Tongue Weight Capacity for Draw-Tite Hitch to Use with Bike Rack on 2016 Ford Escape

Question:

What is the tongue weight for a Class III receiver installed on a 2016 Escape for the purposes of a hitch mounted bike rack. The Ford documentation indicates 300lbs, but your site says 675lbs. But these seem to be in trailering situations. Can you clarify?

asked by: Shawn P

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75758 that you referenced does have a 675 pound tongue weight capacity, which refers to the vertical weight that a bike rack would put on it. This capacity though is for the hitch itself and not your vehicle. If the tongue weight limit for your 2016 Ford Escape is 300 pounds you will still need to adhere to this lower number even though the hitch is rated for more.

In either case you have plenty of tongue weight capacity to work with when it comes to a loaded bike rack.

If you don't already have a carrier I recommend taking a look at the Kuat Transfer 2 # KU74FR. This is a really sleek platform-style rack that uses ratcheting hooks to secure your bikes by the rear wheels without any frame contact and its spring-loaded foot pedal lets you quickly and easily tilt the rack back (with the bikes still loaded) for rear cargo access.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this rack along with an install video on the Draw-Tite Hitch that you can use for reference.

expert reply by: Chris R