If you do, vehicle handling, braking, and performance will be affected. These

values are also on the Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label posted on the driver's door

frame.

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Towing

High-altitude operation

CAUTION

Be aware of the towing load weight diﬀerences when towing at high altitudes. For altitudes

exceeding 1,000 meter (3,280 ft 10 in), always reduce the towing load by 10 % for every 1,000

meter (3,280 ft 10 in) increase in altitude from the load indicated under the maximum GCWR

heading in the trailer towing-load table. If the determined maximum total towing load

weight is exceeded, the engine and other power-train parts may be damaged.

TRAILER TOWING-LOAD TABLE

Because vehicle weights vary, adjustments must be made to meet the requirements in this

table.

Model

SKYACTIV-G 2.5 SKYACTIV-G 2.5T

Item

AWD

Automatic trans‐

axle

MAX. FRONTAL

AREA

2.97 m (32 ft )

MAX. TTW

907 kg (2,000 lb)

MAX. GCWR

MAX. GAWR

2,784 kg (6,137.6 lb) 2,750 kg (6,062.6 lb)

Front

Rear

1,100 kg (2,425 lb) 1,145 kg (2,524 lb)

1,043 kg (2,299 lb) 1,045 kg (2,304 lb)

MAX. GVWR

2,143 kg (4,724 lb) 2,190 kg (4,828 lb)

Tongue load

Trailer load

TRAIL‐

ER-TONGUE

LOAD

Tongue load/Trailer load × 100 = 10 % to

15 %

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Before Driving

Towing

Model

SKYACTIV-G 2.5 SKYACTIV-G 2.5T

Item

AWD

Automatic trans‐

axle

Front

Rear

60 %

40 %

DISTRIBUTION

OF TRAILER

LOAD

WARNING

Always keep tow loads within speciﬁed limits as indicated in the Trailer Towing-Load Table:

Attempting to tow loads greater than those speciﬁed is dangerous as it may cause serious

handling and performance problems that could result in personal injury or vehicle damage,

or both.

Load your trailer with the weight about 60 % toward the front and 40 % toward the rear:

Loading the trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front is dangerous. Doing so could

cause you to lose control. The trailer tongue load must be 10 %―15 % of the total trailer load

(sum of the weights of the trailer and cargo).

Always have the total trailer weight and tongue load determined prior to departure:

Attempting to tow loads without determining the total trailer weight and tongue load is

dangerous. Trailer sway from crosswinds, rough roads or other causes could result in loss of

control and a serious accident.

CAUTION

The total trailer weight and tongue load can be determined by weighing the trailer on

platform scales at a highway weight station or a trucking company.

Trailer Hitch

▼

Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer that conforms to the gross

trailer weight requirement.

When not towing a trailer, remove the trailer hitch (if detachable) to reduce the possibility of

damage as a result of the vehicle being rear-ended.

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Before Driving

Towing

WARNING

Always make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached before departure:

An unsecured trailer hitch is dangerous as it causes greater trailer sway from crosswinds,

rough roads or other causes, resulting in loss of control and a serious accident.

Examine all trailer-hitch mounting bolts regularly and tighten any that are loose. If the hitch

is removed, seal any open mounting holes to prevent exhaust, dust, water, dirt and other

foreign elements from ﬁltering in, possibly endangering personal safety and damaging your

vehicle.

Do not install a hitch that stiﬀens the bumper as it will reduce the bumper's performance.

Make sure there are no exhaust gas leaks into the passenger compartment if any mounting

bolts are connected to the body:

Modifying your vehicle exhaust system is dangerous. Exhaust gas entering the vehicle could

cause loss of consciousness or even death.

When mounting the trailer hitch, make no modiﬁcations to the vehicle exhaust system.

CAUTION

Make all hitch adjustments with actual loads. Do not load and unload vehicle while

adjusting hitch. This action will change the vehicle height.

Do not use an axle-mounted hitch. This may damage the axle and related parts.

Tires

▼

When towing a trailer, make sure all tires are inflated to the recommended cold-tire

pressure, as indicated on the tire pressure chart on the driver's door frame. Trailer tire size,

load rating, and inflation pressures should conform to tire manufacturer specifications.

