Is Weight Distribution System Needed to Tow a 3,300 Pound Trailer with a 2014 Ford Escape  

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From the information that I was able to find, a 2014 Ford Escape can be rated for up to 3,500 pounds of towing, depending on how it is equipped. I advise checking your owner's manual and confirming the towing capacity of your 2014 Ford Escape.

Weight distribution systems are only intended for use on Class III rated and above trailer hitches. I have included a link to the Class III hitches that we currently offer for the 2014 Ford Escape SE. Of these hitches I recommend using the Draw Tite # 75758. Due to the ease of installation, and mounting locations.

A weight distribution system is recommended when the gross trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50 percent of the vehicle weight. I was able to find that the vehicle base curb weight for a 2014 Ford Escape ranges from 3,515 pounds to 3,732 pounds. So a weight distribution system is recommended to tow your trailer weighing 3,300 pounds.

To determine the best weight distribution system for your set-up you will need to know the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your system. This includes the tongue weight of the trailer, and any gear that is loaded behind the rear axle of your Escape.

I recommend using a weight distribution that also has sway control. Considering an approximate tongue weight of your trailer of between 10 percent (330 pounds) and 15 percent (495 pounds). I recommend using the Reese Straight Line Weight Distribution System # RP66083. This system is rated for between 400 and 800 pounds of tongue weight. It also features a great sway control system that uses dual cams that stop trailer sway before it begins.

A trailer ball is not included with this weight distribution system, but it takes a hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank. For a 2 inch ball you can use the Curt # A-90, for a 2-5/16 trailer ball you will can use the Tow-Ready # 19286.

According to my contacts at Reese, some of the previous models of the Ford Escape allowed the factory installed hitch to be removed and an upgraded Class III hitch installed, or an additional Class III hitch installed. However, this is not the case for the 2014 models.

If your 2014 Ford Escape is currently equipped with a factory installed hitch, then a Class III hitch can not be installed. Therefore a weight distribution system can not be used due to the limitation of the 1-1/4 inch receiver opening, and the Class II hitch designation.

Additionally, since the weight of the trailer that you using is very close to the weight of the vehicle you are using to pull it with, please make sure that the trailer is equipped with brakes. You will also need a brake controller and a 7-way connection plug to send the brake signal to the trailer from your vehicle.

For a wiring system for your 2014 Ford Escape I recommend using the Tow-Ready T-One Wiring Harness # 118566 to establish a 4-way connection, then adding the # ETBC7 to establish a 7-way that will supply a brake signal.

For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. This is a proportional brake controller that applies brakes to the trailer in proportion to the brakes applied in your Escape. This is a very user friendly and reliable brake controller.

I have included links to the products recommended above, several helpful articles, and a couple of videos for your reference.

expert reply by: Rachael H

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