Protecting Your Mazda- Page 120

Protecting Your Mazda

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Maintenance

If you tow a trailer frequently, have your
vehicle serviced as shown in Scheduled
Maintenance (Schedule II/Special Operat-
ing Conditions, page 8-8).

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Trailer hitch

Use only a hitch ball recommended by
the trailer manufacturer that conforms to
the gross trailer weight requirement.
Make sure the hitch is securely attached
to prevent the danger of trailer sway
from crosswinds, rough roads, or other
causes.

Use a weight carrying hitch and ball for
towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg).
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing
hitch for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (907 kg).

When not towing a trailer, remove the
trailer hitch (if detachable).

The optional step bumper has a built-in
hitch and only requires a ball with a 3/4
inch shank diameter. The step bumper
has a Class I capability (2,000 lb/907 kg
trailer weight and 200 lb/91 kg tongue
weight).

CAUTION

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Examine all trailer hitch mount-
ing bolts regularly and tighten
any that are loose. If the hitch
is removed, seal any open mount-
ing holes to prevent exhaust,
dust, water, dirt, and other for-
eign elements from filtering in
and possibly endangering per-
sonal safety and damaging your
vehicle.

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Don’t install a trailer hitch that
will nullify the function of the
bumper. If it is necessary to
relocate the trailer hitch ball,
a frame-mounted trailer hitch
must be installed.