WARNING

Never use the temporary spare tire when towing:

Using the temporary spare tire on your vehicle when towing a trailer is dangerous as it could

result in tire failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants.

Safety Chains

▼

Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should the trailer become

unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the hitch.

Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or hitch

manufacturer for more details.

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Before Driving

Towing

WARNING

Make sure the safety chain is securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle prior to

departure:

Towing a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and the

vehicle is dangerous. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, the trailer could

wander into another lane and cause a collision.

Trailer Lights

▼

Trailer lights must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Equip your trailer as

required before towing it day or night.

CAUTION

Do not connect a trailer lighting system directly to the lighting system of your Mazda. This

may damage your vehicle's electrical system and lighting systems. Have a recreational vehicle

dealer or trailer rental agency connect the system, and inspect the brake lights and turn

signals yourself before each trip.

Trailer Brakes

▼

If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are required. If your trailer

has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.

WARNING

Do not connect a hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle's brake system:

Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system directly to the vehicle brake system is dangerous

and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury.

Trailer Towing Tips

▼



Verify that your Mazda maintains a near-normal attitude when a loaded or unloaded trailer

is connected. Do not drive if it has an abnormal front-up or front-down position. Inspect

for incorrect tongue load, worn suspension parts, and trailer overloading.



Make sure the trailer is properly loaded and the cargo is secure to prevent it from shifting.

Make sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install

required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and

improper trailer loading.

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Before Driving

Towing

Before driving



Have your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all

vehicle-to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving

a short distance.



Driving



Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing, and

stopping in a traffic-free area.



Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.

Allow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance

increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle

and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.

Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

Avoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially so

on wet or slippery roads.

Shift the selector lever to the D position when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when

heavily loaded.



The D position will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.

Lane changes and turning

Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to avoid

the need of sudden braking.

A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that are

larger than normal.

Passing

Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes.

Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads will

affect handling.

If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but

gradually.

Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or braking is made, the

combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability.

Backing up

Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a

helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.

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Before Driving

Towing

To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the

direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or

prolonged turning.

Ascending a hill

Shift into a lower gear to reduce the possibility of overloading or overheating the engine, or

both.

Descending a hill

Shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking effect.

WARNING

Always use lower gears to reduce speed:

Holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently is dangerous as it could cause the

brakes to overheat and lose power, resulting in loss of control and a serious accident. Use

lower gears to help reduce speed. Pull oﬀ the road and allow brakes to cool down whenever

braking performance feels reduced.

Overheated engine

The extra weight of the trailer may strain the engine on hot days and on long or steep

upgrades.

If the temperature gauge indicates overheating, turn off the air conditioner, drive safely to

the side of the road, park off the right-of-way and wait for engine to cool. Refer to

Overheating on page 7-17.

Parking

Always make sure the tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle are blocked while parked.

Apply the parking brake firmly and put the transaxle in P.

Avoid parking on an incline, but if you must, follow these instructions:

1. Depress and hold down the brake pedal.

2. Have a helper put wheel blocks against the downhill side of all vehicle and trailer tires.

3. Then release the brake pedal slowly until the blocks bear the load.



If the grade is downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front of the front tires face

the curb.



If it is uphill, face the rear of the front tires against the curb.

4. Firmly apply the parking brake.

5. Shift the transaxle into P, and stop the engine.

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Before Driving

Towing

To restart after parking on an incline:

1. With the transaxle in P, start the engine. (Be sure to depress and hold the brake pedal.)

2. Shift into gear.

3. Release the parking brake (also the foot brake) and pull away from the wheel blocks.

Stop; apply the parking brake and shift into P.

4. Have a helper retrieve the wheel blocks.

Fuel consumption

Trailer towing causes higher fuel consumption.

Maintenance

If you tow a trailer frequently, have your vehicle serviced as shown in Scheduled

Maintenance (page 6-4).

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Before Driving

Towing

Recreational Towing

An example of "recreational towing" is

towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.

The transaxle is not designed for towing

this vehicle on all 4 wheels.

When doing recreational towing refer to

"Towing Description" (page 7-19) and

"Tiedown Hooks" (page 7-20) and

carefully follow the instructions.

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Before Driving -> Towing for Your Mazda Cx-5 SUV 2023

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