I have just bought a Mk.2 MX5 and wish to tow a small utility trailer or bike trailer. I believe that this model is not approved for towing, but for this sort of light use, I am sure that I could either make my own bar, or adapt one from another MX5 model. Could anyone please advise me where to start?
Thanks.
Dave Massey.
‘I believe that this model is not approved for towing’ You have answered your own question. The consequences of having an accident when towing could be catastrophic, please do not do it.
Exactly as Mad Malc said. However, most of the large tow bar manufacturers should be able to supply and fit a towbar for you, which you can then use to mount a bike rack. Depending on the rack purchased, a towbar bike rack will enable you to carry up to 3 bikes safely.
Quote. “I believe that this model is not approved for towing, but” … end quote.
Sorry, there is no “but”. The law is the law and it applies to all of us.
If the chassis isn’t designed to take the strain then it isn’t. It would be silly to do otherwise.
Paul G
Mazda approve a towing weight of ……………….0kg
As said by everyone else - DON’T. The only model with a chassis approved for towing is the NA/Mk.1.
I can’t really imagine why anyone would want to put a tow-bar on a sports car, and I’m surprised that an NA is actually approved for towing !
The fact that commercially-made tow-bars are not available for later-model MX-5s should tell us something.
Each to his own though, I suppose !
The OP should consider that if he makes and fits his own tow-bar, and has an accident, his insurance could well be invalid, and he may be leaving himself open to very expensive legal action !
I have had hitch/tow bars fitted to mine for over 10 years…MK 1 and MK 2, Dave give me a shout on mazdamenders.net and be a law breaker LOL.
http://www.mazdamenders.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=134&t=2331&p=22617#p22617
Does anyone have fabrication plans for MK1 and MK2 tow bar assy.
I struggled helping my daughter and others set up last years
autumn rally and a small trailer would have made our lives
so much easier.
Ian.
It is imperative that your tow bar conforms to Directive 94/20/EC irrespective of whether you actually use it for towing or not! An uncertified tow bar is an infringement of the Road Traffic Act. Simply having an unapproved tow bar fitted to your vehicle is an offence, even if you never use it for towing!