Recommended Cargo Carrier and Hitch that Wont Interfere with Liftgate Sensors of 2014 Ford Escape  

Question:

Expert Reply:

We have several hitches compatible with your 2014 Escape Titanium.

There are Class III hitches with the 2 inch receiver opening, the Draw-Tite # 75758. This hitch will block the hands-free liftgate sensors somewhat, they will only be functional in the areas around the exhaust pipes as shown in the diagram I provided. If you decide to go with a 2 inch hitch, I'd recommend the Curt # C18151 folding cargo carrier. The carrier basket measures 24x60, and the basket can fold up against the rear of the vehicle when empty.

We do have a Draw-Tite Class II hitch, part # 36529 that uses the smaller 1-1/4 inch receiver opening that has been specifically designed by the manufactuer not to interfere with the liftgate sensors. This hitch will also be better concealed behind the rear bumper, with only a small amount of the crossbar bottom and the receiver tube visible below the rear bumper.

For a cargo carrier, I'd recommend the Pro Series # 63155. The carrier has a 300 lb capacity and measures 20 x 47. This is one of our most popular carriers, and is very highly rated by our customers.

Other than a pin and clip like part # PC2 or a locking hitch pin like # e98879, you really shouldn't need anything else. There is a taillight kit available for the carrier, part # 98174LED, but the taillights on your Escape are located pretty high up on the liftgate, so they probably wouldn't get blocked by your cargo unless you have something pretty tall stowed on it. If you do decide to go with the kit, you'd need the trailer wiring harness, part # 118566 to provide power to the lights.

expert reply by: Mike L

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