OK, let's light the barbeque gently..

If you look at the suspension under your RX-8 you will notice some small little links that go from the suspension arms to some sensors.

The ECU monitors ride height, and does some compensations in the traction control system and other places based on this.

I would strongly suggest investigating those systems very thoroughly before you contemplate putting any load on the back with a trailer hitch..

 

Really? I thought those sensors were for the auto-levelling HID headlights. At least, that's what the Tech Highlights CD says.

Perhaps one of our Australian friends can confirm - both Oz models have DSC/TCS but only the Leather Package has HID's, so if the sensors are present on the base model it would support your theory, but their absence would support the Tech Highlights CD.

Actually, I guess an even simpler test would be to disconnect one or both of the sensors on one of our cars and see which system(s) give a warning light on the dash.

 

There are both sensors for the headlights, and ones for the suspension.

 

A trailer hitch is available in the UK as an optional extra.

Have a look at http://www.mazdarx8.co.uk/news accessories broshure and price list.

It doesnt look the kind of hitch I'd want to tow much with, and very phalic btw, definatly a 'boy' car muhahahahhaha

 

Rob,
Yeah, it is kind of funny looking and expensive ($815 USD for tow bar & harness) but if it works I might be able to overlook those things. If you happen to hear of anyone selling the UK accessories for less please let us know. Thanks!

 

Ahh, I see where your going wrong. Your doing currency conversion.

"If" you had to buy in Uk and ship to US then that would be correct.

"If" it becoms available in US it'll be 80% of the price in £ in $, i.e. $250ish for the towbar etc. I'm sure someone wil make/sell one in the US. I cant see them selling that many in the UK, the prices of the options are beyond rediculous. US peeps tend to tow more stuff too.

(You seen the priec of the key? £80 plis £64 for a leather case, thats the kinda rip off state we live in).

 

Rob,
Can you do me a favor and ask your dealer two questions for me?

1. Is the hitch a class 1 receiver?

2. What size is the ball?

 

My dealer cant even tell me when the car will turn up, nevermind the details of some obscure accesory, sorry. Meybee sometine in november when they actualy have cars...

If they did reply I wouldnt trust the response at the moment.

 

I still cant see why you would want to ignore mazda's warning and take the chance that you would degrade your baby's perfect handling by wearing out the rear suspension prematurely. ah well I guess I'm the only one who thinks this car shouldn't be an suv...

 

greg,
if it makes you feel better I wont be using one

 

Actually ya it does make me feel better. For a second there I was starting to question myself and why I was picturing myself driving through twisty roads and accelerating on entrance ramps while the rest of the rx-8 community was dreaming about putting bikes on top and dragging a uhaul or lawnmower service trailer or whatever.

 

Greg,
Try to look at it this way. Mazda is saying that the car is capable of towing just by listing a tow bar as a factory option. If the car is as fragile as you believe it to be why would they sell this item?!?

I don't plan on pulling anything heavy and imagine that the track trailer fully loaded is only going to weigh about 500 lbs. In my opinion I'd rather load my track tires and tools on a small trailer and look like a dork. Versus packing everything into the car and driving 6+ hours one-way on R-compound tires to even get to the track. The latter of the two just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me but if you are not going to be using your car this way then it will not be an issue for you.

 

You forgot option (c): carry the race tires and wheels in the rear seat. You can fit four OEM wheels with Hoosiers back there - two each on either side of the center hump. Stand them vertically, across the car, with the tread against the hump and the rear door, one behind the other on each side. Grab four tire bags from the friendly folks at your local Discount Tire, and you don' need no stinkin' trailer. :p

Been there; done that; shoulda taken photos to prove it.

 

Damn, I knew that I was forgetting something... back seats!!! :p

 

I've let this one go along time before I threw in my .02 . I was acctually pleased to see that there was so much responce too the hitch idea. It's a good indication of the demographic of RX8 owners. People who lead an active life style and don't just sit behind the screen all day. That's a good thing!

My last car (WRX sedan) had a roof rack on it. Best way to cary a bike on a car in my opinioin. Used to manage a bike shop back east and loving my bike even more now that I'm here in AZ. I even left the rack on the car out at the track. Creates serious down force.LOL But I this is the first car I've owned that I can't bring my self to put one on. In fact, I mean not to. I'll use my lil trunk. That's what quick releases are for! HAHA!

My guess is that becuse of the shape of the roof they, meaning the big names in the industry( Yakima, Thule, Saris), may not have anything to offer for the RX8. I sent out an email to the big three and will update everyone soon. For those who are serious about the Hitch, Reese has been contacted as well. More to come soon.

 

I dont see why no roof rack. The roof is shaped, but it only dips in the middle, and thats not where anything will be touching.

The car is rated for 75kg (~150llb) load on the root - how would you get that on their if not with a roof rack, road-surfing?

 

Got the first responces back form one of the mentioned companies, Yakima. They make a roof rack. I copied the email for you all to see. I'll update again when I hear from the other companies.

"Hi Michael. Thanks for your inquiry about Yakima Products!

We do have a roof rack system for the RX-8. To install it, you'll need a set of Q Towers, two pairs of Q60 clips, and a pair of 48" crossbars. The system has a weight limit of 165 lbs., but has some limitations because of the size of the roof. I've placed the measurements and fit notes for the installation below. If you have any other questions, please contact Customer Service at 888-925-0703 7am to 5pm Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you reply to this email, please include all previous correspondence.

Thank you,
Yakima Support

M1: 36 7/8
M2: 6
M3: 36 7/8
M4: 28

Notes:
102. Surf/Sailboard length limited to 10' or less on this application.
103. Kayaks must be carried with HullyRollers, LandShark, Mako saddles, HullRaiser on this application.
104. Canoes must be 14' or less on this application.
112. The sunroof should not be opened while the rack is installed. Remove rack when not in use.
114. Caution! Check clips after installing. Grab each clip and try to pull them hard away from your vehicle. If the clip moves tighten the adjustment post. If the clip still moves, recheck your measurements between the towers and adjust if necessary. Check clip again."


This is the best roof rack company in my opinon.

 

I can see it now... An RX-8 with rour wheels and tires stacked on the roofrack, looking like some sort of throwback from the old Monte Carlo Rally.

 

Hey, someone's already thought of this!

 

still seems ironic to me:
Mazda manual: do not attempt to tow anything with your rx-8(paraphrased)
Mazda aftermarket: Tow hitch available!....
You guys figure this out for me.

 

wow thats ugly on the roof

 

OT: Mike are you postwhoring?

 

I am definitely interested as well.

 

Good to hear Yakima has something for the roof rack for bikes if needed.

I would also be interested in a hitch for my shifter kart. But I think I'll use my wife's Volvo V70 instead and give her the 8 when I need to tow.

But I don't think a small trailer of less than 1,000 lbs should be a problem. I see people in Miata's do it, and I've had no difficulties towing in my Ford Contour at all, and that's not exactly a torque demon either. Same thing with 3-series BMW's... manual says "no towing," but there are hitches available and people use them for very light duty towing without wear problems.

 

Something else you can carry on your roof rack.