Comparison of Available Trailer Hitches for 2016 Ford Edge SEL  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The difference between the Hidden Hitch # 87696 and the # 87684 Class III hitches for your 2016 Ford Edge SEL involves how much of the hitch is visible from the rear of the vehicle once the hitch is installed.

The entire crossbar portion of the hitch would be visible from the rear if you went with the # 87684. If you went with the # 87696, the crossbar of the hitch would be concealed behind the bumper, and the only portion of the hitch that would be visible would be the receiver tube itself. Most folks prefer to have as much of the hitch as possible concealed behind the bumper, which is why I'd personally prefer the # 87696. I've edited a photo for you showing the difference.

With regard to installation, the more concealed # 87696 would be slightly more time consuming to install, but on your model, there won't be any panel trimming necessary. There is a metal stud (figure 7 in the instructions) that will need to be removed using a cut off wheel. The # 87684 would require that a small portion be trimmed off of one of the under body panels. None of these alterations would be visible from the rear of the vehicle.

If you'll be using the hitch for towing purposes, you'll also need the following parts to complete your towing system:

Trailer wiring harness with 4-pole trailer connector, part # 118669
Ball mount, part # 2923
Trailer ball, part # 19260 for a 1-7/8 or # 63845 for a 2 inch
Locking hitch pin, part # 40107

You can see instructions for both hitches and the wiring harness by clicking the provided links.

expert reply by: Mike L

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