Will Hitch Installation Interfere with 2013 Ford C-Max Hands-Free Rear Hatch Release

Question:

I have a Ford C-MAX 2013 that has the sensor under the rear bumper for hands-free activation of the hatch release. Do the hitches you sell from Draw-Tite and/or Curt interfere with operation of this sensor?

asked by: Jim C

Expert Reply:

Installation of a rear hitch receiver, such as the Curt # C12092, will not interfere with the operation of the hands-free rear hatch sensor on your 2013 Ford C-Max. The C-Max uses multiple sensors to avoid such interference. Just to be safe I did confirm this with the technical team at Curt. All 1-1/4 inch hitch receivers suitable for your vehicle are compatible with the sensors; all three can be seen on the attached link.

Please note that this 1-1/4-inch Class I hitch receiver, part # 60318, comes complete with a ball mount, pin and clip. All you need to add (for towing) is a hitch ball, such as either part # 19256 (1-7/8 inch ball size) or part # 19258 (2-inch ball size) and a wiring harness, part # 119250KIT. If you intend to use your hitch for accessories such as a bike or cargo carrier, you may need a hitch pin and clip, part # PC2, to secure such items to the receiver if not included with the accessory item.

Depending on your intended use, you may prefer another of the hitch receivers we offer, Curt # C12092. This Class II hitch offers higher tongue weight and higher gross towing weight capacities (350 lbs TW, and 3500 lbs GTW) as compared to 200/2000 lbs for the Hidden Hitch and DrawTite models. If you will be using a large capacity bike or cargo carrier or if you will be towing, you may prefer to use this hitch since it will let you use more of your C-Maxs towing capacity. (Online research indicates the gross towing weight figure for a properly-equipped C-Max is 3500 lbs, but you will want to confirm your towing capacity in your owners manual.)

Please note that Curt requires all non-trailer loads, e.g. bike racks, to be supported with stabilizing straps or the warranty may be void. You can use part # 18050. This strap is not required for towing a trailer.