Towing Capacity and Parts Needed to Tow Trailer with 2017 Ford Escape
Question:
We drive a 2017 Ford Escape SE 2.0l and I need to know the towing capacity. I keep finding different answers online. We are trying to buy a pop up camper and need to make sure we know what the weight limit needs to be or to find out if it is even an option.
asked by: Erich C
Expert Reply:
Based on my research your 2017 Ford Escape with the 2.0L engine has a towing weight capacity of 3,500 pounds if it's equipped with the Class II factory tow package or 2,000 pounds if it's not. If you are unsure if you have the tow package I recommend contacting your local Ford dealer with the vehicle's VIN and they should be able to tell you this. It's also a good idea to verify the towing capacity in your copy of the owner's manual or ask the dealer this as well.
In order to pull even a light pop-up camper you will need a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and a ball mount/hitch ball combo. I will make my recommendations below if you don't have some or all of these items.
For a trailer hitch I really like the etrailer.com Class III # e98866 because of its sleek hidden cross-tube design that allows only the 2 inch receiver to be visible (see attached image) and unique matte black finish that offers a rugged appearance and is more resistant to scratches. I have attached an installation video that you can also use for reference.
Then for a wiring harness I recommend the Curt T-Connector # C56320 that's specifically designed for your SE model Escape and will plug into factory ports behind the passenger and driver side tail lights. This will provide you with a 4-Way connector to power a trailer's basic signal lights.
When choosing a ball mount it is important to determine what kind of rise or drop you need to keep the trailer level when connected. I have attached a great article that explains exactly how to do this along with a link that will take you to our available selection.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- Powered Converter
- No Tow Package
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Hidden
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Step-By-Step Installation Tutorial for the CIPA Universal Fit Towing Mirror on a 2019 Honda Odyssey
- Video: Installing the CIPA Universal Fit Towing Mirror on your 2017 Ford Escape
- Video: 2020 Ford Escape etrailer Bucket Seat Protector for Active Lifestyle: Complete Installation
- Video: How to Install: K-Source Universal Towing Mirror on your 2018 Ford Escape
- Video: What to Know About the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller
- Video: Curt Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2017 Ford Escape
- Shop: Transmission Cooler
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Vehicle Seat Covers
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 65" Long - Black
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: etrailer Bucket Seat Protector for Active Lifestyle - Waterproof - Easy On/Off
- Shop: Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Search Results: hitch
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
on Trailer Hitch
