Will Hidden Hitch Class III Hitch # 87626 Fit 2011 Ford Escape Without Exhaust Modifications

Expert Reply:

The Hidden Hitch Class III 2 Inch Hitch, part # 87626, will fit your 2011 Ford Escape without modifying the exhaust damper. I am including a link to the installation instructions.

On the installation instructions, page one of the instructions is for installing on a Escape that already has the factory Class II 1-1/4 inch installed. The M12 bolts are used to go into existing weld nuts on the vehicle.

Page two of the instructions is for an Escape that does not have the factory Class II hitch. It does not have existing weld nuts so the M12 bolts are not used. You would use only the included carriage bolts.

A transmission cooler is a good recommendation if you are going to be towing with your Escape. To determine what kind of transmission cooler you will need depends on how much weight you will be towing and where you will be towing. Also, you will want to check how much room you have in front of the radiator to be able to install the transmission cooler.

If you will be towing a light load, less than 2,000 pounds, in flat driving conditions, your Ford Escape will do fine with a Class I rated cooler like the Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler, part # D13611. If you will be towing more than a 2,000 pound load through some hills, I would use a Class II or Class III cooler like the Derale Series 8000 Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler, part # D13501.

You cannot cool the transmission fluid too much so there is no worry of installing a cooler that is too large. The only precaution with a very large cooler is to let the engine warm a bit on bitterly cold days before taking off.

If you want to let me know what and where you will be towing with your Escape I can help you choose the correct transmission cooler.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on transmission coolers.

expert reply by: Jeff D