Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2016 Ford Escape 2.0L Titanium

Updated 03/02/2016 | Published 03/01/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(122)

$244.63

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(313)

$80.29

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2619)

$12.45

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.80

Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(729)

$230.37

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3838)

$28.08

Question:

I would like a class III hitch with a 2 inch opening that will not interfere with any of my hands-free lift gate sensors and is the least visible as possible, while maintaining the highest available tongue and towing capacity for my vehicle. I understand the Draw-Tite #75782 and the Draw-Tite #75782 do not interfere with the hands-free lift gate at all where others interfere with the center sensor. Is this true? Also, what is the difference besides the price? I have read some reviews on sketchy packaging causing scratched paint and missing hardware from Draw-Tite and would like to avoid that. Thanks

asked by: Phil B

Expert Reply:

One of the sensors for the hands-free liftgate system on your Escape is located right behind the center of the bumper, meaning that ANY hitch installed on the vehicle will restrict the functional area of the sensors to some degree. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable.

My Draw-Tite representative tells me that the # 75782 will interfere less than the # 75758. This is good news because the crossbar of the # 75782 would be mainly concealed behind the rear bumper, while the # 75758 would be much more visible. Therefore, the # 75782 is what I'd recommend for you. The hitch has a 525 lb tongue weight capacity and the 3500 lb towing capacity, but you'll be limited by the towing capacity of the vehicle, which varies from 1500 to 3500 lbs, depending on how the vehicle is equipped.

We make every effort to ensure that products are in good condition when they leave here, and we package them carefully to protect them from damage. When we ship the hitches out, the hardware is all securely packed in bags which are inserted into the hitch's receive tube, then secured with tape so they don't fall out.

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

Trailer wiring harness, part # 118566
Ball mount, part # D-4
Hitch Pin and Clip, # PC3
1-7/8 inch trailer ball # 19260 or 2 inch ball, part # 63845