Parts Needed to Tow a Small Trailer with a 2018 Ford EcoSport

Updated 03/28/2020 | Published 03/27/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(75)

$198.01

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6097)

$7.94

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 2,000 lbs

(333)

$34.81

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 3,500 lbs

(333)

$39.87

Curt Class I Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 9-3/8" Long - 2,000 lbs

(2273)

$22.39

Curt No-Drill Bracket for 6-Way or 7-Way Round Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket - Long

(300)

$30.83

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1670)

$73.55

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 1-1/4" Hitches - Flush - 2-1/8" Span - Chrome

(3573)

$33.91

Trailer Hitch Anti-Rattle Kit for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitches

(75)

$17.94

Question:

I just bought a 2018 ecsport se...not sure if it is a 3 cylinder engine. But, it is a front wheel drive, can this hitch support a small Trailer for a interstate move? So far I like the product but I am not a mechanic and would need a shop to install it. Also, the video showed that other hardware supplies were needed. IE., the parts to prevent rattling and chain c-clamps. Could someone give an estimated cost for those and where to find them?

asked by: Diane R

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 36660 will fit your 2018 Ford EcoSport SE no matter what size engine you have so you are good to go on that end of things (plus the EcoSport in the video is an SE). The hitch comes will all of the hardware to get it mounted as well. Please note that even though this trailer hitch has a max trailer weight rating of 3,500 lbs, Ford has determined that the max towing capacity for your EcoSport is 2,000 lbs so that is your limiting factor.

For a ball mount that is compatible with an anti-rattle device I recommend the Curt # C45026 (use in the Rise position) which has a hollow shank that allows you to use the anti-rattle pin # F-315 or for a locking option part # e98879. You also need a hitch ball. Use part # A-80 for a 1-7/8" diameter or part # A-82 for a 2" diameter. Your trailer coupler will say what size you need to tow it.

The chain C-clamps you mentioned should actually come with the trailer as it is against the law (for safety purposes) to tow a trailer without the chains. If for some reason your trailer doesn't have them just let me know and I can help you figure out which ones will be best for your application.

One last thing that you'll need is a wiring kit to activate the trailer lights. I recommend using the Curt # C59236 which you can see we installed on the same 2018 EcoSport as the trailer hitch. If you only plan on towing this one time for your interstate move then I would just leave the plug located in the rear hatch like what the installation video shows. If you plan on towing occasionally then it might be worth having your shop install the plug next to your hitch receiver using brackets # 18144 and # C57202.

I have attached some review videos and helpful articles on towing for you to check out. The only other thing I recommend picking up is the hitch cover # 22281 which will help your hitch receiver to last longer on the inside.

expert reply by: Jon G

click to enlarge

Diane P.

3/27/2020

Doesnt these accessories come in a Kit so as to save money, instead of individual pricing items??Thanks!

Chris R.

3/28/2020

I really wish towing components like these were offered as part of a larger kit, but unfortunately they're only available as separate items. Since every tow vehicle and trailer is a little different, I think it's just too difficult to put together a worthwhile kit that would be compatible with more than a few different towing setups. If that makes sense.