Will Installation Of Trailer Hitch Effect Use Of Hands-Free Sensors On 2017 Ford Escape

Question:

Hi Have a 2017 ford escape titanium. It has the foot activated rear hatch sensor. Will the hitch interfere with this at all? On wiring, is it essentially plug and play in the existing ford electrical or is it pretty involved? Thanks

asked by: Lance

Expert Reply:

When you install a trailer hitch on your 2017 Escape with the hands free sensors, the sensor area will not be completely eliminated. I have attached a drawing that shows where the hands-free function will be limited to.

The trailer hitch I recommend is the Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch # 75758. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2-inch receiver opening.

If you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in 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 include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

If your Escape does not have a trailer wiring harness installed I recommend the Curt Wiring Harness # C56320. This plugs into the wiring behind the driver and passenger side of the vehicle and you just have to run the hot lead wire up to the positive battery post.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.