2012 Ford Escape Part Recommendations for Towing a U-Haul Trailer

Updated 06/06/2025 | Published 06/04/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(539)

$234.49

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

(604)

$72.73

etrailer Adjustable 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 6" Rise, 6" Drop - 10K

(148)

$112.00

Question:

I own a 2012 Ford Escape XLT AWD without a factory hitch, and just purchased receiver hitch 13650. My Escape looks like it has a wiring harness, hanging to the left of the spare tire. Is that the wiring harness for a trailer? What else will I need to pull a U-Haul trailer? Thank you.

asked by: Kelly W

Expert Reply:

Hey Kelly, thanks for reaching out!

I see you've purchased the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13650 and the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118551. These are great options for your 2012 Ford Escape, and exactly what I would have picked out for you!

The only other thing you'll really need, if you don't already have one, is a ball mount. I really like the etrailer Adjustable 2-Ball Mount # e66PR because it hits the sweet spot of affordability, functionality, and it just flat out looks good.

U-Haul trailers come with a hydraulic braking system so you won't need a brake controller - what size trailer are you planning on renting? Are you all moving?

expert reply by: Jon G

Curt Hitch on a 2012 Ford Escape
(click to enlarge)

Kelly

6/5/2025

Jon G, Good evening. Thank you for the reply. My mother passed away on 5/25, so I'm renting a small U-Haul to bring a few things back to our home in Western NC.

Jon G.

6/5/2025

@Kelly Oh no - I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope you all have a peaceful trip there and back, and that everything goes as smooth as possible.

Kelly

6/6/2025

Jon G, That wiring harness looks easy to install. How long should it take, and what tools will I need? Thanks again. Vr, Kelly, Tryon, NC.

Jon G.

6/6/2025

@Kelly The wiring is pretty straightforward, but I've installed a few of these and have a few tips I'll add below (mainly from mistakes I've made haha). If you're new to this I'd say estimate about 45 minutes to an hour because it's more important to go slow and steady - if you're used to messing with wiring then you're probably looking at like 30 minutes for the installation. As for the tools, here is what Tekonsha lists out in their instructions: Trim Panel Remover 10mm Socket & Ratchet or 10mm Wrench 20mm Socket & Ratchet or 20mm Wrench Drill (3/32” Drill Bit) 1/4” socket Wire Crimpers Wire Cutters Philips Head Screwdriver Test-probe When it comes to installation tips, be sure you make the tee-in connections to the tail lights and secure the 4-Way where you'd like it to sit prior to zip-tying everything up, and make sure you have the black box located in a place where it won't strain the wiring. Aside from that, just don't get in a hurry to get it done - if you have plenty of time to make sure things get done right, it will be much less stressful!