Trailer Hitch, Wiring, and Transmission Cooler Recommendations for a 2014 Ford Escape 2.0 Liter

Question:

I have a 2014 Ford Escape titanium with 2.0 Eco boost engine. I hear from dealer I gave to have a transmission cooler and For vehicles with Handsfree Liftgate, additional components Liftgate Control Module and Liftgate Sensor may need to be replaced at additional cost to retain Handsfree Liftgate function with the Accessory Trailer Hitch. inch Is putting a trailer hit on my car a big pricey option and what do they mean by new control module and sensor? I thought I could just relocate the sensor to bottom of hitch. And I see also that new 2017 fords have option for sway control is there a add on or update to integrate this feature into my suv?

asked by: Matthew H

Expert Reply:

For the 2014 Ford Escape with the handsfree liftgate some trailer hitches work better than others. Draw-Tite hitch # 75782 is designed to work with that feature without having to modify anything or add additional parts so I recommend going with it.

The Ford hitch might require those extra parts because of how the hitch is designed and positioned under the vehicle but that does not appear to be an issue with hitch 75782.

Adding a transmission cooler is always a good idea so I do recommend it. They are not expensive at all and relatively easy to install. The most popular option for your Escape is # D13503. I have linked our help article on transmission coolers for you.

The way the sway control works on the new Escapes is by adjusting the power output and braking to the drive wheels. As far as I know this setup cannot be retrofitted to an older model and if it could it would likely be very expensive. A better option is to use a stand-alone friction anti-sway bar such as # 83660. You would also need bracket # RP26003 on the ball mount to use the sway control.

Speaking of ball mounts I also recommend 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 have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring you can use # 118566 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle. I have included a link to a video showing and example installation of this harness for you.