Installing a 7-Way Connector and a Brake Controller on a 2011 Ford Escape XLT

Products Featured in This Question

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

(596)

$78.83

Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector

(245)

$21.10

Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems

(318)

$67.50

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2577)

$23.30

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6349)

$139.94

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2695)

$137.50

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3754)

$20.55

Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/ NPT Inlets - Class I -Extra Efficient

(88)

$112.40

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3248)

$135.64

Chain Hangers for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Bolt On

(67)

$92.77

Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(170)

$863.44

Question:

Thank you for answering my questions, I will watch the video here shortly. I need a few things for my Escape, Class 3 hitch, brake controller, trans cooler, and weight distribution system and sway short arm system.

asked by: Bob K

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 and the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 will also fit your 2011 Ford Escape. If you already have a 4-Way then you won't need anything else, however if you don't have a 4-Way then you will need part # 118251 if you have the factory tow package or part # 118551 if you don't have the factory tow package.

Attached is a sample installation video of the ETBC7 kit being installed on a 2011 Escape for you to reference. The brake controller being installed is the Prodigy P2 # 90885 but it installs the same way as the P3 # 90195.

I have also attached a helpful article that walks you through the general installation of the ETBC7 kit as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

Bob K.

9/6/2018

Jon G.

9/6/2018

The Class III trailer hitch that I recommend for your Ford Escape is the Draw-Tite # 75751. If your Escape is equipped with backup sensors and you are installing this trailer hitch then you will need to install the wiring kit # 118551 even if you have the factory tow package. I do recommend going with the P3 # 90195 brake controller that I referenced above. It is a proportional brake controller that will apply the brakes on your trailer at the same time and with the same intensity as the brakes on your trailer. The best feature about this controller is the LCD screen that allows you to use the controller without having to remember any codes. Since you have the V6 engine I recommend installing the Derale # D13611 cooler. This has been confirmed to fit on a 2011 Escape and I have attached a helpful article on installing it on your vehicle. To determine the best weight distribution (WD) system for your towing setup you need to add the tongue weight (TW) of your loaded trailer (which should be 10-15% of the weight of the loaded trailer) along with any cargo that is sitting behind the rear axle of your Escape. This number should fall in the middle of the TW range of the WD system that you choose. For a short arm system we have the Curt # C17331 which is rated for up to 800 lbs of TW but it utilizes a sway control unit like # 17200 which needs to be removed when backing up. If you have something like propane tanks that will sit in the way of the brackets then you can use a system like the Strait-Line # RP66083 instead. This has a TW range of 400 lbs - 800 lbs and can be mounted using the chain hangers # RP58305. Either way you go you will also need a hitch ball like part # A-90 or # 19286.