Complete Towing Setup Including a Transmission Cooler for a 2012 Ford Escape AWD 3.0

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Question:

I have a 2012 Ford Escape AWD, 3.0 V6, that doesnt have a tow package and Id like to set it up for towing. Id like to set up the wiring harness with something like or if possible use the Hopkins 4 pole / 7 pole plug combination. What are your recommendations: I also plan on setting it up for electronic braking and a transmission oil cooler etc. Thanks in advance for all your help.

asked by: Mark W

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Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help you set your 2012 Ford Escape up for towing. You're going to need a hitch, a couple of wiring harnesses, a brake controller and ball mount. Plus the requested transmission cooler. Since your Escape does not have the towing package you are going to need two separate wiring harnesses to have a connector like the Hopkins 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket item # HM40975. You will also need to hardwire in your brake controller since you do not have the port from the factory that will allow you to use a plug and play adapter. I have linked all of the parts you need below along with installation videos so you can follow along with the process and see what the final results will be.

For your hitch receiver you will want the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver item # e56AR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts directly to your Escape with included hardware.

The first wiring harness you will need is the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # 118551. This custom-fit T-One connector plugs into your vehicle's wiring harness, which is located behind the driver's-side and passenger's-side tail lights. This harness will provide you with a 4-Flat vehicle connector.

The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.

For your brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller item # 90195. This is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer brakes in proportion to your Escape's braking action. It automatically adjusts the trailer's braking based on deceleration of your Escape. The brakes activate immediately, there is no pausing like with time-delayed brake controllers.

To round out your towing setup I recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534. This towing kit will provide you with a 2" ball and a fixed ball mount with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. It also includes a hitch pin and clip, hitch receiver lock with keys, hitch cover, and a storage case.

The Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/ NPT Inlets - Class I -Extra Efficient item # D13611 is a 11" Wide x 3-7/8" tall x 1-1/4" deep, radiator-style heat exchanger that improves the performance and overall functioning of your Ford Escape's transmission. The radiator-style, plate-and-fin heat exchanger provides increased surface area so that fluids can spread out along the finned chambers to cool faster.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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Answer 1

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 2

Good question! The T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118270 will fit your 2017 GMC Acadia Limited whether it has the factory package or not. The plug should be located at the rear of your vehicle behind the rear passenger side tire (see attached…

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Answer 3

The part #HM40975 is designed to fit the round 7-way connector that is found on several vehicles. To install it would require your vehicle to have this round connector. (see picture) If instead you needed a way to hardwire in a 7-way to a vehicle…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 6

To replace a 4-Way/7-Way connector on your 2021 Ram ProMaster 1500 you need the Hopkins Socket Kit #HM40975. Otherwise, if you're needing to ADD 4-Way and 7-Way sockets then you need the following parts: - Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness…

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Answer 7

All the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado's should have the factory wiring for a tow package. The 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket #HM40975 is the most commonly used part as it will fit right into the factory cutout in the rear bumper and gives you…

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Complete Towing Setup Including a Transmission Cooler for a 2012 Ford Escape AWD 3.0

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