If you own or are considering a Mazda CX-7 and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Mazda CX-7 tow a trailer?
Yes, a Mazda CX-7 can tow a trailer or trailer up to 2,000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer or camper with your Mazda CX-7 which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Trailer With A Mazda CX-7
So, can a Mazda CX-7 tow a trailer? Yes: the Mazda CX-7 towing capacity is 2,000 pounds, so as long as your trailer, camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 2,000 lbs your Mazda CX-7 can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a trailer with your Mazda CX-7.
Mazda CX-7 Trailer Hitch Details
Does The Mazda CX-7 Come With A Trailer Hitch?
The Mazda CX-7 does not come with a trailer hitch included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Mazda CX-7 Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Mazda CX-7.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Mazda CX-7?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
Since the Mazda CX-7 can only tow up to 2,000 pounds, you should not need a brake controller.
Mazda CX-7 Trailer Hitch Cost
Mazda CX-7 Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Mazda CX-7 trailer hitches run between $175-$250.
Take a look at this recommended Mazda CX-7 Trailer Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Mazda CX-7
A Mazda CX-7 trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $25-$50.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a wide variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Mazda CX 7 (factory tow package required)
- RELIABLE POWER. This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Mazda CX-7 Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Mazda CX-7 (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Mazda CX-7 Brake Controller Cost
Mazda CX-7 brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A Mazda CX-7? Mazda CX-7 Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Mazda CX-7 trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Mazda CX-7?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Mazda CX-7, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Trailers And Campers Can A Mazda CX-7 Pull?
Your Mazda CX-7 can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 2,000 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Mazda CX-7 can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 2,000 lbs:
- Riverside Retro
- Jayco Hummingbird
- Palomino Palomini
- Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro
- Happier Camper
- Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro
- Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth
- Aliner Ascape
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Mazda CX-7.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Mazda CX-7, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 2,000 lbs so your Mazda CX-7 can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 2,000 pounds.
Mazda CX-7 Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Mazda CX-7 tow?
The Mazda CX-7 can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Mazda CX-7 Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs
Mazda CX-7 GVWR: 4,685 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Mazda CX-7 can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Mazda CX-7 GVWR or Mazda CX-7 towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Mazda CX-7 Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can pull a trailer with a Mazda CX-7 as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 2,000 pounds).
Mazda CX-7 models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Mazda CX-7, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful RV repair guides:
- What to do if your RV water pump keeps running
- How to perform RV toilet foot pedal repair
- Our guide to RV roof reseal cost
- What to do if your RV heater is blowing cold air
- How to fix an RV microwave not working
- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
- How to replace RV window glazing bead
- How to fix an RV toilet not holding water
- How to fix a sagging RV slide out
- Preparing for an RV one night freeze
