Recommended Wiring and Trailer Hitch for 2012 Ford Escape

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Question:

I have a 2012 Ford Escape with a V6 and Awd. It does not have a trailer hitch or backup camera/sensors. I would like to install a hitch with wiring for lights, but I am not sure what wiring kit I would need. How can I figure out if it came with a towing package or any pre-wiring? There is some type of 10-pin wiring harness pinned below the rear bumper see photo , but it doesnt seem to match any fitting that I can find online? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Ryan E

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Expert Reply:

Based on the picture of the plug you found pinned beneath the rear bumper, and also considering that there is not a factory trailer hitch installed on your vehicle, I do not believe you have a factory tow package for your 2012 Ford Escape. I am not sure what the connector might be used for, but you can use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to see if it is active and what their functions might be. You can also visit your local Ford dealer with the VIN and they will be able to tell you exactly what was installed at the factory.

For a wiring harness to use with your Escape, I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118551 to install a 4 way connector to power your trailer's signal lights. Even though you do not have a factory tow package, this T-One connector can plug directly into existing wiring located behind the side tail lights. I have attached an installation video on your 2012 Escape for you to check out.

For a trailer hitch, if you have not obtained one already, I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e56AR. This is a Class III hitch with a 3,500 pound towing capacity. It is custom-fit for your vehicle, so there will be no drilling required during installation. I have again included the installation instructions for this hitch for you to review.

Then for a ball mount to attach to your trailer, I recommend looking at the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit # 989900. This kit includes two ball mounts with different rise and drops as well as the two most common size hitch balls. I have also attached an article that explains how to choose the best ball mount for your towing setup and a link that will take you to our available selection if the two sizes included in the kit will not work.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 4

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 7

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 8

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 9

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 10

As far as wiring for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we do have the Curt #C59236 available which is more of a universal hardwire harness. Unfortunately there are not any plug-and-play options that have been confirmed to fit as of yet (October 4,…

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Answer 11

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 12

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Recommended Wiring and Trailer Hitch for 2012 Ford Escape

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