Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver, Ball Mount, and Wiring for 2011 Ford Escape

Question:

Im trying to figure out the height of the Ford dealer installed hitch on our 2011 Ford Escape. Ive gotten different numbers, measuring it, due to uneven areas, and I want to be fairly exact. And Im not sure the Curt hitch is the same as the Ford hitch level. Do you have this information?

asked by: Lou

Expert Reply:

I do not have any information on the factory hitch height of the 2011 Ford Escape, but I can help you with how to measure it. To measure the height of a trailer hitch you will measure from the ground (on a level surface) to the top of the opening. I've attached an article to show you this and how it applies to measuring for ball mount height to tow a trailer level.

For your 2011 Ford Escape, Curt trailer hitch receiver # 13650 is 15-1/4 inches from the ground to the top opening of the receiver. The hitch pin hole is 1 inch behind the outermost part of the bumper, so the receiver will extend slightly past the bumper at the collar. This hitch will give you more options for accessories due to the 2 inch receiver opening. With this trailer hitch, I recommend the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs # 989900. This kit comes with different hitch ball sizes and two ball mounts of different sizes for rise and drop to tow level.

For a 1-1/4 inch receiver option, the Curt trailer hitch receiver # C12060 is also a confirmed fit for your vehicle. This hitch measures 16-1/4 inches from the ground to the top of the opening and the hitch pin hole is 1-1/4 inches behind the outermost part of the bumper. This puts the collar more flush with the bumper.For this hitch, the ball mount/draw bar # C45521 is my recommendation along with the hitch ball # A-80 for a 1-7/8 inch option or # A-82 for a 2 inch diameter option.

For trailer wiring, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118551. This custom-fit T-One connector plugs into your Ford Escape's wiring harness, which is located behind the driver's-side and passenger's-side tail lights. Once you've plugged in the T-connector, run the hot lead up to your car battery. Connect the lead to the included fuse holder, and then connect the fuse holder to the positive terminal on your battery and insert the provided fuse. This will give you a 4-way flat trailer connection.

I've attached videos to assist.