Trailer Hitch And Wiring For 2013 Ford Escape That Will Not Interfere With Tailgate Sensors
Question:
Hello, Im looking for a trailer hitch and wiring for my 2013 Ford Escape Titanium. Im considering the 2inch Curt. Can you tell me if it allows use of the rear tailgate lift detectors? Thanks!
asked by: Mike G
Expert Reply:
Per Curt, the hands-free tailgate sensors areas will be limited to either side of the vehicle near the exhaust pipes when installing part # C13186. We do have another option for you though.
I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch, part # 75782. This hitch crossmember sits a little higher than other hitches because the receiver tube is mounted on the underside of the crossmember. I called Draw-Tite and they told me that because the majority of the hitch is tucked up and out of the way you will not have an issue with the liftgate sensors. They did tell me you will probably use the sensors just to the left or right of the receiver, but you would not want to kick the receiver anyway.
If you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.
If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.
The trailer wiring I recommend for your Escape is the T-One, part # 118566. You just plug the harness into the connection points behind the tail lights, run the hot lead wire to the positive battery cable and you are good to go.

Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- Two Balls
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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