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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA5, Wagon

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#954 of 1355 Camping package by fowler3 Jun 23, 2006 (8:09 am)
Wonder why some entrepreneur doesn't offer a camping package for these new CUVs? It would be really cool to have a tent with an awning which attaches over the rear hatch in the raised position. Shorter family members and kids could sleep in the Mazda5, adults in the tent. Make a package with a cook stove and folding camp chairs. And an ice chest designed for the cargo area.   With the cost of gas high and probably going higher people could still go camping on weekends to nearby parks, lakes and attractions such as music events. No motor home required.   fowler3
#955 of 1355 Re: Towing capacity? [waterfallrunne] by maltb Jun 23, 2006 (8:46 am)
Replying to: waterfallrunne (Jun 23, 2006 7:42 am) How much are you trying to pull? I have a Class I receiver (1 1/4") on mine and I pull my 4x6 utility trailer with ease. I have had no problem towing 3 dirt bikes with riding gear, EZ-up, etc. However, I wouldn't expect the 5 to pull much more than 1500lbs.   If you are in danger of burning clutches, you should really consider something that is made for towing instead of one that (in the US) suggests that towing is a no no.
#956 of 1355 More on seat covers by fowler3 Jun 23, 2006 (5:20 pm)
More on seat covers:   I checked the Yellow Pages for my area, the Triad in NC, and found several places that make seat covers. Look in the Yellow Pages in your location for general listings: Automobile Seat Covers and/or Automobile Trim and Upholstering. Many shops that do body repair also do trim and leather kit installations, but I would think those who specialize in seats would do a better job.   If leather is what you want find the shop that installs kits from Classic Soft Trim, http://www.classicsofttrim.com for higher quality leather than OEM. They have two grades.   For those who want fabric seat covers look for the listings above.   Recalling the last time I had worn seats recovered the shop did not replace the old fabric and vinyl bolsters with new material, which is what I expected them to do. They removed the worn seat covers and sewed new fabric and vinyl over them. This saved time in having to cut to the pattern of each piece and provided a stronger base for the new materials. Less stretch less apt to wear out again. And you pay for only the material used.   Here is how you, or the shop, can avoid the side airbag problem with new covers.   1) Use the OEM seat cover fabrics and have the shop put new fabric (if you are changing color and pattern) on just the face of the seats, the topside of seats and backrests.   2) Leave the black fabric on the sides as-is so that the covers will match the side airbag points. You will buy less fabric and make it easier to cover all six seats in one day.   3) Like leather kits, full seat covers would cover the seats entirely including the black felt-like materail Mazda puts on the folding seat backs for carrying cargo (middle and back rows). You want to keep this. But if you want the seat backs to match the seat fronts in color or harmonizing pattern -- then use commercial grade loop pile carpeting or Berber to be realy modern and replace the black felt fabric. Cheaper carpet would have thinner backing material making it easy to just sew it over the felt.   4) If you want the gray fabric panels on the doors to be changed to the new seat fabric this would be extra cost, but it would also be a good time to upgrade door-mounted speakers while the panels are off. While the seat cover shop works on the seats remove one speaker and take it to an audio shop for size and mounting points. Install the new speakers before the guys put the door panels back on. Saves labor costs later.   Also for people in the north with cold winters, use the same idea of saving the OEM seat fabrics and have real or faux fleece sewn on. Old becomes new again.   Getting the panels off sliding doors can't be easy.   This whole process shouldn’t take more than one day if the shop is good at what it does.   fowler3
#957 of 1355 More on seat covers by fowler3 Jun 23, 2006 (5:30 pm)
More on seat covers:   I checked the Yellow Pages for my area, the Triad in NC, and found several places that make seat covers. Look in the Yellow Pages in your location for general listings: Automobile Seat Covers and/or Automobile Trim and Upholstering. Many shops that do body repair also do trim and leather kit installations, but I would think those who specialize in seats would do a better job.   If leather is what you want find the shop that installs kits from Classic Soft Trim, http://www.classicsofttrim.com for higher quality leather than OEM. They have two grades.   For those who want fabric seat covers look for the listings above.   Recalling the last time I had worn seats recovered the shop did not replace the old fabric and vinyl bolsters with new material, which is what I expected them to do. They removed the worn seat covers and sewed new fabric and vinyl over them. This saved time in having to cut to the pattern of each piece and provided a stronger base for the new materials. Less stretch less apt to wear out again. And you pay for only the material used.   Here is how you, or the shop, can avoid the side airbag problem with new covers.   1) Use the OEM seat cover fabrics and have the shop put new fabric (if you are changing color and pattern) on just the face of the seats, the topside of seats and backrests.   2) Leave the black fabric on the sides as-is so that the covers will match the side airbag points. You will buy less fabric and make it easier to cover all six seats in one day.   3) Like leather kits, full seat covers would cover the seats entirely including the black felt-like materail Mazda puts on the folding seat backs for carrying cargo (middle and back rows). You want to keep this. But if you want the seat backs to match the seat fronts in color or harmonizing pattern -- then use commercial grade loop pile carpeting and replace the black felt fabric. Cheaper carpet would have thinner backing material making it easy to just sew it over the felt.   4) If you want the gray fabric panels on the doors to be changed to the new seat fabric this would be extra cost, but it would also be a good time to upgrade door-mounted speakers while the panels are off. Whle the seat cover shop works on the seats remove one speaker and take it to an audio shop for size and mounting points. Install the new speakers before the guys put the door panels back on. Saves labor costs later.   Also for people in the north with cold winters, use the same idea of saving the OEM seat fabrics and have real or faux fleece sewn on. Old idea becomes new again.   Getting the panels off sliding doors can't be easy.   I have a cousin who lives in New Mexico where anything Western is popular. He had his pickup truck seats recovered in a Navajo pattern for the inserts with the side bolsters in a solid suade-like cloth.   fowler3
#961 of 1355 Looking for a fun family wagon.......... by murphy4 Jun 24, 2006 (8:29 pm)
Just about to end a nightmare experience with a Ford Freestyle and saw a Mazda5 in the mall parking lot. We have 2 small children, dog and always seems to have alot of gear.    Can the 4 cylinder auto handle the family or is the best bet the manual? It seems to be roomy inside.....does it have room for 3 in the back seat if you have 2 child seats??    Any feedback is appreciated....... Replies to this message: bobw3 (Jun 25, 2006 9:08 am) murphy4 (Jun 25, 2006 9:52 am)
#963 of 1355 Re: Looking for a fun family wagon.......... [murphy4] by bobw3 Jun 25, 2006 (9:08 am)
Replying to: murphy4 (Jun 24, 2006 8:29 pm) What was wrong with your Freestyle? I have over 33K miles and zero problems. Just so you know, the Mazda5 has only 2 seats in the 2nd row. Replies to this message: murphy4 (Jun 25, 2006 9:52 am)

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