- #14 of 34
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Re: Interior door handle quality/design defect [howardru]
by steve_ HOST
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Oct 15, 2008 (8:24 pm)
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Replying to: howardru (Oct 15, 2008 7:01 pm)
It diesn't look like I can attach the photos here, but you should get the picture.
Pic posting instructions are in the help link below. If you need a place to host the photos, your CarSpace Albums page is a good choice.
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- #15 of 34
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Re: Interior door handle quality/design defect [howardru]
by ceric
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Oct 16, 2008 (12:42 am)
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Replying to: howardru (Oct 15, 2008 7:01 pm)
Same here. You are not alone.
I wish someone make real aluminum pieces to replace them.
I would be first in line to buy them.
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- #16 of 34
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Re: Interior door handle quality/design defect [howardru]
by howardru
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Oct 17, 2008 (5:18 pm)
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Replying to: howardru (Oct 15, 2008 7:01 pm)
Just got back from my dealer.
They are replacing all the metal trim door handle pieces. Not a single question asked.
They said they had not heard of this before. however, I think if we all go back to our dealers and demand replacement, they'll get the idea that there is a quality problem. I just wrote a letter to the Director of Customer Satisfaction with photos and a short video of how EASY it is to scratch the piece with a finger that has no real fingernail.
Now, I need to find a clear film to put over the new pieces so the same problem does not happen again.
I'll keep you posted.
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- #17 of 34
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Re: CX-9 Towing [abpelch1]
by tbo01
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Nov 02, 2008 (6:09 pm)
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Replying to: abpelch1 (Oct 08, 2008 2:29 pm)
Happy somebody brought this up. Had found same information regarding Australian built CX9s, having also travelled Europe extensively i have seen smaller vehicles legally towing more. I have 07 AWD with factory tow package as well. Replaced factory 1.25" hitch with 2" (Draw-Tite-Class III 4000lb/400lb capacity) from E-trailer to increase accessorie availability as well as presumed strength of trailer linkage. Just had Hayes Brake Controller installed. Now ready for next step which is purchase of popup camper or preferred Starcraft 18RB Hybrid camper , (2800lbs with all factory options-ac etc-3500lb max weight). The relatively low tow weight (3500lbs) and more so GCVW 8558lbs has been bothering me along with the so called 10% reserve capacity recommended on TVs. Fortunately two small kids and wife to offset my 230lbs so should be at around maximum 8558lbs with vehicle and loaded trailer. Will of course install sway bars and load distributors. Any further feedback on performance from your 3500lb popup setup would be appreciated. So many doubters down here in Texas, Need a Big Truuuuuck is all i here!!!
FYI, Etrailer aftermarket hitch is designed for non factory tow packages as it fits in under existing rear valence and not flush with factory valence cutout, approx 4 inches lower. I have addressed this with etrailer as non factory tow package vehicles will have limited use for a 4000lbs capacity hitch and this puts hitch a little to low for comfort!!!!
Thanks
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- #18 of 34
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Re: CX-9 Towing [tbo01]
by abpelch1
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Nov 05, 2008 (1:37 pm)
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Replying to: tbo01 (Nov 02, 2008 6:09 pm)
I replaced my factory tow hitch with a class III Hidden Hitch from etrailer, and like yours it sits a little below the factory cutout in the bumper. It is a little lower than I would like, but I have not had any issues other than having to twist the chains to avoid dragging them on the ground. A ball mount with a 2" rise allows my 07 Starcraft Centennial 3606 popup to sit so level & with such little sag in the CX9 that the guys at the RV dealership asked if I had airbags installed. I replaced the stock 4-pin wiring harness with a 7-pin to allow for the installation of my Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller.
My popup has a GVW of 2780lbs with a GVWR of 3750, which should be no problem falling within with the 4000lb hitch rating & the Aussie tow specs. My primary concern is the 389lb trailer tongue weight, which is really pushing the 400lb rating of the hitch. to solve that I'm just going to make sure I pack more weight in the back of the trailer. I do not feel the need to install sway bars or load distributors through my towing experiences so far, which include highway driving at 75mph and curvy backroads in 90+ degree Nevada heat. The CX-9 appears to be up to the task. 
