Hitch e98886 Not Wide Enough For 2014 Ford Escape
Updated 09/30/2021 | Published 09/29/2021
Question:
Im installing the hitch on a 2014 Ford Escape SE. I managed to get the hitch across the muffler, with all the fish wires in place. When I try to lift it into place as part of step 6, the hitch mounting does not appear to be wide enough to clear the frame rails. When I get one of the side bolts in place, the other side does not clear the frame rail so it can be lifted into place. Even though the one side is tight against the frame, the other side cannot clear. I tried both sides. I also tried to lift both sides at the same time, but that didnt with either. Where do I go from here?
asked by: Kevin S
Expert Reply:
Thank you for your purchase of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98866 for your 2014 Ford Escape. The issue you are seeing with the hitch not appearing wide enough is called "flexing" and can be an unfortunate byproduct of the what happens during the shipping process.
What happens is the mounting brackets get bent inward a bit during shipping, and while it doesn't affect the integrity of the hitch, it can make it seem like the hitch doesn't fit. So you will need to bend the brackets back slightly, and there are a number of ways to do this; I have added a link below to a help article called "My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit" which details some of the methods you can use.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Video: Step-By-Step Installation Tutorial for the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2019 Ford Escape
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Brophy Mounting Bracket for 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2019 Ford Escape
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2020 Ford Escape
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2016 Ford Escape
- Video: Brophy Mounting Bracket for 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector: The Breakdown
- Video: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter Installation - 2023 Kia Telluride
- Video: Mount: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector on a 2019 Ford Escape
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
- Search Results: e98866
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: Looking For A Hitch And Wiring For My 2019 Ford Escape
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2019 Ford Escape w/ a 4 Bike Bike Rack
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch, Wiring, & Brake Controller For 2024 Chevy Blazer EV
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver and Wiring for Towing Trailer With 2017 Ford Escape Titanium
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Q&A: What Scooter Carrier do You Recommend for My Honda Metropolitan?
- Q&A: Hitch Adapter to Raise Bike Rack
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
on Trailer Hitch
