All the fixins

metalfab · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2015 8:05 pm Post subject: **All the fixins**

Got the Mazda 5 GS back after a day in the shop, we adding a few things...

Thule Atlantis 1600

Mazda OEM roof rack

1.25" trailer hitch (with Thule Helium Aero bike rack which we've had since last year)

novalight · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2015 9:21 pm Post subject: **Re: All the fixins**

Wrong accessorices Very Happy

It should look like this

novalight · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2015 9:21 pm Post subject: **Re: All the fixins**

or this

metalfab · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2015 10:10 pm Post subject: **Re: All the fixins**

Nah, all that bling just adds unnecessary weight. It's why I went with the GS over the GT. They don't look like Mazdas either. Very Happy

novalight · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 2:22 am Post subject: **Re: All the fixins**

What your 5 can really do

https://youtu.be/zU4paH8qcQ8

metalfab · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 4:29 pm Post subject: **Re: All the fixins**

Manitoba MPV · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 6:54 pm Post subject: **Re: All the fixins**

Metalfab -

Good to hear they've added a 5th gear to the AT!

I have a similar Thule bike rack, except mine can accommodate four bikes.

In the Thule instructions, it said to not load it up with four bikes on a Class 1 hitch (unfortunately, the only hitch rating available for the 5).

I figured I could get away with it by reducing the tongue weight. I don't have a roof rack, so it was a little trickier. I bought a pair of nylon loops with a grommet at one end, and bolted one on each side at the top of the hatch. (Uninvasive; I tucked the grommet for each strap under the mounting bolt for the top of the hatch strut, and then had just the loop protruding on each side.) Then I ran a ratcheting tie-down strap through both loops and back to the rack (protecting the paint by slipping split foam pipe insulation over the strap where it contacted the body) and used that to pull the bike rack up and toward the hatch.

We did a 4000 km trip loaded up with four bikes, and had no problem.

I really like the idea of supporting the rack that way, and with a roof rack to tie onto, it would be even easier.

Enjoy your new ride - great purchase!