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- #19 of 34
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Re: CX-9 Towing [abpelch1]
by ceric
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Nov 05, 2008 (3:38 pm)
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Replying to: abpelch1 (Nov 05, 2008 1:37 pm)
You might want to make sure that the Throttle Problem TSB does not apply to your CX9. If so, you might want to get it fixed since you use it for towing. See another thread for the list of TSBs.
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- #20 of 34
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Re: CX-9 Towing [ceric]
by abpelch1
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Nov 07, 2008 (2:33 pm)
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Replying to: ceric (Nov 05, 2008 3:38 pm)
Thanks for the heads up. I saw that TSB before & my CX9 falls within the affected dates. Luckily I haven't encountered any problems yet, but I need to get off my lazy butt and take it to the dealership before I get stuck on some mountain pass!
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- #21 of 34
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Re: CX-9 Towing [abpelch1]
by tbo01
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Nov 10, 2008 (8:30 am)
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Replying to: abpelch1 (Nov 05, 2008 1:37 pm)
Appreciate the info on towing conditions-performance as well, specifically high-way towing, rear suspension performance, swaybar load leveling etc.
Out of curiosity, have you weighed combined vehicle-trailer with people, supplies etc at truck stop or similiar?
I will have to take into account the larger "sail" area of a hybrid, but 60-65mph should be good while maximizing fuel mileage.
If no feedback from E-trailer on hitch design, I may have a body shop come up with some valence mod (faux skid plate etc) to cover hole and please the wife, though still would prefer hitch to sit higher for clearence reasons.
I'll provide CX9 performance feedback once camper in hand, and first trip completed. Thanks again
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- #22 of 34
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Re: CX-9 Towing [tbo01]
by abpelch1
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Nov 12, 2008 (5:24 pm)
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Replying to: tbo01 (Nov 10, 2008 8:30 am)
No problem on the input. I know how hard it is to find online experiences from others who tow with their CX-9. I have not weighed my vehicle/trailer combo yet, but plan to do so at a truckstop that's about 15 minutes from me. My trailer stays stocked with the basics, so depending on the weight it comes in at I'll just make sure to keep an eye on the extras that I pack (kids, food, clothing).
I guess my wife doesn't care about the hitch being lower than the notch...she's too happy about not having to sleep on the ground in a tent anymore! My Here's a picture of my set-up. I'm sure it's more aerodynamic than a hard-sided trailer. Sorry about the black & white, my wife changed the setting on the camera behind my back.
 From junk
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- #23 of 34
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Re: CX-9 Towing [abpelch1]
by tbo01
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Nov 16, 2008 (7:18 pm)
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Replying to: abpelch1 (Nov 12, 2008 5:24 pm)
Nice color, same as ours. I installed the mazda roof rack, rubber floor mats and Home Link as it was not installed on our slightly used madza exec driven GT (odd), also questioned the trip computer not being available for 2007, now standard for 2009!!!. Anyway next option for us is a set of 17 or 18" x 8"-8.5" wheels with a mud-snow tire, for upcoming trips to Colorado, West Texas and for camping. Having just gone through the ordeal of locating a Bridegestone 245-50-20 replacement tire this weekened in Houston following the dreaded nail in the side wall of a perfectly good original tire ($211), I am somewhat hesitant to venture off on a long skiing-camping trip with current wheel setup and puny spare. I have been looking at a second set of wheels for above with Yokohama Geolander ATS in a 255-275 / 60-65 series pending actual wheel diameter descision and wheel overall diametr calculations. From this weekends episode, it also look like the puny 165-18 spare tire can be replaced by a reasonable sized 235-255 spare tire of same diameter. It will fit in spare tire area, just depends on how much road clearence you wish to have. In addition of course ride will be greatly improved on rougher rod conditions. FYI, spare tire on steel rim weighs 40-42lbs with original 20" aluminum wheel and tire at 61lbs or so, so replacement wheels should fit in between somewhere
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