Towing Capacity and Parts Needed To Tow with a 2016 Ford Escape
Question:
I am looking to install a towing package on my 2016 Ford Escape but I am trying to figure out what my towing capacity would be. The Escape is 4WD and has the 2.0 ecoboost engine but does not have a factory installed towing package. Would using a class II receiver still allow me to towing close to the 3500 LBS limit or will it be reduced since there is not a transmission cooler on it? I would be looking to tow something like a small RV.
asked by: David G
Expert Reply:
The trailer hitch I recommend for a 2016 Ford Escape is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e98866. This hitch has a bolt-on fit with no cutting or drilling required. It will also work with the hands free liftgate feature if equipped. This hitch has the larger 2" receiver which I recommend due to the greater variety of accessories. In order to complete your setup you'll also need a trailer wiring harness for which I recommend the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C56335. Lastly, don't forget the ball mount and hitch ball for which I recommend the Curt Class III Ball Mount part # C45042.
In regards to towing capacity, this will be best found in your owner's manual but for models with 2.0L engine and no factory tow package you are limited to 2,000 lbs. This cannot be increased.
![Conner L](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/1234_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Class III Ball Mount with 2-5/16" Ball - 2" Rise or 4" Drop - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 2-5/16 Inch Ball
- One Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Ball Mount Kit
- Pre-Torqued
- CURT
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Can a 4-Pole Trailer Connector Be Used to Activate Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Hitch e98886 Not Wide Enough For 2014 Ford Escape
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2019 Ford Escape
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
- Q&A: Do Lights have to be Added to a Trailer Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
- Q&A: Brake Controller Recommendation for Tent Trailer with Electric Brakes
- Article: Which Hitches are Made in the USA
- Article: Tips on How To Tow a Trailer
- Q&A: What are the Dimensions of a #99 Spindle
- Q&A: Where do the Springs Install on a 16K Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch