Brake Controller and Weight Distribution Recommendations for 2013 Ford Escape Towing Lance 1575

Question

Question:

I just bought a 2013 Ford Escape AWD with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine. I ll be towing a Lance 1575 travel trailer 3500 GVW. What brake controller and weight distribution system do you recommend? Thanks.

asked by: Ann

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you for providing specifics about your tow vehicle and trailer.

Specs for your Lance 1575 trailer indicate a gross dry weight of 2575-lbs and a dry tongue weight of 230-lbs. Weight distribution systems should be selected based on actual fully-loaded as-towed trailer tongue weight. Also, the hitch on your vehicle must be specifically rated for use with weight distribution; this will be indicated on the safety/warning label on the hitch.

The best way to accurately determine your actual tongue weight is to measure this with a tongue weight scale such as the etrailer # e99044 or by the methods outlined in the attached article. It is important to measure the trailer tongue weight when it is fully loaded with water and propane tanks filled, and all supplies and cargo loaded, just as it will be when you are on the road. Also, the weight of anything in the back of your Escape that is placed behind the rear axle, such as a fully loaded cooler for example, must be added to the trailer tongue weight in order to select a properly-matched weight distribution system. I have included a second article that covers lots of useful background information.

For purposes of making a recommendation we will estimate your actual tongue weight will be 400-lbs. Since your trailer is over 15 feet in length and your Escape has a fairly short wheelbase you might benefit from a system that includes sway control. Again, the linked article will provide useful background information on sway control as well.

The link provided will take you to our product page for weight distribution systems suited to a 400-lb tongue weight. A great choice is the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66082 which features trunnion-type bars for better ground clearance and built-in sway control.

The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885, is a popular unit that is easy to use. Please see the linked video and instructions. You will also need an install kit, part # ETBC7, which includes everything needed for installation, including a 7-way trailer connector. I have included an installation video on this part as well. If your Escape has a 4-pole trailer connector at the rear bumper then this is all you need. If it does not have a 4-pole trailer connector you will also need a wiring harness like Tow Ready # 118566. I have linked a video for this item also, showing installation in a 2013 Escape.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Answer 1

Hello Dan, We can most definitely get you set up to use your Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty brake controller in your 2022 Toyota Highlander. Since you were looking at the #ETBC7, I’m assuming your Highlander does not have the factory tow package. To equip…

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Answer 2

Hey Michael, thanks for reaching out. So, there isn't a square panel for the Redarc Tow Pro liberty controller, so if you want to use that on your 2025 Tacoma, you will have to do so without the panel. That said, what you can do is get the Redarc…

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Answer 3

The easiest way to install a brake controller on your 2022 Toyota Highlander with a 4-way is to first install a 7-way kit with the part #TK57VR which includes brake controller wiring as well. Then for a brake controller the Curt Echo Mobile part…

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Answer 4

Yes, the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter #TK57VR is what you want to get a fully functioning 7-Way on your 2023 Toyota Highlander. I also recommend picking up the mounting brackets #PK12711U and #C57202 to…

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Answer 5

The 2023 Toyota Highlander does not have a factory tow port or custom wiring harness for brake controller installation. However, if you're installing the Tekonsha 7-way #TK57VR you were looking at it comes with an adapter that will plug into…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

Hey Andrew! Yes, Furrion does have a Chill Cube model with a heat pump. This was actually just released for aftermarket sale. You will need a complete system to make the switch, new R32 units aren't backwards compatible with old R410A systems.…

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Answer 10

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 11

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Brake Controller and Weight Distribution Recommendations for 2013 Ford Escape Towing Lance 1575

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