Factory Hitch vs. Drawtite Receiver on 2017 Ford Escape

Question:

The 2017 Escape trailer tow package comes from the factory with some sort of trailer sway control included. Is this needed? Does this increase towing capacity? Would a Drawtite receiver without this sway control give me the same towing capacity ? Spending the additional $500 seems a bit excessive.

asked by: Dave A

Expert Reply:

The sway control system that your 2017 Ford Escape would have is a system that actively applies the brake on certain axles when sway is detected to minimize it. It's certainly not a requirement for towing and does not increase the capacity at all.

I would go with the Draw Tite hitch part # 75758 as it is a confirmed fit and would work well. This hitch has great capacities at 4,500 lbs total trailer weight and 675 lbs tongue weight.

We have friction sway control units like the part # 83660 that would work great at a fraction of the cost as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C