How to Transport a 425 Pound Motorcycle with a 2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L
Question:
Daughter has a 2013 Honda CBR500R. Weight 425 lbs, Length 82 Appears Ultra-Fab Motorcycle Carrier for 2inch Hitches - With Ramp - 80inch Long - 500 lbs. specifications is most ideal for exterior transport. Please verify if it is possible for a Ford dealership to install the safest and most appropriate Trailer Hitch to attach that specific size Motorcycle Carrier. The SUV was not bought with a factory installed Trailer Towing Package, and would prefer not to drag a small ATV trailer for one motorcycle. Much appreciation for your expert advice.
asked by: Elaine M
Helpful Expert Reply:
It looks like at most the 2015 Ford Escape itself is rated for 350 pounds of tongue weight. It will not be able to support the weight of the motorcycle on a carrier. The best option and the safest is going to be a small trailer. There are companies that make trailers specifically for motorcycles so you would not have to use a larger ATV trailer.
If this is an option you want to explore then you will need a trailer hitch. A popular option is # 75758. This hitch will work with models that have the hands-free liftgate. A Ford dealer is not required for this installation. Any trusted mechanic can perform the installation.
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 a trailer wiring harness I recommend # 118566 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle. I have linked a video showing how the wiring installs.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader 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 >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier for 2" Hitches - With Ramp - 77" Long - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Motorcycle Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- Ultra-Fab Products
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Is There a Bumper Mounted Bike Rack Capable of Carrying a Honda Trail 125 Behind a Class C Motorhome
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 for Motorcycle Carrier
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Q&A: Recommended Motorcycle Carrier for Carrying KTM Adventure on Motorhome
- Q&A: Which Front Hitch that Fits 2022 Ram 2500 Sticks Out Furthest
- Q&A: Can I Carry a Dirt Bike on a 1-1/4 Inch Hitch with a 2-Inch Hitch Adapter on a Honda Accord?
- Q&A: What is the Distance From the Hitch Pin Hole to the Top of the Saris MHS Bike Rack for 1 Bike
- Q&A: Recommended Motorcycle Carrier For Trailer Hitch On Motorhome
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Fat Bikes