Towing with a 06 Mazda 3
 

I am wanting to start a small business and I need to pull a small utility trailer. I am looking at a 4 1/2 x 7 1/2 trailer to pull behind my Mazda 3. I have read a lot of forums, but I don't know what the total capacity I can pull at. I know Mazda says they are not used for towing, but I got a quote and a hitch from the Mazda dealer in my city.

How much can I pull?

Is it safe for my car?

Thanks

Class 1 hitch only. Your car weighs approx. 3300lbs, so basic rule of thumb is to pull NO MORE THAN 50% of the vehicles total gross weight: 1500 lbs.

Thanks, appreciate the help!

Since the mazda is not a truck, the transmission isn't designed to haul something 50% the weight of the car - #1500 is way high IMO.
The capacity limit is something like #550 - for a haldful of passengers, have a look at the owners manual for that... this is the max weight (3700# GWAR?) for the vehicle, and therefore the max possible weight of the car + passengers + whatever you're towing as far as the transmission strength is concerned.

You can do a small trailer and have no issues - have a look at my post here https://www.mazda3club.com/mazda3-mazdaspeed3-98/truly-hidden-hitch-53213/