2022 Ford Escape Concealed and Visible Trailer Hitch Comparison and Recommendation
Question:
I have a 2022 Ford Escape and I am looking for a 2 inch hitch to carry my 2 bikes that are over 30 lbs. Can you tell me what hitch I need? what is the difference between concealed and visible? Will I be able to install the concealed on my own? I am NOT handy.
asked by: Jim
Expert Reply:
Finding the right hitch receiver can be overwhelming because of all the options and information out there, but you've definitely come to the right place! I'll get into the comparison in just a moment but right off the bat I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e89YR for your 2022 Ford Escape because it has the concealed design and a matte black finish which means you're getting a great looking product that will last.
The concealed style (like part # e89YR) means the crosstube of the hitch is hidden behind the bumper. This not only looks better than the visible options but it also promotes better ground clearance since there isn't as much material hanging below your bumper)
The visible style (like part # DR47FR) is more traditional and while there isn't anything wrong with it, it doesn't look as clean and on some shorter vehicles it can cause ground clearance problems when turning into steep driveways or going over speed bumps. Your Escape is tall enough that ground clearance won't be an issue, but it still doesn't look as nice as the concealed which is why I went that way.
If you're interested in taking a step into the DIY world then this is a great hitch to start that endeavor. It calls for using a die grinder to enlarge one of the access holes but that sounds more intimidating than it really is. For a beginner you're looking at a 45 minute to 1 hour installation time which is still pretty great for hitches. If you'd rather not mess with the installation yourself, you can have any local trusted shop install the hitch for you pretty easily.
If you don't already have a bike rack then I recommend checking out the Kuat Transfer V2 # KU84FR since it's very easy to use and is compatible with a wide variety of bikes on the market (as long as they don't have a front fender).
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: etrailer Rubber Hitch Cover for 2" Trailer Hitches - Qty 1
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Will Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver Fit a 2020 Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid
- Q&A: Will Draw-Tite Hitch Fit 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Installation - 2020 Ford Escape DR47FR
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: hitch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt & etrailer Trailer Hitches For 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Video: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar Review
- Search Results: trailer hitch wiring
- Search Results: cargo carrier
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2023 Toyota RAV4
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Search Results: bike rack
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
on Trailer Hitch
