Replacement Class III Hitch for 2016 Ford Escape with Class II Factory Hitch

Question:

Have a 2016 Ford Escape with class II factory tow package on 4 wheel drive Titanium version. Need to go to a class III. None of the questions/answers or videos address how to get the old receiver out of the car to get the new one in. I do know that this will be more than a 30 minute job, just to get the rear fascia bumper cover off. Any suggestions?

asked by: Steve P

Expert Reply:

My contact at Draw-Tite has not yet seen a 2016 Ford Escape with factory-installed Class II hitch so he could not provide much detail about the process of removing it. In some cases a factory hitch can be welded on but this is unlikely on your 2016 Escape. Odds are that the 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch on the car now is a bolt-on aftermarket product like the 2-inch Class III hitch we offer, part # 75782 from Draw-Tite. This hitch will not interfere with rear lift gate sensor operation.

Since this Class III hitch bolts on we know that there have to be existing mounting points on the Escape's frame. The factory hitch is using those same mounting points and they will be visible once you un-bolt the Class II hitch.

You will need to lower the exhaust temporarily and remove/trim heat shields to gain access to the hitch mounting points. I linked an install video for a different hitch model but the essential process will be the same for the Draw-Tite I recommended. If you review this video you'll see the entire process; to remove the existing hitch you'll repeat many of these same steps. I also linked a helpful article on hitch installation.

I reviewed the installation instructions, which are included for you, and they make no mention of a need to remove the bumper cover.

expert reply by: Adam R