Can Weight Distribution System Be Used With 1-1/4 Trailer Hitch Receiver On 2005 Ford Escape

Question:

I have an 05 Ford Escape with a Reese hitch and a 1 1/4” receiver with a 3500# tow capacity. I’m looking for a weight distribution w/ sway control like the Fastway e2. What do you recommend.

asked by: Frank G

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have another option for you, but weight distributions are only available for trailer hitch receivers Class III and higher with a 2" or 2-1/2" receiver.

To be able to use a weight distribution system you will need to replace your 1-1/4" receiver with a Class III trailer hitch receiver like the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75751 which is confirmed to fit your 2005 Ford Escape, and is rated for use with a weight distribution system.

To determine the best weight distribution system you will need to know the total tongue weight which is the tongue weight of your full loaded ready to tow trailer, and the weight of any added cargo behind the rear axle of your Escape. The easiest way to do this is with a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044 to measure the tongue weight of your loaded trailer, and then adding the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle.

You will want to check in the trailer towing section of the owner's manual for your Escape to confirm the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle with your engine options.

Based on the towing ranges listed in the owner's manual of 1500lbs-3500lbs a system like the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0450 will likely work great for you as it will work with total tongue weights between 100-450lbs.

Depending on the weight of the trailer you plan on towing, local laws may require the trailer to have trailer brakes. If your trailer has trailer brakes you will also need to add a 7-way connector and trailer brake controller.

To install a 7-way connector you will first need a working 4-way connector. I recommend the # 40455 if your Escape has the factory tow package, or # 118426 if it does not have the factory towing package.

This will allow you to install the Universal 7-Way Connector Install Kit # ETBC7 which you can see being installed on a 2011 Ford Escape in the included video.

For a trailer brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 due to its easy to read LCD screen, and built in diagnostics that are easy to understand.

I included a video for all of the products mentioned, and a helpful article on measuring total tongue weight for you to take a look at.