Is the Sway Control on a 2017 Ford Escape Necessary for Towing

Updated 10/12/2017 | Published 10/11/2017

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Question:

Everything I read keeps talking about Sway Control System on a 2017 Ford Escape is needed to reach the maximum 3500 lb capacity. Is that something that comes on all ford escape with or with out the towing package? If not how important is it?

asked by: Michael C

Expert Reply:

I checked the online version of the owner's manual for your 2017 Ford Escape and it looks like every 2017 Escape comes with the added sway control feature. It can be turned off in the information display if you choose to do so. It will not increase the weight capacity of your vehicle, but it can be helpful to help prevent some sway. The type of sway control that is integrated into the Escape is okay, but not what I would choose to use as a permanent sway control solution.

The first steps to reducing sway while towing a trailer would be to make sure that you are not driving fast and that your trailer is loaded properly and has not exceeded the weight capacity of your vehicle. A properly loaded trailer will have a Tongue Weight (TW) that is 10-15% the weight of the loaded trailer (see attached article).

In the owner's manual it highlighted that you can find your towing weight capacity by looking at the sticker on the inside of the driver side door frame. If your towing weight capacities are lower than the 4,500-lb Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and 675-lb TW ratings on the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75758 then that will be the limiting factor.

If you are still experiencing sway then the next step that we recommend would be to use a Weight Distribution (WD) system that has sway control integrated into it, like a Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 system. I have attached a helpful article on choosing the correct WD system for your towing setup if that is the route that you end up taking.

If your Escape isn't set up for towing you will also need some Trailer Light Wiring # C56320, and a Ball Mount with a Hitch Ball like part # C45036. You will want to check out the helpful article on choosing a ball mount to ensure this one is right for your towing setup.

In addition to the 3 helpful articles, I have also attached an installation video for installing the trailer hitch.