Comparing Draw-Tite Trailer Hitches for 2018 Ford Edge Titanium & Edge Tongue Weight Capacity

Question:

2018 Ford Edge Titanium Trailer Hitch 75234. I want to use this hitch to support a power wheelchair carrier. Together, the carrier and chair will weigh ~475 lbs. I understand that the hitch is rated for 675 lbs. However, Ford said that the vehicle is rated for a 350 lb tongue load and a 3500 lb tow capacity. Is the frame in danger of bending with the heavier load? My assumption has been that Ford is referring to their Class II hitch, but I do not know. Also, when the vehicle hits a bump, particularly at speed, the back end will bounce. Will that bounce increase the dead-weight load? Will that be a problem since this is not a wheeled trailer? Further, what is the functional and aesthetic difference between the square and tubular hitches?

asked by: Alan A

Expert Reply:

Let's start simple, which is the difference between the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75234 (square tube) and Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75214 (round tube) that fit your 2018 Ford Edge. The difference is mostly just in the aesthetics, with the square tube hitch having a concealed crosstube, and the round tube hitch having a visible crosstube. The square tube hitch also has a higher overall capacity of 4,500 lbs towing and 675 lbs tongue weight compared to 4,000/600 of the round tube, but since your Edge has a 3,500 lb towing capacity and 350 lb tongue weight capacity, and you have to go by the lowest-rated component, those are not going to make a difference for your vehicle. I recommend the Draw-Tite Hitch # 75234 for your '18 Edge because its concealed crosstube means your Edge keeps its clean look. I have added links to video installs of both hitches on an '18 Edge for you to check out.

As for the tongue weight capacity, I checked with the Ford towing guide and it does state that the maximum tongue weight of a 2018 Ford Edge was 350 lbs, like you noted. That is not specific to their hitch, but simply for the vehicle, so the use of a trailer hitch and wheelchair carrier that weighs 475 lbs is not recommended. There would be too much stress on the vehicle chassis which could be problematic and cause damage which would not be covered under any warranty if you did not follow the guidelines put out by Ford.

What you will need to do instead is use a small utility trailer like the Detail K2 Mighty Multi Utility Trailer # K2MMT4X6, which at a total weight of 305 lbs and nearly 1,300 lb payload capacity will be well within the towing capacity of your Edge. You will also need the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118677 and Ball Mount Kit # 989892. I have added a link to a review of the trailer and install of the harness on an '18 Edge for you to take a look at.