Trailer Hitch Receiver and Bike Rack For Carrying Bikes Behind a 2012 Ford Escape

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Question:

LOOKING FOR A TRAILER HITCH INSTALL KIT AND A BIKE RACK FOR A 2012 FORD ESCAPE.

asked by: Chris M

0

Expert Reply:

I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13650 for your 2012 Ford Escape. This has the more common 2" receiver opening which allow for a wide selection of bike racks. Depending on your bikes and type of rack you are needing may require a different bike rack. The Yakima OnRamp LX Bike Rack # Y88DJ is great for heavier bikes or bikes with fenders. It has a ramp to make getting bikes on the carrier easier and you can secure each bike up to 80lbs each in place with the frame mounts. If you plan to carry lighter street bikes or mountain bikes the Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack # NV22G would be a better option. While this rack can only carry bikes up to 60lbs each its simple and easy design makes loading and unloading your bikes much easier. It also has a built in bike repair stand to aid in repairs and adjustments.

expert reply by: Bud M

0

Robin H.

2/3/2026

Hey, how did the Curt hitch and bike rack options work out on your Ford Escape? Your update could make it easier for the next person choosing between those racks.

Steve

6/27/2026

@RobinH I have a 2012 escape as well. I am having a horrible time trying to find a hitch rack for 1.25. I've looked at trailers instead however this came across my search. Swapping the 1.25 for a 2 inch receiver. Is this a straight forward process. Undo some bolts on the old remove old put in new bolt up? Or is it a lot more involved?

Robin H.

6/29/2026

@Steve do you have the factory hitch? The # 13650 won't fit vehicles with the factory hitch installed, so it is probably integrated somehow and not simple to remove. What do you need out of a bike rack that you can't find one? Are you carrying heavy e-bikes?

Answer 1

The 24x64 etrailer Cargo Carrier for RV Bumper #e83YR and the 24x84 etrailer Cargo Carrier for RV Bumper #e96ZR are both constructed of black powder coated steel which is durable and corrosion resistant. They both also have a simple bolt on…

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Answer 2

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 3

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 4

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Answer 5

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 6

Hey Ricardo! Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C82RJ is the hitch Curt is working on for the new 2027 Telluride. This is a pre-order since Curt hasn't finished the design. It does not include wiring. The wiring harness for the 2027 is also up…

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Answer 7

Hey Adrian! The higher capacity for the B&W #BW47BR and Curt #C77MJ comes from the construction. The B&W hitch weighs 45 lbs and then the Curt and Trailer Mate #TMT54FR both weigh 32 lbs. The Trailer Mate does sit just a tad higher compared…

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Answer 8

Hey Ben! The Curt does have that restriction on the vertical bike racks so I recommend the TowSmart Trailer Hitch #TS82VR. This has a higher tongue weight capacity and will allow you to carry the VelociRAX. It would be a good idea to add the etrailer…

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Answer 9

Hey Aaron, great question! The Trailer Mate Trailer Hitch Receiver #TMT67FR is definitely a budget friendly option for a hitch on your 2026 Highlander. This is basically the economy line from Curt. The welds are a little different (but will still do…

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Answer 10

The Hollywood Racks Trail Rider 2-Bike Rack #HR200 weighs about 35 lbs. The Swagman XC 2-Bike Rack #S64650 is lighter at about 26 lbs. The biggest difference between the two is the Swagman rack is rated for 2 bikes at 35 lbs each and the Hollywood…

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Answer 11

We sure do Billy and congrats on your new SUV. To add a hitch to your 2026 Mazda CX-50, I recommend our etrailer item #e55XV. This custom fit class III hitch has a 2" receiver, a 3,500 lbs towing capacity, and a maximum tongue weight of 525 lbs.…

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Answer 12

The Swagman XTC4 4-Bike Rack #S64665 and Hollywood Racks Destination 4-Bike Rack #HR4000 are two of the best values in regards to 4-bike racks, and when taking everything into consideration I highly recommend the Destination #HR4000. There are a…

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Trailer Hitch Receiver and Bike Rack For Carrying Bikes Behind a 2012 Ford Escape

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