Help selecting CLASS 3 trailer hitch for escape
 

I'd like to get a trailer hitch for my 2003 escape, and as long as I'm getting one, I'd like to get a class 3. My friend got a hitch at discountramps for his car (not an escape) and recommends them, but on the class 3 hitch they sell for the escape ($137), it says "Relocate or modify exhaust". I don't want to do this. will I have to? Or can you recommend a place to get a class 3 hitch that I can just bolt on and not move the muffler (and at a comparable or good price). Thanks!

Go to the Uhaul site as they have a hitch selection finder tool.

It depends on what you want to do with the hitch.


Escapes are not rated to tow very much, especially the front wheel drive model. Four wheel drives are rated to tow quite a bit more.

I would stay away from the U-Haul hitch, which is actually a Draw Tite, at least mine is. I only wanted it for a bike carrier and a cargo carrier. After having it installed and my muffler replaced to accomodate it, I found out that it sits too far under the vehicle to use either one without installing an extension into the receiver. The instructions on my bike rack and cargo carrier say not to use an extension.

I would look for hitch that extends farther out from under the car. I don't know what brands will, but this is something to consider.

Actually Ford specs only list a slightly higher GCVW for the Escape with 4WD but they weight more and all other specs are the same.

Unless U-Haul changed their hitch finder tool, it didn't ask for engine size at all which is scary. Most people ignore factory suggestions and install a 3" receiver which handle a trailer that far exceeds factory specs. Since this "might" lead to a dealer suggesting possible abuse if your having transmission problems, I'd try to match the factory OEM trailer package which is what I have.

Check the trailer towing specs out on a 2001. Click on this lind and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 2001 Ford Escape Specifications

Fifteen hundred pounds difference between the V6 FWD and V6 4X4.
Thats a lot to me.

My 2002 Escape V6 FWD is rated to tow 3500 lbs.

I wonder what the difference in the 2001 and 2002 is that allows it to tow 1500lbs more.

Your Escape must have the trailer towing package. I see where the V6 FWD without the trailer towing package is only rated for 2200lbs. The 2001 only had the trailer towing option available for the 4WD model.

This is from the owner's manual and it appears in '02 it changed to #3500 for the V6 and still is/was for '09. It doesn't matter wether or not it has the OEM trailer package installed.

Good point, my 02 does have the factory package as does my 09. The 09 is far better for towing when it comes to being able to get up and go.

Does your 2002 Escape have the trailer towing package?

Does it have an engine oil cooler?

I don't think that it matters as specs in the owner's manual are for the vehicle and not the trailer package just the engine/transmission type.

I have an '09 with the trailer package. All Escapes starting in '08 have a ATF cooler w/wo the trailer package.

I have a class 3 Hitch made by valley. No modification required. Nutplates slide in the chassis, Tricky buy not a bad install. I removed the rear bumper cover to make installation a bit easier. The hitch is flush with the rear bumper, nothing sticking out to catch your shins on.

2011 Escape Class lll Hitch with Square Tubing
 

Looking for a class 3 hitch for my 2011 Escape, constructed of square tubing, as I need to be able to weld a component securely onto the cross member of the hitch. does anyone offer a class 3 for this vehicle with a square cross tube?