Hitch e98886 Not Wide Enough For 2014 Ford Escape
Question:
Im installing the hitch on a 2014 Ford Escape SE. I managed to get the hitch across the muffler, with all the fish wires in place. When I try to lift it into place as part of step 6, the hitch mounting does not appear to be wide enough to clear the frame rails. When I get one of the side bolts in place, the other side does not clear the frame rail so it can be lifted into place. Even though the one side is tight against the frame, the other side cannot clear. I tried both sides. I also tried to lift both sides at the same time, but that didnt with either. Where do I go from here?
asked by: Kevin S
Expert Reply:
Thank you for your purchase of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98866 for your 2014 Ford Escape. The issue you are seeing with the hitch not appearing wide enough is called "flexing" and can be an unfortunate byproduct of the what happens during the shipping process.
What happens is the mounting brackets get bent inward a bit during shipping, and while it doesn't affect the integrity of the hitch, it can make it seem like the hitch doesn't fit. So you will need to bend the brackets back slightly, and there are a number of ways to do this; I have added a link below to a help article called "My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit" which details some of the methods you can use.
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
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2014 Ford Escape - Curt
- Shop: Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-3/16" Long - 3.5K
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2014 Ford Escape - Draw-Tite
- Video: etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Installation - 2014 Ford Escape
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball
- Search Results: hitch 4 bike racks
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Video: Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2015 Ford Escape
- Video: etrailer Trailer Hitch RHK Review
- Shop: Performance Chip Tuners
- Video: Review of etrailer - Brake Controller - ETBC7
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: Can a Brake Controller be Installed in a 2014 Ford Escape
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2018 Ford Escape SE
- Q&A: What Trailer Hitch Receiver will Fit a 2017 Ford Escape S
- Q&A: Replacement Hitch Installation Hardware Kit for Curt C13186 for 2013-2019 Ford Escape