Recommended Towing Package for a 2017 Ford Escape

Question:

I have a 2017 Ford Escape but did not get the factory towing package. What is included in the factory package, and can it be added? Are there any oil coolers or transmission coolers that I dont know about?

asked by: RJ

Expert Reply:

According to Ford's Trailer Towing Selector, the 2017 Ford Escape with factory equipped towing package came with a 4-way trailer wiring harness, hitch receiver, and a trailer sway control in comparison to models of the 2017 Ford Escape that did not come equipped with the factory towing package.

For a trailer hitch receiver compatible with your vehicle, I recommend using the Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75758 as this hitch receiver has the highest rated tongue weight (TW) and gross trailer weight (GTW) rating of any other hitch receiver confirmed to fit your vehicle.

For a 4-way wiring harness, I recommend using the Curt Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C56320 as this is a complete plug and play wiring harness without the need for cutting or splicing.

If you are towing a trailer with brakes you will also want a 7-way wiring harness in addition to a brake controller. For this I recommend using the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller part # ETBC7 in addition to the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 which is one of the nicest brake controllers we offer.

Last but not least you will need a ball mount/hitch ball. For this I recommend the Ball Mount Kit part # 989900 as this kit includes 2 hitch balls and ball mounts to match your certain specifications.

I have included several review, installation and help articles for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

Joseph M.

7/27/2020

What about sway bars? Are they needed?

Jon G.

8/4/2020

We recommend using a weight distribution with the sway control arms when the trailer weighs at least half of the curb (unloaded) weight of the tow vehicle. If you're referring to a friction sway control arm then you can definitely use one but again, it all kind of depends on if you're towing a larger trailer or something smaller like a teardrop or small utility trailer.

Helpful Links

article-categories.aspx?productgroup=weight-distribution

dept-pg-accessories_and_parts-pt-sway_control_parts.aspx

dept-pg-weight_distribution_hitch.aspx