Brake Controller and Wiring Recommendation for 2019 Ford Escape

Updated 10/09/2019 | Published 10/08/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(68)

$62.73

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

(729)

$230.74

Rapid Hitch Adjustable Aluminum Ball Mount Kit - 2 Zinc Balls - 5-1/2" Drop, 6-1/2" Rise

(534)

$269.98

Rapid Hitch Adjustable, Aluminum Ball Mount Kit w/ 2 Zinc Balls - 4" Drop or Rise

(534)

$256.99

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1771)

$279.95

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(337)

$96.74

Question:

Hello, I have a 19 escape with the 1.5 ecoboost I need to tow a 3500+ trailer and the dealership is telling me I need a brake control and a 7 pin adapter. is this possible?

asked by: Eli H

Expert Reply:

It is absolutely possible to add a wiring harness and brake controller to your 2019 Ford Escape, and there are a few parts you will need in order to do this, starting with a 4-way connector. For this, the best option is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118802 because it is the most reliable harness with the highest maximum amperage for your Escape which means it offers the best protection against possible shorts. I've added a link to a video of it being installed on a '19 Escape for you to take a look at.

Then you will need to add the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation # ETBC7L for the brake controller I highly recommend, the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller # C51180. The Echo is by far the best option because it is the easiest brake controller on the market to use.

The reason the Echo is so simple is because it is controlled with an app on your smartphone, a device that you're already comfortable using so there is not going to be any unfamiliar hardware or poorly-written manual to keep poring over simply to use your controller. The Curt Echo will simply plug into the 7-way on the back of your Escape with absolutely no additional wiring necessary. This means no bulky unit in your cab, saving you precious space and the hassle of having to drill under your dash to mount it.

This is a proportional brake controller which responds to the deceleration of your truck for smooth braking. I have added a link to a video review of this controller for you to check out so you can see for yourself just how easy it is to use.

Finally, if you do not have a trailer hitch for your 2019 Escape, I recommend the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75758 and for a ball mount, I recommend checking out the Rapid Hitch Adjustable, Aluminum Ball Mount Kit w/ 2 Zinc Balls - 4" Drop or Rise Item # AM3462 which gives you up to 4" of rise or drop or # AM3411 which gives you up to 6-1/2” of rise or 5-1/2" drop. Both of these ball mounts can be adjusted in 1” increments to ensure you can tow level, and they come with a 1-7/8" hitch ball and 2" hitch ball to pair with your trailer's coupler.