Tow Capacity of A 2005 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L V6

Question:

Hi! Will your hitches actually safely increase the 3500lb. towing capacity that Ford recommends for my 2005 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L V6 AWD? Ive read that sometimes installation of one of your hitches over a factory-installed hitch is a little more difficult, but I would almost be willing to take that risk if it really allowed me to tow an additional 1000 lbs. of trailer. Is that possible? What are your thoughts? Also, what would really be required to adapt my factory-installed light harnessing? Thank you SO much! Im excited to read your reply, buy, and then camp!

asked by: Jennifer

Expert Reply:

The hitches available for the 2005 Ford Escape like part # 75751 will not increase the towing capacity of the Ford. From what I can tell from my research the 2005 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L V6 can tow up to 3,500 lbs according to the owner's manual. Adding an aftermarket hitch would not change the towing capacity that was set by the vehicle manufacturer because the amount of weight the vehicle can tow takes into account all of the competences of the vehicle not just the hitch receiver.

With that being said if your hitch is a lower class on the Ford like a Class II hitch then you would be able to tow more weight with the higher class rated hitch as long as you do not exceed 3,500 lbs. If you have a class II and it's already rated for 3,500 lbs like part # C12060 then you would still be limited to that rating.

If you decided to go with an aftermarket hitch anyway, the wiring would not need to be changed.

expert reply by: Heather A