Trailer Hitch Upgrade For A 2918 Ford Escape Towing A Flagstaff Camper

Question:

Hi theire, I do own a 2018 Ford Escape TI with the 2.0 EcoBoost and the factory tow package Class II hitch 3500lbs towing cap / 350lbs max tongue. I just bought a second hand pop-up camper Flagstaff 823D GVWR 3318lbs Dry Weight 2646 I belived the dry tongue weight of the camper is 358lbs witch is over capacity of my TV. The camper is coming with Husky 31986 Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch Package - 600 lb. Tongue Weight Capacity. Im wondering if Ill be OK to tow that rig safely with my 2 kids 11 and 10 y-o and wife in the Escape? I do not really understand the principe of the weight distribution systems. The previous owner was tracting it with an Honda Odyssey.

asked by: Jean-Michel L

Expert Reply:

The Husky weight distribution system will be fine with what you're doing. When it comes to weight distribution systems you need to be as close to the loaded tongue weight of the trailer for it to work and be safe. The weight distribution system will work work a tongue weight rating between 400 to 600 pounds.

The main problem though is your hitch is not rated to haul something with that much of a tongue weight. Your class 2 hitch has a tongue weight rating up to 350 pounds. You would need to uninstall that hitch and upgrade to The Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III # 75758.

The Draw-tite class 3 hitch when used with a weight distribution hitch has a maximum tongue weight up to 675 pounds. You will have to double check your vehicle's manual to find out the proper tongue weight your vehicle can tow. You're only as strong as your weakest component so even if your vehicle can tow more then 350 pounds, the current hitch you have now wouldn't be able to handle any over the 350 pounds, and since your trailer has a dry tongue weight of 358 pounds any more weight added to it will not be safe with your current hitch, you will need to switch them out with the hitch mentioned above.

I attached an installation video link below.

expert reply by: Noah E