Will The Hands Free Liftgate Sensor Work on a 2018 Ford Escape with the Curt Trailer Hitch C13186

Updated 06/22/2020 | Published 02/26/2019

Question:

Will the hitch block the sensor for the hands free lift Gate?

asked by: Craig

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13186 while installed on your 2018 Ford Escape WILL NOT negate the use of your hands free liftgate sensor. However, it will require that you place your foot on either side of the receiver tube opening in order to activate it which is not much of an issue at all for most. The trailer hitch manufacturers such as Curt have begun to ever so slightly modify the trailer hitch designs in order to work with the hands free liftgate feature because it is such a popular option.

I have attached an install video on this trailer hitch for you as well as a photo of what it will look like installed and a review from a customer which confirms the compatibility with the hands free liftgate sensor.

expert reply by: Conner L

click to enlarge

Owen S.

6/22/2020

I recently had the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13186 installed on my 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with the hands-free foot activated lift gate. Mine functions, but slightly differently. I now have to have my foot very close to the bottom of the bumper to activate the sensor. Before the install, I could wave my foot about halfway between the car and the ground, but now I have to move my foot within a few inches of the bumper to the sides of the trailer hitch receiver for it to activate.