Recommended Towing Solution for Bikes and Seadoo on a 2011 Ford Escape with 1-1/4 Trailer Hitch  

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Expert Reply:

Since your Escape was outfitted with a 1-1/4 trailer hitch, it is possible that you would be able to upgrade your trailer hitch to a 2 inch like the etrailer Class III # e56AR to support the weight of a bike rack like # S94FR and the seadoo trailer. This hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 525lbs and a towing capacity of 3,500lbs. You will want to check the capacity of your vehicle on the placard on the inside of your driver's door to confirm the vehicle it self has this capacity for this before doing so. In my research I found some helpful tips on towing in your owner's manual starting on page #192.

Once you have your hitch upgraded, you could use a setup like the # D-192 you were looking at will decrease your hitches overall capacity by 50%. I have linked a Help Article on ball mounts to help you determine which will work for you.

A better option if you decide to upgrade your hitch to a 2 inch is the # D210. This ball mount receiver combo will not reduce your tongue weight and will allow you to transport your 2 inch bike rack and trailer at the same point.

If you didn't want to upgrade your hitch, another option would be to put your bike's on the roof of your Escape while your 1-1/4 inch hitch towed the Seadoo. A great bike rack for this is Yakima's FrontLoader # Y02103, which is a confirmed fit if your Escape has a factory roof rack with factory crossbars. If you don't have a factory roof rack, just let me know what you do have and I can make another recommendation for you.

If you don't already have wiring run for the trailer, you will want the # 118251 if your vehicle came with the tow package. For vehicles without the tow package you will need the # 118551.

I have linked all the above mentioned products to this page for your convenience.

expert reply by: Jackie C

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