Mazda CX-9 and Coleman Pop-up

[PopUpChrisH]

I have a 2018 Mazda CX-9 with hitch and brake controller all set up. Max towing weight is 3500lbs.

I’m looking at a 1998 Coleman Mesa. It has a dry weight of 1950lbs and max loaded weight of 3000lbs. It has no AC or anything.
I would never get near the 3000lbs. We don’t have that much extra stuff.

Should be ok with the CX9? I have towed a StarCraft before which was a similar weight but shorter. This is a 12’ box. Do I need a weight distribution or sway bar?

 

[kcsa75]

In addition to tow capacity you need to determine the max payload of the Mazda (probably in the neighborhood of 1,500 lbs). Then determine (make an educated guess) how much you, your passengers and gear weigh then add in the tongue weight and compare that to the max payload.

As for sway bars and WDH I would hook it up and take it for a drive and see how it behaves. If you think it necessary you may want to add a sway bar, but WDH are generally not recommended for Pups.

 

[PopUpChrisH]

In addition to tow capacity you need to determine the max payload of the Mazda (probably in the neighborhood of 1,500 lbs). Then determine (make an educated guess) how much you, your passengers and gear weigh then add in the tongue weight and compare that to the max payload.

As for sway bars and WDH I would hook it up and take it for a drive and see how it behaves. If you think it necessary you may want to add a sway bar, but WDH are generally not recommended for Pups.

So I’m better to go off of the GCVR of 8337 lbs? Curb weight is 4361 lbs.

400 lbs passengers
500 lbs gear

So 4361+ 900 = 4261lbs
Then 8337-4261 = 4076lbs?

 

[Dave2514g]

As mentioned above, payload is an important-if not the most important-factor here. Your vehicle has a payload capacity of 1455lbs. Tongue weight it generally 15% of the trailer weight. So a 3000lb trailer will have a tongue weight of 450lb. That leaves you with 1000lb for cargo and passengers which is doable. I would think your vehicle is adequate for this trailer, but you will really have to ensure you don't overload your vehicle with passengers and gear.

 

[Sjm9911]

Just remember dry is dry, you need to add in the other stuff like, propane, water, heater, awning, etc. So you will be closer to that 3000lb mark then you think.

 

[jmkay1]

^^what Sjm9911 said is especially true in older campers. Back then dry weight meant bone dry just the weight of the camper with the cabinets and stove as it rolled off the factory table. Everything else was considered extra and not included in with the weight of the camper as it got added afterwards. Sometime in 2010 (I believe) is when they adjusted the weights to include some of those extras. Many people bring their camper to the cat scales so they have a better baseline to go by. The AC unit is typically one of the heavier add ons so the fact you don’t have that shows you’re closer to your dry weight then some. My popup had a dry weight of 2500 and it’s loaded with extras so my actual weight is 3000 pounds as per the scales without my gear. Don’t underestimate the weight of gear, you will be surprised how fast that adds up but if dont have to tow with water in your tanks or other potable water then you have more weight to play with there too. Me personally always carry some water from home to drink and cook as some campground water can have an interesting taste that I hate.

 

[PopUpChrisH]

Is there somewhere I can determine if a pop up can have a weight distribution hitch. I’ve read mixed reviews.

 

[Sjm9911]

Owners manual of the pop up. If its a c frame, no, box frame probably. On some tvs you can not use one eaither.

 

[Annunzi]

In addition to what @Sjm9911 said above, check the manual for your Mazda, many crossovers with the unibody frames don't recommend using a WDH.

 

[PopUpChrisH]

Thank you. Just called the dealership and I already have a tranny cooler so that’s good

 

[PopUpChrisH]

Owners manual of the pop up. If its a c frame, no, box frame probably. On some tvs you can not use one eaither.

It says “the Coleman full perimeter tubular steel frame is far superior to c channel frames”

Am I safe to assume it’s good for WDH?

 

[Sjm9911]

Yup. C frames bend. I would try it first to see if its needed.

 

[Annunzi]

Full perimeter or a "box frame" is what I have on my HW and it's fine with the WDH.

 

[Snow]

Check with Mazda and see if a WDH can be used with the CX9.. Honestly I wouldn't tow more then a bike rack with any of the newer 4 cylinder engines..

 

[Annunzi]

@Snow I don't think you can generalize all 4 cylinder engines like that. My Volvo 4 cylinder has more than enough power to tow my highwall.

 

[Snow]

I'm not generalizing them based on power to tow, I'm generalizing them all together based on long term durability. Majority of 4 cylinder engines today all run turbos to meet emission requirements and maintain h.p. , of those engines Majority of them have turbo issues.