Trailer Hitch and Weight Distribution for a 2004 Ford Escape with Factory Tow Package

Updated 10/19/2015 | Published 10/18/2015

Question:

Hello! Im purchasing a 2011 Jayco X17Z Sport trailer, so need to upgrade my factory installed hitch on my 2004 Ford Escape. The trailer says that it has a gross vehicle weight of 3,500 with a tongue weight of 415. My factory installed hitch on my Ford Escape allows for 3,500 towing weight, but only 350 pounds on the tongue weight. The factory installed hitch is also the smaller ball size. In order to be able to tow this trailer, I was hoping to install this hitch # 75118 with weight distribution so that I could get a higher tongue weight i.e. 500 pounds instead of 350. The towing weight shouldnt be an issue, because I would still be at approximately 3,500 for the trailer but would have the capacity up to 5,000 if necessary. I saw from your other posts that I can install a second hitch while keeping the factory installed hitch in place. Does all of this sound right or am I just hopeful? Which weight distribution system would you recommend for this set up as well? Is the anti-sway option adviseable for this set up? Im hoping to order as soon as possible, so thanks for your help!

asked by: Charles

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked the owners manual for the 2004 Ford Escape and it doesn't have tongue weight capacity information for the vehicle itself. Based on the wording in the manual it would appear that the tongue weight can be as high as 525 pounds (if the Escape is a model with the 3,500 pound gross trailer weight capacity). I recommend speaking with someone at a Ford dealer to verify this figure.

When using weight distribution with Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75118 the hitch is rated for 500 pounds tongue weight and 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight. However, the Escape is still rated for 3,500 pounds whether you are using weight distribution or not. So in other words, you cannot exceed 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight.

For a complete weight distribution system that also includes sway control I recommend the Pro Series system # PS49901. It is rated for up to 550 pounds tongue weight but you are still limited to the vehicle and/or hitch capacity, whichever is lower.

expert reply by: Michael H